Carousel, Slider, Gallery by WP Carousel Vulnerability Vulnerability – Authenticated (Admin+) PHP Object Injection – CVE-2024-3020 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: Carousel, Slider, Gallery by WP Carousel – Image Carousel & Photo Gallery, Post Carousel & Post Grid, Product Carousel & Product Grid for WooCommerce
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: wp-carousel-free
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: shapedplugin
- Software Downloads: 1,322,070
- Active Installs: 60,000
- Last Updated: April 16, 2024
- Patched Versions: 2.6.4
- Affected Versions: <= 2.6.3
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: Carousel, Slider, Gallery by WP Carousel – Image Carousel & Photo Gallery, Post Carousel & Post Grid, Product Carousel & Product Grid for WooCommerce <= 2.6.3
- Title: Authenticated (Admin+) PHP Object Injection
- Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
- CVE: CVE-2024-3020
- CVSS Score: 7.2
- Publicly Published: April 9, 2024
- Researcher: hoanpk
- Description: The plugin is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in versions up to and including 2.6.3 via deserialization of untrusted input in the import function via the 'shortcode' parameter. This allows authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access, to inject a PHP Object. If a property-oriented programming (POP) chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute arbitrary code.
Summary:
The Carousel, Slider, Gallery by WP Carousel plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.6.3 that enables PHP Object Injection through deserialization of untrusted data supplied to the 'shortcode' parameter. This vulnerability, which requires administrator-level access to exploit, has been patched in version 2.6.4.
Detailed Overview:
This PHP Object Injection vulnerability poses a critical risk primarily due to its potential to execute arbitrary code or manipulate server data through deserialized objects. The nature of the flaw allows attackers with administrative privileges to exploit this vulnerability, which could result in significant control over the WordPress site, including data theft and site tampering. The risk is compounded if other vulnerable plugins or themes create a suitable environment for a property-oriented programming attack, leading to more severe exploits like remote code execution.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: Users are encouraged to update to the patched version 2.6.4 immediately to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should review server and site logs for any unusual activities or unauthorized access attempts that could indicate exploitation.
- Alternate Plugins: Consider temporarily switching to alternative plugins that provide similar functionalities but with stronger security records until you can confirm the security of the patched version.
- Stay Updated: Regularly updating your WordPress plugins, themes, and core installation is critical to maintaining security and preventing similar vulnerabilities.
Conclusion:
The rapid response of the developers to release a security update following the discovery of the PHP Object Injection vulnerability in the Carousel, Slider, Gallery by WP Carousel plugin highlights the critical importance of timely software updates. Users must ensure that they are running version 2.6.4 or later to secure their WordPress installations against potential threats facilitated by this serious vulnerability.
References:
Detailed Report:
In an era where digital presence is more crucial than ever, the security of online platforms can't be taken lightly. Recently, a significant security vulnerability was discovered in the Carousel, Slider, Gallery by WP Carousel plugin, a popular WordPress tool used by over 60,000 websites to enhance visual content. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-3020, exposes websites to PHP Object Injection—a severe security flaw that allows attackers with administrator-level access to manipulate or even hijack a WordPress site completely.
Vulnerability Insights:
The identified vulnerability, CVE-2024-3020, arises from the plugin’s handling of untrusted input through the 'shortcode' parameter, which leads to PHP Object Injection in versions up to and including 2.6.3. This allows authenticated attackers with administrative access to inject PHP Objects that can lead to arbitrary code execution, unauthorized data retrieval, or even complete site takeover.
Risks and Impacts:
This PHP Object Injection vulnerability poses critical risks, particularly the potential to execute arbitrary code or manipulate server data through deserialized objects. The flaw allows attackers with administrative privileges to exploit this vulnerability, which could result in significant control over the WordPress site, including data theft and site tampering. If other vulnerable plugins or themes create a suitable environment for a property-oriented programming attack, more severe exploits like remote code execution could occur.
Previous Vulnerabilities:
This is not the first security challenge faced by this plugin. Since December 22, 2022, there have been two other documented vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of continuous vigilance and regular updates.
Conclusion:
The swift action by the developers in releasing a security update for the Carousel, Slider, Gallery by WP Carousel plugin underscores the critical importance of timely software updates. For small business owners managing WordPress sites, understanding and addressing these vulnerabilities promptly is not just a technical necessity—it's a crucial part of maintaining customer trust and protecting your digital assets. The digital world is unforgiving of lapses in security, and staying ahead of potential threats through regular updates and proactive security practices is essential.
Staying Secure
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