Booster for WooCommerce Vulnerability- Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode – CVE-2024-1534 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin Name: Booster for WooCommerce

Key Information:

• Software Type: Plugin
• Software Slug: woocommerce-jetpack
• Software Status: Active
• Software Author: pluggabl
• Software Downloads: 3,585,523
• Active Installs: 50,000
• Last Updated: March 8, 2024
• Patched Versions: 7.1.8
• Affected Versions: <= 7.1.7

Vulnerability Details:

• Name: Booster for WooCommerce <= 7.1.7
• Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode
• Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
• CVE: CVE-2024-1534
• CVSS Score: 6.4
• Publicly Published: March 6, 2024
• Researcher: Ngô Thiên An
• Description: The Booster for WooCommerce plugin is susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks through its shortcodes, due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping for user-supplied attributes. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject harmful web scripts into pages, which are executed when other users view these pages.

Summary:

The Booster for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress contains a critical vulnerability in all versions up to and including 7.1.7, which allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's shortcodes. This vulnerability has been resolved in version 7.1.8.

Detailed Overview:

The research led by Ngô Thiên An has brought to light a significant security flaw within the Booster for WooCommerce plugin's shortcode functionality. This flaw not only compromises the security of the websites using the vulnerable versions but also poses a risk to the website visitors who might unknowingly execute malicious scripts. The developers have addressed this vulnerability in the latest patch, making it crucial for users to update to the secure version.

Advice for Users:

• Immediate Action: It's imperative to update to the patched version 7.1.8 without delay.
• Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly monitor your website for any suspicious activities or content alterations.
• Alternate Plugins: If you're hesitant about continuing with this plugin, consider exploring other WooCommerce enhancement plugins.
• Stay Updated: Keeping your WordPress plugins up-to-date is key to protecting your site from known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The swift response by the Booster for WooCommerce development team to fix this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of keeping software up to date. To ensure the security of your WordPress site, make sure you're running version 7.1.8 or later of the Booster for WooCommerce plugin.

References:

• Wordfence Vulnerability Report on Booster for WooCommerce
• Wordfence Vulnerabilities Database

In today's digital era, where e-commerce platforms serve as the backbone of countless small businesses, the security of online tools and plugins is paramount. The recent revelation of a critical vulnerability in the Booster for WooCommerce plugin casts a spotlight on the ever-present cybersecurity threats that loom in the digital sphere. Identified as an Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode vulnerability and catalogued under CVE-2024-1534, this issue not only highlights the inherent risks in digital commerce but also underscores the importance of diligent, proactive measures to maintain the sanctity of our online environments.

Booster for WooCommerce: A Closer Look

Booster for WooCommerce is a widely embraced plugin, designed to augment the functionality of WooCommerce sites with over 3.5 million downloads and 50,000 active installations. Developed by Pluggabl, this tool is integral to enhancing e-commerce capabilities, offering a suite of features aimed at optimizing the user experience and operational efficiency on WordPress platforms.

Unpacking the Vulnerability

The vulnerability in question, CVE-2024-1534, arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping within the plugin's shortcode handling. This flaw permits authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts into web pages. When these pages are accessed by unsuspecting users, the injected scripts are executed, posing severe security risks. This vulnerability has been present in all versions of the plugin up to and including 7.1.7, but has been addressed in the patched version 7.1.8.

Potential Impacts and Risks

The implications of this vulnerability are far-reaching, particularly for small businesses that rely heavily on their online presence. The execution of malicious scripts can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and even a complete takeover of the website, undermining customer trust and potentially causing significant financial and reputational damage.

Remediation and Preventive Measures

To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, immediate action is required. Users of the Booster for WooCommerce plugin must update to the patched version 7.1.8 without delay. Additionally, website owners should regularly monitor their sites for any unusual activities or content alterations and consider employing alternative plugins to ensure continued security. Staying abreast of updates and maintaining the latest versions of all plugins and themes is not just recommended; it's essential.

Historical Context

This is not the first time vulnerabilities have been identified in the Booster for WooCommerce plugin. Since its inception, 24 vulnerabilities have been reported, underscoring the ongoing security challenges faced by plugins and the critical need for constant vigilance.

The Importance of Vigilance

For small business owners, the digital landscape offers boundless opportunities but also poses significant risks. The discovery of vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1534 serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices. In an age where time is a precious commodity, leveraging managed hosting services, automated security monitoring tools, and staying informed through trusted cybersecurity resources can help mitigate these risks, ensuring the security and reliability of your WordPress site.

In conclusion, the cybersecurity landscape is dynamic and requires continuous attention and action. For small business owners, the stakes are high, and the security of your online platforms is integral to your success. By embracing a proactive stance towards website security, regularly updating your plugins and themes, and staying informed on the latest vulnerabilities and threats, you can safeguard your digital presence and continue to thrive in the ever-evolving digital marketplace.

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.

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