Content Views Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via pagingType Parameter – CVE-2024-4446 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Content Views plugin vulnerability, and how serious is it?

What is the Content Views plugin vulnerability, and how serious is it? The Content Views plugin vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-4446, is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or above to inject malicious scripts into your website's pages, which could lead to sensitive information theft, malware distribution, and unauthorized access. This vulnerability is considered a serious threat to the security of your website. It is crucial to update the Content Views plugin to version 3.7.2 or later, which includes a patch for this vulnerability, to protect your site and its users.

Q: How do I know if my website is using the Content Views plugin?

How do I know if my website is using the Content Views plugin? To determine if your website is using the Content Views plugin, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section. Look for "Content Views – Post Grid & Filter, Recent Posts, Category Posts, & More (Gutenberg Blocks and Shortcode)" in the list of installed plugins. If you find the Content Views plugin in your list of installed plugins, check the version number. If it is 3.7.1 or lower, your website is vulnerable, and you should update the plugin immediately.

Q: How do I update the Content Views plugin to the patched version?

How do I update the Content Views plugin to the patched version? To update the Content Views plugin, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section. Locate the Content Views plugin and click on the "Update Now" link. WordPress will automatically download and install the latest version of the plugin. After updating, verify that the Content Views plugin version is 3.7.2 or higher. If you encounter any issues during the update process or need assistance, contact a professional web developer or security specialist for help.

Q: Can I continue using the Content Views plugin, or should I switch to an alternative?

Can I continue using the Content Views plugin, or should I switch to an alternative? While the Content Views developers have released a patched version (3.7.2) that addresses the vulnerability, some users may feel more comfortable switching to an alternative plugin with similar functionality as a precautionary measure. However, if you have updated to the patched version and have checked your site for any signs of compromise, you can continue using the Content Views plugin. It is essential to stay informed about future updates and vulnerabilities to ensure your website remains secure.

Q: How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability? To check if your website has been compromised due to the Content Views vulnerability, thoroughly review your site's pages, especially those using the Content Views plugin. Look for any suspicious scripts, unauthorized modifications, or unusual behavior. Some signs of a compromise may include unfamiliar content, redirects to unknown websites, or a sudden decrease in website performance. If you suspect your website has been compromised, contact a professional web developer or security specialist immediately for assistance.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability? Failing to address the Content Views vulnerability could result in severe consequences for your website and business. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could steal sensitive information, distribute malware, or gain unauthorized access to your site. This could lead to data breaches, loss of customer trust, damage to your reputation, and financial losses. In some cases, a compromised website may be used to launch attacks on other websites, which could result in legal liabilities for your business.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins, themes, and core?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins, themes, and core? It is essential to keep your WordPress plugins, themes, and core up to date to maintain a secure website. Check for updates regularly, at least once a week, and install them as soon as they become available. Many WordPress plugins and themes have an auto-update feature, which you can enable to ensure you always have the latest versions. However, it is still important to manually check for updates and review the changes before installing them to avoid potential compatibility issues.

Q: What other measures can I take to protect my WordPress website from security threats?

What other measures can I take to protect my WordPress website from security threats? In addition to keeping your WordPress plugins, themes, and core up to date, there are several other measures you can take to protect your website from security threats: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Regularly backup your website files and database. Limit login attempts and monitor for suspicious activity. Use a reputable security plugin to detect and block potential threats. Implement an SSL certificate to encrypt data transmitted between your website and its users. Consult with a professional web developer or security specialist to develop a comprehensive security plan tailored to your website's specific needs.

Q: How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes?

How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes? To stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes, subscribe to security newsletters and follow reputable WordPress security blogs. Some popular resources include: WordPress Security Announcements: https://wordpress.org/news/category/security/ Wordfence Blog: https://www.wordfence.com/blog/ WPScan Vulnerability Database: https://wpvulndb.com/ You can also regularly check for updates in your WordPress dashboard and review the changelog for any security-related fixes. If you are unsure about the impact of a vulnerability or need assistance with updates, consult with a professional web developer or security specialist.

Q: As a small business owner, how can I balance website security with my limited time and resources?

As a small business owner, how can I balance website security with my limited time and resources? Balancing website security with limited time and resources can be challenging for small business owners. However, there are several strategies you can employ to maintain a secure website without overwhelming yourself: Prioritize updates: Focus on installing security-related updates for your WordPress plugins, themes, and core as soon as they become available. Use reputable plugins and themes: Choose plugins and themes from trusted sources and developers with a track record of maintaining secure and up-to-date code. Automate backups: Implement an automated backup solution to ensure you have a recent copy of your website files and database in case of a security incident. Partner with a professional: Consider working with a web developer or security specialist who can provide ongoing support, monitor your website for potential threats, and handle updates and security issues on your behalf. Remember, investing in website security is essential for protecting your business and customers. By taking proactive steps and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can minimize the risk of security breaches and focus on growing your business.

By Your WP Guy | May 6, 2024

Plugin Name: Content Views

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: content-views-query-and-display-post-page
Software Status: Active
Software Author: pt-guy
Software Downloads: 4,327,206
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: May 6, 2024

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Content Views – Post Grid & Filter, Recent Posts, Category Posts, & More (Gutenberg Blocks and Shortcode) <= 3.7.1 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via pagingType Parameter
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2024-4446
CVSS Score: 6.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: May 6, 2024
Researcher: wesley (wcraft)
Description: The Content Views – Post Grid & Filter, Recent Posts, Category Posts, & More (Gutenberg Blocks and Shortcode) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'pagingType' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.7.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Content Views plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.7.1 that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or above to inject arbitrary web scripts via the 'pagingType' parameter due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.7.2.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability was discovered by security researcher wesley (wcraft). It exists in the Content Views plugin, which is used to display posts, pages, and custom post types in a grid or list layout with various customizable options. The vulnerability is due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of the 'pagingType' parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that will execute whenever a user accesses an affected page. This could potentially lead to sensitive information theft, malware distribution, and other types of attacks.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the Content Views plugin to version 3.7.2 or later to patch this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your site's pages, especially those using the Content Views plugin, for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might still consider plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

The timely response from the Content Views plugin developers to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of regular updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 3.7.2 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/content-views-query-and-display-post-page

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/content-views-query-and-display-post-page/content-views-post-grid-filter-recent-posts-category-posts-more-gutenberg-blocks-and-shortcode-371-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting-via-pagingtype-parameter

Detailed Report:

As a website owner, keeping your site secure should always be a top priority. Today, we want to bring your attention to a critical vulnerability discovered in the popular WordPress plugin, Content Views. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-4446, affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 3.7.1. It is crucial that you take immediate action to update your plugin and protect your website from potential attacks.

About the Content Views Plugin:

Content Views is a widely-used WordPress plugin that allows users to display posts, pages, and custom post types in a grid or list layout with various customizable options. The plugin has been downloaded over 4.3 million times and has an active installation base of more than 100,000 websites. It was last updated on May 6, 2024, by the developer pt-guy.

Details of the Vulnerability:

The vulnerability, discovered by security researcher wesley (wcraft), is classified as a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. It exists due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping of the 'pagingType' parameter. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to various malicious activities, such as:

Sensitive information theft: Attackers may steal user credentials, personal data, or other confidential information.
Malware distribution: Injected scripts could redirect users to malicious websites or trick them into downloading malware.
Unauthorized access: Attackers may gain control over the compromised website and use it for further attacks or to distribute spam.

How to Remediate the Vulnerability:

To address this vulnerability, follow these steps:

Immediate Action: Update the Content Views plugin to version 3.7.2 or later, which includes a patch for this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Compromise: Review your site's pages, especially those using the Content Views plugin, for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications.
Consider Alternatives: While the patch is available, you may want to consider using alternative plugins with similar functionality as a precautionary measure.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

It is worth noting that the Content Views plugin has had two previous vulnerabilities reported since January 2024. This highlights the importance of regularly monitoring and updating your plugins to ensure the security of your website.

The Importance of Staying Vigilant:

As a small business owner, it is understandable that you may not have the time or resources to constantly monitor for security vulnerabilities. However, the consequences of a compromised website can be severe, including damage to your reputation, loss of customer trust, and financial losses. By staying informed about potential threats and taking prompt action to update your plugins, themes, and WordPress core, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks.

If you are unsure about how to update your plugins or need assistance with securing your website, consider reaching out to a professional web developer or security specialist. They can help you implement best practices for website security and provide ongoing support to keep your site protected.

Remember, investing in the security of your website is essential for the long-term success and stability of your online presence. Take action today to update your Content Views plugin and stay vigilant in the face of evolving cyber threats.

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.

Content Views Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via pagingType Parameter – CVE-2024-4446 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Content Views plugin vulnerability, and how serious is it?

The Content Views plugin vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-4446, is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or above to inject malicious scripts into your website's pages, which could lead to sensitive information theft, malware distribution, and unauthorized access.

This vulnerability is considered a serious threat to the security of your website. It is crucial to update the Content Views plugin to version 3.7.2 or later, which includes a patch for this vulnerability, to protect your site and its users.

How do I know if my website is using the Content Views plugin?

To determine if your website is using the Content Views plugin, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section. Look for "Content Views – Post Grid & Filter, Recent Posts, Category Posts, & More (Gutenberg Blocks and Shortcode)" in the list of installed plugins.

If you find the Content Views plugin in your list of installed plugins, check the version number. If it is 3.7.1 or lower, your website is vulnerable, and you should update the plugin immediately.

How do I update the Content Views plugin to the patched version?

To update the Content Views plugin, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section. Locate the Content Views plugin and click on the "Update Now" link. WordPress will automatically download and install the latest version of the plugin.

After updating, verify that the Content Views plugin version is 3.7.2 or higher. If you encounter any issues during the update process or need assistance, contact a professional web developer or security specialist for help.

Can I continue using the Content Views plugin, or should I switch to an alternative?

While the Content Views developers have released a patched version (3.7.2) that addresses the vulnerability, some users may feel more comfortable switching to an alternative plugin with similar functionality as a precautionary measure.

However, if you have updated to the patched version and have checked your site for any signs of compromise, you can continue using the Content Views plugin. It is essential to stay informed about future updates and vulnerabilities to ensure your website remains secure.

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

To check if your website has been compromised due to the Content Views vulnerability, thoroughly review your site's pages, especially those using the Content Views plugin. Look for any suspicious scripts, unauthorized modifications, or unusual behavior.

Some signs of a compromise may include unfamiliar content, redirects to unknown websites, or a sudden decrease in website performance. If you suspect your website has been compromised, contact a professional web developer or security specialist immediately for assistance.

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

Failing to address the Content Views vulnerability could result in severe consequences for your website and business. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could steal sensitive information, distribute malware, or gain unauthorized access to your site.

This could lead to data breaches, loss of customer trust, damage to your reputation, and financial losses. In some cases, a compromised website may be used to launch attacks on other websites, which could result in legal liabilities for your business.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins, themes, and core?

It is essential to keep your WordPress plugins, themes, and core up to date to maintain a secure website. Check for updates regularly, at least once a week, and install them as soon as they become available.

Many WordPress plugins and themes have an auto-update feature, which you can enable to ensure you always have the latest versions. However, it is still important to manually check for updates and review the changes before installing them to avoid potential compatibility issues.

What other measures can I take to protect my WordPress website from security threats?

In addition to keeping your WordPress plugins, themes, and core up to date, there are several other measures you can take to protect your website from security threats:

Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Regularly backup your website files and database.
Limit login attempts and monitor for suspicious activity.
Use a reputable security plugin to detect and block potential threats.
Implement an SSL certificate to encrypt data transmitted between your website and its users.

Consult with a professional web developer or security specialist to develop a comprehensive security plan tailored to your website's specific needs.

How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes?

To stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes, subscribe to security newsletters and follow reputable WordPress security blogs. Some popular resources include:

WordPress Security Announcements: https://wordpress.org/news/category/security/
Wordfence Blog: https://www.wordfence.com/blog/
WPScan Vulnerability Database: https://wpvulndb.com/

You can also regularly check for updates in your WordPress dashboard and review the changelog for any security-related fixes. If you are unsure about the impact of a vulnerability or need assistance with updates, consult with a professional web developer or security specialist.

As a small business owner, how can I balance website security with my limited time and resources?

Balancing website security with limited time and resources can be challenging for small business owners. However, there are several strategies you can employ to maintain a secure website without overwhelming yourself:

Prioritize updates: Focus on installing security-related updates for your WordPress plugins, themes, and core as soon as they become available.
Use reputable plugins and themes: Choose plugins and themes from trusted sources and developers with a track record of maintaining secure and up-to-date code.
Automate backups: Implement an automated backup solution to ensure you have a recent copy of your website files and database in case of a security incident.
Partner with a professional: Consider working with a web developer or security specialist who can provide ongoing support, monitor your website for potential threats, and handle updates and security issues on your behalf.

Remember, investing in website security is essential for protecting your business and customers. By taking proactive steps and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can minimize the risk of security breaches and focus on growing your business.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Content Views plugin, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), CVE-2024-4446, cyber threats, data protection, patch management, Small Business Website Security, Website Security, website updates, WordPress plugin vulnerability