Calculated Fields Form Vulnerability – Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-2020 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-2020?

What is CVE-2024-2020? CVE-2024-2020 refers to a specific vulnerability identified in the Calculated Fields Form plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability is classified as an Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue, found in versions up to and including 5.1.56. It allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages, which can then be executed by users accessing these pages.

Q: How does CVE-2024-2020 affect my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-2020 affect my WordPress site? If your site uses a vulnerable version of the Calculated Fields Form plugin, attackers could exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts in the browsers of your site's visitors. This could lead to unauthorized access to user data, manipulation of web content, or redirecting users to harmful sites, compromising both site integrity and user trust.

Q: Which versions of Calculated Fields Form are affected by CVE-2024-2020?

Which versions of Calculated Fields Form are affected by CVE-2024-2020? Versions of the Calculated Fields Form plugin up to and including 5.1.56 are affected by the CVE-2024-2020 vulnerability. The developers have addressed this issue in version 5.1.57, which includes necessary security patches to mitigate the risk.

Q: What immediate actions should I take to protect my site from CVE-2024-2020?

What immediate actions should I take to protect my site from CVE-2024-2020? To protect your site, you should immediately update the Calculated Fields Form plugin to version 5.1.57 or later. This patched version contains the fix for the CVE-2024-2020 vulnerability, safeguarding your site from potential exploits.

Q: How can I check if my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2020?

How can I check if my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2020? Look for unusual site behavior, such as unexpected content changes, unauthorized user accounts, or unfamiliar scripts. Monitoring access logs for suspicious activity can also indicate if your site has been compromised. If you find any anomalies, conduct a thorough security audit and consider seeking professional help to secure your site.

Q: Can updating the plugin reverse the damage done by exploiting CVE-2024-2020?

Can updating the plugin reverse the damage done by exploiting CVE-2024-2020? Updating the plugin to a patched version prevents further exploitation of the vulnerability but may not reverse any damage already done by attackers. After updating, review your site for any unauthorized changes and ensure all aspects of your WordPress installation are secure.

Q: What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages stored on a server. These scripts are then executed in the browsers of users who visit these pages, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data access.

Q: How do I check my current version of the Calculated Fields Form plugin?

How do I check my current version of the Calculated Fields Form plugin? In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section and find the Calculated Fields Form plugin in the list. The current version number will be displayed next to the plugin's name, allowing you to determine if an update is needed.

Q: What if I can't update my Calculated Fields Form plugin immediately?

What if I can't update my Calculated Fields Form plugin immediately? If you cannot update immediately, consider temporarily deactivating the plugin until you can apply the update. This measure can help protect your site from potential exploitation, though it may temporarily affect the functionality dependent on the plugin.

Q: Why is it important to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-2020?

Why is it important to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-2020? Staying informed about vulnerabilities allows you to take proactive measures to secure your site before attackers can exploit known weaknesses. Regularly updating your plugins and themes, based on the latest security information, is crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress site and protecting your digital assets and user data. For small business owners, this vigilance is key to sustaining the trust and safety of your online community.

By Your WP Guy | March 1, 2024

Plugin Name: Calculated Fields Form

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: calculated-fields-form
Software Status: Active
Software Author: codepeople
Software Downloads: 6,626,617
Active Installs: 60,000
Last Updated: March 1, 2024
Patched Versions: 5.1.57
Affected Versions: <= 5.1.56

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Calculated Fields Form Professional <= 5.1.56
Title: Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-2020
CVSS Score: 7.2
Publicly Published: March 1, 2024
Researcher: Asaf Mozes
Description: The Calculated Fields Form plugin, a widely utilized tool for creating dynamic forms in WordPress, has been identified with a significant security vulnerability in versions up to 5.1.56. This Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability arises from the plugin's handling of the form page href parameter, lacking adequate input sanitization and output escaping. Consequently, unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary web scripts on affected pages, impacting any user who accesses these pages. This vulnerability specifically impacts the professional version of the plugin or higher.

Summary:

The Calculated Fields Form plugin harbors a critical vulnerability in versions up to and including 5.1.56, enabling Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. This vulnerability has been effectively addressed in version 5.1.57, bolstering the security of the plugin against such exploits.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by security researcher Asaf Mozes, this vulnerability underscores the imperative need for stringent input validation and output encoding in web development, especially in plugins facilitating user inputs and dynamic content creation. The exploitation of this flaw could lead to unauthorized script execution, compromising site integrity and user data. The release of patch 5.1.57 by the Calculated Fields Form development team is a pivotal step in mitigating this risk and safeguarding WordPress installations utilizing this plugin.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users of the Calculated Fields Form plugin are urged to update to the patched version, 5.1.57, promptly to secure their sites against potential XSS attacks.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should remain vigilant for any unusual site behavior or unauthorized content alterations, which may indicate the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version addresses this issue, users might also consider exploring alternative form creation plugins that consistently demonstrate a strong commitment to security.
Stay Updated: Regularly updating all WordPress plugins and themes is essential in protecting against known vulnerabilities and maintaining a secure online presence.

Conclusion:

The identification and prompt resolution of the Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the Calculated Fields Form plugin highlight the ongoing challenges in web security. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of regular software updates and proactive security measures in safeguarding digital assets. For small business owners and website operators, prioritizing these practices is fundamental in protecting their digital presence and maintaining user trust in an increasingly interconnected digital environment.

References:

In today's digital age, where WordPress powers a significant portion of the web, the security of plugins becomes paramount for website owners and developers. The recent discovery of a vulnerability in the Calculated Fields Form plugin, identified as CVE-2024-2020, has cast a spotlight on the continuous threat landscape that online platforms navigate. This plugin, esteemed for its dynamic form creation capabilities, is a critical tool for over 60,000 websites, making any security flaw within it a matter of widespread concern.

Calculated Fields Form: A Vital Tool for Dynamic Forms

Calculated Fields Form has established itself as a versatile plugin within the WordPress ecosystem, enabling users to create forms that perform real-time calculations. Developed by codepeople, it boasts over 6.6 million downloads, underscoring its popularity and utility. The plugin's ability to enhance user interaction and data collection on websites makes it an invaluable asset for business owners, especially those without extensive coding knowledge.

Unveiling the Vulnerability: CVE-2024-2020

CVE-2024-2020 reveals a critical Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability present in versions of the Calculated Fields Form plugin up to 5.1.56. This flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping concerning the form page href parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts executed by unsuspecting users. Publicly disclosed by researcher Asaf Mozes on March 1, 2024, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, particularly in the professional version of the plugin, where the complexity of forms and the data processed are typically greater.

Potential Risks and Impacts

The implications of this vulnerability are multifaceted, ranging from compromised site integrity to unauthorized access to sensitive user data. For small business owners, the breach could lead to a loss of customer trust, reputational damage, and potential legal ramifications, especially if personal data is exposed or manipulated.

Mitigating the Threat

In response to CVE-2024-2020, the developers of Calculated Fields Form promptly issued patch 5.1.57, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by this vulnerability. Users are strongly encouraged to update their plugin to this latest version to ensure their site's security. Additionally, routine checks for unusual site behavior and unauthorized content changes can help in early detection of potential exploits.

Navigating Past Vulnerabilities

This is not the plugin's first encounter with security issues; there have been 8 reported vulnerabilities since March 2, 2015. Each instance has provided valuable insights into the evolving nature of cyber threats and the importance of a proactive approach to web security.

The Imperative of Vigilance

The incident underscores a crucial lesson for all small business owners and WordPress users: the importance of staying vigilant and keeping all components of their websites, especially plugins, up to date. In an era where cyber threats are ever-evolving, the security of digital assets cannot be taken for granted. Regular updates, coupled with a keen eye on security advisories, are fundamental in fortifying online platforms against potential breaches. For those juggling the myriad responsibilities of running a business, prioritizing the security of their digital presence is not just a best practice but a necessity for safeguarding their operations, reputation, and the trust of their users in the interconnected 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.

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.

What is CVE-2024-2020?

CVE-2024-2020 refers to a specific vulnerability identified in the Calculated Fields Form plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability is classified as an Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue, found in versions up to and including 5.1.56. It allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages, which can then be executed by users accessing these pages.

How does CVE-2024-2020 affect my WordPress site?

If your site uses a vulnerable version of the Calculated Fields Form plugin, attackers could exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts in the browsers of your site's visitors. This could lead to unauthorized access to user data, manipulation of web content, or redirecting users to harmful sites, compromising both site integrity and user trust.

Which versions of Calculated Fields Form are affected by CVE-2024-2020?

What immediate actions should I take to protect my site from CVE-2024-2020?

How can I check if my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2020?

Look for unusual site behavior, such as unexpected content changes, unauthorized user accounts, or unfamiliar scripts. Monitoring access logs for suspicious activity can also indicate if your site has been compromised. If you find any anomalies, conduct a thorough security audit and consider seeking professional help to secure your site.

Can updating the plugin reverse the damage done by exploiting CVE-2024-2020?

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

How do I check my current version of the Calculated Fields Form plugin?

What if I can't update my Calculated Fields Form plugin immediately?

Why is it important to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-2020?

Staying informed about vulnerabilities allows you to take proactive measures to secure your site before attackers can exploit known weaknesses. Regularly updating your plugins and themes, based on the latest security information, is crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress site and protecting your digital assets and user data. For small business owners, this vigilance is key to sustaining the trust and safety of your online community.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Calculated Fields Form, CVE-2024-2020, cyber threats, digital asset protection, online business safety, Plugin Update, Site Integrity, Web Security, wordpress security, XSS vulnerability