Bold Page Builder Vulnerability – Multiple Stored Cross-Site Scripting Issues – CVE-2024-2736, CVE-2024-2735, CVE-2024-2734, CVE-2024-2733 | WordPress Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: Bold Page Builder
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: bold-page-builder
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: boldthemes
- Software Downloads: 1,754,649
- Active Installs: 50,000
- Last Updated: April 16, 2024
- Patched Versions: 4.8.9
- Affected Versions: <= 4.8.8
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: Bold Page Builder <= 4.8.8
- Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via HTML Tags
- Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
- CVE: CVE-2024-2736
- CVSS Score: 6.4
- Publicly Published: April 9, 2024
- Researcher: João Pedro Soares de Alcântara – Kinorth
- Description: Vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via HTML Tags in versions up to and including 4.8.8 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes.
- Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via “Price List” Element
- CVE: CVE-2024-2735
- Description: Similar XSS issue via the ‘Price List’ element, allowing arbitrary web scripts execution when accessed.
- Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via AI Features
- CVE: CVE-2024-2734
- Description: Insufficient sanitization on AI feature inputs leads to potential script injections.
- Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Separator Element
- CVE: CVE-2024-2733
- CVSS Score: 5.4
- Description: The ‘Separator’ element also permits XSS due to similar sanitization flaws.
Summary:
The Bold Page Builder for WordPress exhibits multiple vulnerabilities in versions up to and including 4.8.8 that enable authenticated users with contributor access or higher to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks through various elements such as HTML tags, Price List, AI features, and the Separator element. These vulnerabilities have been addressed in version 4.8.9.
Detailed Overview:
These vulnerabilities expose websites to potential unauthorized access and data manipulation, posing significant security risks, especially considering the plugin’s extensive download numbers and active installations. Stored XSS vulnerabilities allow attackers to embed malicious scripts into the web pages, which can execute whenever a user accesses these pages, potentially leading to further exploits such as data theft or malware distribution.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: Update to version 4.8.9 immediately to address these vulnerabilities.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your site’s pages and logs for unusual activities that suggest XSS exploitation.
- Alternate Plugins: Consider temporarily using alternative page builder plugins if you cannot update immediately.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates and security patches for your WordPress plugins and themes.
Conclusion:
The rapid update response by Boldthemes following the discovery of these vulnerabilities in Bold Page Builder highlights the importance of proactive security measures. Users should promptly install the updates to mitigate any risks associated with these vulnerabilities and protect their websites from potential security breaches.
References:
Detailed Report:
In the digital ecosystem, the safety and security of online platforms are paramount, yet continually under threat. The recent discovery of multiple vulnerabilities within the Bold Page Builder plugin for WordPress serves as a potent reminder of this ongoing challenge. These vulnerabilities, affecting versions up to 4.8.8, expose sites to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, where malicious scripts can be embedded into various elements like HTML tags, price lists, AI features, and separators.
Each vulnerability allowed authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts that would execute whenever a page was accessed, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of website data.
Risks and Impacts:
These vulnerabilities pose significant security risks, including the potential for data theft, unauthorized website control, and loss of user trust. For businesses, such breaches can translate into direct financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal ramifications, particularly if sensitive user data is compromised.
Previous Vulnerabilities:
Bold Page Builder has encountered 13 previous vulnerabilities since its inception, with the latest series of issues highlighting an ongoing challenge in securing the plugin against XSS attacks.
Conclusion:
The rapid update response by Boldthemes following the discovery of these vulnerabilities in Bold Page Builder underscores the critical importance of maintaining current updates and practicing proactive security measures. For small business owners, the stakes are incredibly high, as their livelihoods can often depend on the integrity and security of their digital platforms. Keeping software up to date, staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, and implementing robust security protocols are not just technical necessities—they are essential business practices that protect both data and trust.
Staying Secure
Staying on top of WordPress security can feel overwhelming for small business owners without dedicated IT staff. At Your WP Guy, we exist to shoulder that burden for you. Our WordPress experts can fully audit, secure, maintain and support your site – so you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind.
Don’t tackle security risks alone. Let us help you assess any impact from this vulnerability, update your plugins, and implement ongoing maintenance to avoid future threats. We treat your website like it’s our own – because we know how critical it is for reaching your customers.
Get in touch for a free consultation today on making WordPress security stress-free. Call 678-995-5169 or book a call here. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you safeguard your online presence.
Bold Page Builder Vulnerability – Multiple Stored Cross-Site Scripting Issues – CVE-2024-2736, CVE-2024-2735, CVE-2024-2734, CVE-2024-2733 | WordPress Vulnerability Report FAQs
What is cross-site scripting (XSS)?
What is cross-site scripting (XSS)?
Cross-site scripting, or XSS, is a type of security vulnerability typically found in web applications. XSS allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. A stored XSS attack specifically saves the malicious script in the website’s database, which is then delivered to users when they load the affected page or component, potentially leading to unauthorized access or information theft.
How do I know if my website uses the Bold Page Builder plugin?
How do I know if my website uses the Bold Page Builder plugin?
To determine if you are using the Bold Page Builder plugin on your WordPress website, you can log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the “Plugins” section. Here, you will find a list of all the plugins installed on your site. Look for “Bold Page Builder” in this list to confirm if it is installed and check which version is active.
What should I do if my website is running a vulnerable version of Bold Page Builder?
What should I do if my website is running a vulnerable version of Bold Page Builder?
If your website is running a version of Bold Page Builder that is 4.8.8 or older, it is susceptible to the vulnerabilities discussed. You should immediately update the plugin to version 4.8.9, which contains the necessary patches for these security issues. If you cannot update immediately, consider disabling the plugin temporarily to protect your site from potential attacks.
Can I perform the update to Bold Page Builder myself, or should I get professional help?
Can I perform the update to Bold Page Builder myself, or should I get professional help?
Updating a WordPress plugin can generally be performed by the site administrator from the WordPress dashboard under the “Updates” or “Plugins” section. However, if you are not comfortable performing the update, or if you have a complex or highly customized site, it may be wise to seek professional help. This ensures that the update does not interfere with any existing configurations or customizations.
What are the risks of not updating the Bold Page Builder plugin?
What are the risks of not updating the Bold Page Builder plugin?
Not updating the Bold Page Builder plugin leaves your website vulnerable to stored XSS attacks, which could result in unauthorized control of your website, theft of sensitive information, distribution of malware to users, and damage to your reputation. These vulnerabilities can be exploited to perform actions on behalf of users or administrators, potentially leading to further breaches or data loss.
How can I check if my website has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities?
How can I check if my website has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities?
To check if your site has been compromised, look for unusual activity such as unexpected content changes, new unknown users with administrative privileges, suspicious files on your server, or unusual database entries. Monitoring access logs for unexpected or unauthorized requests that could indicate exploitation of these vulnerabilities is also crucial. If you notice any such activity, it’s important to conduct a thorough investigation and remediation process.
Are there alternatives to the Bold Page Builder plugin?
Are there alternatives to the Bold Page Builder plugin?
Yes, there are several other page builder plugins available for WordPress that you could consider as alternatives. Some popular options include Elementor, Beaver Builder, and WPBakery Page Builder. Each of these alternatives has its strengths and security features, so it’s important to evaluate them based on your specific needs and their security track record.
How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?
How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?
It’s advisable to check for updates to your WordPress plugins at least once a week. However, if possible, enabling automatic updates for plugins can ensure that you’re always running the latest versions with the most recent security patches. Keeping your plugins up-to-date is one of the simplest yet most effective strategies to protect your website from vulnerabilities.
What general security practices should I follow to protect my WordPress site?
What general security practices should I follow to protect my WordPress site?
In addition to keeping your plugins updated, you should also ensure your WordPress core and any themes are regularly updated. Use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and implement two-factor authentication for added security. Regular backups, using security plugins for monitoring and active defense, and employing a web application firewall (WAF) can further enhance your site’s security.
What should I do if I find that updating the Bold Page Builder plugin affects other parts of my website?
What should I do if I find that updating the Bold Page Builder plugin affects other parts of my website?
If updating the Bold Page Builder plugin affects other aspects of your website, such as theme compatibility or custom functionality, it might be necessary to perform some troubleshooting. You can start by checking the plugin’s support forums for any similar issues or contact the plugin developers directly. If necessary, consider hiring a professional developer to resolve conflicts or customize the plugin to fit your site’s specific requirements better. This ensures your site remains functional and secure.