Contact Form 7 Vulnerability – Reflected Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-2242 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: Contact Form 7
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: contact-form-7
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: takayukister
- Software Downloads: 318,916,329
- Active Installs: 5,000,000
- Last Updated: March 14, 2024
- Patched Versions: 5.9.2
- Affected Versions: <= 5.9
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: Contact Form 7 <= 5.9
- Title: Reflected Cross-Site Scripting
- Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
- CVE: CVE-2024-2242
- CVSS Score: 6.1
- Publicly Published: March 13, 2024
- Researcher: Asaf Mozes
- Description: The Contact Form 7 plugin for WordPress, used on over five million sites, is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) up to version 5.9. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping of the ‘active-tab’ parameter, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject harmful scripts. This exploit is contingent upon deceiving a user into clicking a malicious link.
Summary:
Contact Form 7, one of the most popular WordPress plugins, has been identified with a significant security vulnerability in versions up to 5.9. This issue, tagged as CVE-2024-2242, involves Reflected Cross-Site Scripting, posing risks to site integrity and user safety. Thankfully, the vulnerability has been addressed in the update to version 5.9.2.
Detailed Overview:
Discovered by researcher Asaf Mozes, this vulnerability underscores the critical need for stringent input sanitization in web development. The potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability by deceiving users into clicking a malicious link highlights the importance of heightened awareness and caution when interacting with unsolicited links or requests.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: It is crucial for users of Contact Form 7 to update to the latest patched version, 5.9.2, immediately. This update rectifies the XSS vulnerability, thereby reinforcing the plugin's security.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Site administrators should be vigilant for any unusual activities or unauthorized script executions that might indicate the exploitation of this vulnerability.
- Alternate Plugins: While the latest version is secure, users might consider alternative contact form plugins that meet their needs and offer robust security features.
- Stay Updated: Regularly updating all WordPress components is essential for maintaining security against known vulnerabilities and ensuring optimal performance.
Conclusion:
The quick response by the developers of Contact Form 7 to patch CVE-2024-2242 is a reminder of the importance of keeping software up to date. For small business owners and WordPress site operators, particularly those with limited technical support, staying informed about potential vulnerabilities and ensuring timely updates are crucial steps in safeguarding online platforms against emerging threats.
References:
In today's digital ecosystem, keeping your WordPress website secure is not just a best practice; it's imperative for protecting your online presence and maintaining user trust. This necessity is underscored by the recent discovery of a vulnerability in one of WordPress's most widely used plugins, Contact Form 7. This vulnerability highlights the ongoing battle against digital threats and the importance of prompt action in safeguarding websites.
Plugin Overview:
Contact Form 7 is an essential tool in the WordPress community, enabling website owners to easily create and manage contact forms. Boasting over 5 million active installations and 318 million downloads, its popularity is unmatched. However, this widespread use also makes it a significant target for exploitation.
Vulnerability Details:
Identified as CVE-2024-2242, the vulnerability within Contact Form 7 versions up to 5.9 posed a risk of Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). This issue was rooted in the inadequate sanitization and escaping of the 'active-tab' parameter, allowing malicious scripts to be injected and executed. Discovered by Asaf Mozes, this vulnerability required user interaction, specifically tricking a user into clicking a malicious link, to be exploited.
Risks and Impacts:
The primary risk of this vulnerability was the potential compromise of website integrity and user safety. Malicious actors could exploit this flaw to perform unauthorized actions, access sensitive information, or deceive users into divulging personal data. Such breaches not only threaten data security but can significantly erode user trust in the affected website.
Remediation and Advice:
To mitigate this vulnerability, users are urged to update Contact Form 7 to the patched version 5.9.2. Additionally, website administrators should remain vigilant for signs of exploitation and educate users about the risks of interacting with suspicious links. Considering alternative plugins with strong security features may also provide an added layer of confidence.
Previous Vulnerabilities:
Contact Form 7 has encountered security vulnerabilities in the past, with 5 notable instances since February 26, 2014. Each incident has been addressed through updates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current versions of all software components.
Conclusion:
The prompt patching of CVE-2024-2242 by the developers of Contact Form 7 serves as a critical reminder of the continuous need for vigilance in the digital domain. For small business owners, particularly those with limited technical resources, staying informed about potential vulnerabilities and ensuring timely updates are crucial steps in safeguarding online platforms against emerging threats. In a world where digital security is constantly challenged, proactive measures and a commitment to software updates are indispensable in protecting your digital assets and maintaining a secure online presence.
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.
