Clever Fox Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-1768 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What versions of the Clever Fox plugin are affected by the vulnerabilities?

What versions of the Clever Fox plugin are affected by the vulnerabilities? The vulnerabilities affect Clever Fox plugin versions up to and including 25.2.0. It's crucial to update to version 25.2.1 or newer to secure your site.

Q: How can I update the Clever Fox plugin to protect my site?

How can I update the Clever Fox plugin to protect my site? To update the plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins, find Clever Fox, and click on the "Update Now" button next to it. Ensure you regularly check for updates to all plugins.

Q: What are the risks of the Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability?

What are the risks of the Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability? This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages, potentially compromising user data and site integrity. Immediate patching is essential to prevent exploitation.

Q: Can attackers exploit the Missing Authorization vulnerability remotely?

Can attackers exploit the Missing Authorization vulnerability remotely? No, the Missing Authorization vulnerability requires authenticated access. Attackers with subscriber-level access or higher can modify the active theme, potentially disrupting site functionality.

Q: How can I check if my site has been compromised?

How can I check if my site has been compromised? Monitor your site for any unusual script executions, unexpected changes in theme settings, or other suspicious activities. Utilize security plugins or consult with a WordPress security professional for thorough checks.

Q: Should I disable the Clever Fox plugin until I update it?

Should I disable the Clever Fox plugin until I update it? Yes, if you cannot immediately update to the latest version, consider temporarily disabling the Clever Fox plugin to mitigate the risk of exploitation until you can apply the patch.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I can use while waiting to update Clever Fox?

Are there alternative plugins I can use while waiting to update Clever Fox? Yes, explore alternative plugins that offer similar functionality but with better security practices. Research plugin reviews and security ratings before making a switch.

Q: Why is it important to stay updated with WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

Why is it important to stay updated with WordPress plugin vulnerabilities? Staying updated is crucial to safeguard your website against emerging security threats. Timely updates ensure that vulnerabilities are patched promptly, minimizing the risk of attacks and data breaches.

Q: How can I stay informed about WordPress plugin vulnerabilities in the future?

How can I stay informed about WordPress plugin vulnerabilities in the future? Subscribe to security bulletins from WordPress security teams, follow reputable security blogs, and enable notifications from Wordfence or other security plugins installed on your site.

Q: What should I do if I need help securing my WordPress site?

What should I do if I need help securing my WordPress site? If you're unsure about securing your WordPress site or need assistance with updates and security measures, consider consulting with a WordPress developer or security expert. They can provide tailored advice and implementation support to enhance your site's security posture.

By Your WP Guy | June 6, 2024

Plugin Name: Clever Fox

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: clever-fox
Software Status: Active
Software Author: nayrathemes
Software Downloads: 4,092,244
Active Installs: 50,000
Last Updated: June 20, 2024
Patched Versions: 25.2.1
Affected Versions: <= 25.2.0

Vulnerability 1 Details:

Name: Clever Fox <= 25.2.0
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-1768
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: June 6, 2024
Researcher: Ngô Thiên An (ancorn_) - VNPT-VCI, Dau Hoang Tai - VCI
Description: The Clever Fox plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's info box block in all versions up to, and including, 25.2.0 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
References: Wordfence Advisory

Vulnerability 2 Details:

Name: Clever Fox – One Click Website Importer by Nayra Themes <= 25.2.0
Title: Missing Authorization to arbitrary theme activation via clever-fox-activate-theme
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L
CVE: CVE-2023-6876
CVSS Score: 5.4
Publicly Published: June 6, 2024
Researcher: Lucio Sà
Description: The Clever Fox – One Click Website Importer by Nayra Themes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'clever-fox-activate-theme' function in all versions up to, and including, 25.2.0. This allows authenticated attackers, with subscriber access and above, to modify the active theme, including to an invalid value which can take down the site.
References: Wordfence Advisory

Summary:

The Clever Fox plugin for WordPress has vulnerabilities in versions up to and including 25.2.0 that include Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting and Missing Authorization to arbitrary theme activation. These vulnerabilities have been patched in version 25.2.1.

Detailed Overview:

Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting: This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin's info box block, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts.
Missing Authorization to arbitrary theme activation: This flaw allows authenticated attackers to modify the active theme without proper authorization checks, potentially disrupting site functionality.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the Clever Fox plugin to version 25.2.1 immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation for both vulnerabilities.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor your website for any unusual script executions or theme modifications that may indicate compromise.
Alternate Plugins: Consider disabling Clever Fox temporarily until the update is applied or explore alternative plugins offering similar functionality with stronger security measures.
Stay Updated: Regularly update all WordPress plugins to their latest versions to prevent vulnerabilities and maintain site security.

Conclusion:

The prompt response from Clever Fox plugin developers in releasing version 25.2.1 underscores the importance of timely updates in safeguarding WordPress sites. Users are strongly advised to ensure they are running version 25.2.1 or newer to protect their installations from potential exploits.

References:

Detailed Report:

In today's digital landscape, maintaining the security of your WordPress website is paramount. The Clever Fox plugin, developed by Nayra Themes, is a popular tool with over 50,000 active installations and a significant user base. However, recent security assessments have identified vulnerabilities that could jeopardize site integrity and user data. This plugin, known for its convenience in website management, has unfortunately been found vulnerable to two critical issues: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (CVE-2024-1768) and Missing Authorization to arbitrary theme activation (CVE-2023-6876).

Risks/Potential Impacts:

These vulnerabilities pose significant risks to website owners. Exploitation of CVE-2024-1768 could lead to visitor browsers executing malicious scripts, potentially compromising sensitive user data. Meanwhile, CVE-2023-6876 allows attackers to disrupt site operations by changing the active theme, impacting user experience and site reliability.

Remediation:

Immediate Action: Update Clever Fox plugin to version 25.2.1 immediately to patch both vulnerabilities.
Monitor for Signs of Compromise: Check for unusual script executions or theme changes that may indicate exploitation.
Consider Alternatives: Temporarily disable Clever Fox until the update is applied or explore alternative plugins with robust security measures.
Stay Updated: Regularly update all WordPress plugins to their latest versions to mitigate future vulnerabilities.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

In addition to the current vulnerabilities, past assessments have also identified security issues in Clever Fox, highlighting the ongoing importance of vigilant plugin management.

Conclusion:

The timely release of version 25.2.1 by Nayra Themes underscores the critical need for proactive security measures in WordPress plugin management. Small business owners, often pressed for time, must prioritize regular updates and security checks to safeguard their websites against emerging threats. By staying informed and proactive, site owners can minimize risks and maintain a secure online presence.

References:

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.