Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution Vulnerability – Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Options Update – CVE-2023-6700 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2023-6700?

What is CVE-2023-6700? CVE-2023-6700 is a vulnerability identifier for a specific security flaw found in the Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution WordPress plugin. This flaw allows authenticated users, even those with just subscriber-level permissions, to make unauthorized changes to arbitrary site options due to a missing capability check in the plugin's AJAX request handler. Such actions can lead to serious security breaches, including the unauthorized creation of admin accounts. This vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 2.0.22. It was publicly disclosed on January 29, 2024, emphasizing the need for immediate action by WordPress site administrators to mitigate potential risks.

Q: How does CVE-2023-6700 affect my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2023-6700 affect my WordPress site? CVE-2023-6700 poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using the affected versions of the Cookie Information plugin. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers with subscriber-level access could potentially alter core site settings without authorization. These changes can range from minor site disruptions to severe security breaches, such as the creation of unauthorized admin accounts, which could compromise the entire site. The potential impact includes loss of data integrity, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and the possibility of further malicious activities. Site owners should address this vulnerability promptly to protect their sites and user data.

Q: How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2023-6700?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2023-6700? To determine if your site is vulnerable to CVE-2023-6700, you need to check the version of the Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution plugin installed on your WordPress site. If your site is running version 2.0.22 or earlier of the plugin, it is vulnerable to this security issue. You can find the plugin version by navigating to the 'Plugins' section of your WordPress dashboard. If your plugin version is within the vulnerable range, it is crucial to update to the patched version immediately to secure your site.

Q: What should I do if my site is affected?

What should I do if my site is affected? If your site is affected by CVE-2023-6700, the immediate step is to update the Cookie Information plugin to the latest patched version, 2.0.23, which addresses this vulnerability. You can update the plugin directly from your WordPress dashboard by navigating to the 'Plugins' section and following the prompts for updating the Cookie Information plugin. After updating, it's advisable to conduct a thorough review of your site's settings and user roles to ensure no unauthorized changes were made. If suspicious activity is detected, consider further security measures, such as changing passwords and auditing user accounts.

Q: Are there alternatives to the Cookie Information plugin?

Are there alternatives to the Cookie Information plugin? Yes, several alternative plugins offer similar GDPR compliance solutions for WordPress sites. Popular alternatives include GDPR Cookie Consent, Complianz, and WP AutoTerms. Each of these plugins provides features to help make your WordPress site compliant with GDPR and other privacy regulations. When selecting an alternative, consider the specific features you need, the plugin's compatibility with your site's theme and other plugins, and its user reviews and update history. Always ensure that any plugin you choose is regularly maintained and updated by its developers.

Q: What is a CVSS score?

What is a CVSS score? The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score is a standardized way to rate the severity of security vulnerabilities. The CVSS score for CVE-2023-6700 is 8.8, which is considered high. This score reflects the potential impact of the vulnerability on affected systems, taking into account factors like how easily the vulnerability can be exploited and the potential consequences of an exploit. A high CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability poses a significant risk and should be addressed promptly to mitigate potential security breaches and protect user data.

Q: How can I protect my WordPress site from similar vulnerabilities?

How can I protect my WordPress site from similar vulnerabilities? Protecting your WordPress site from similar vulnerabilities involves adopting a proactive approach to site security. This includes regularly updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins to their latest versions, as updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities. Using reputable security plugins can also help monitor your site for potential threats and vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing strong password policies, limiting user permissions to only what is necessary, and conducting regular security audits can further enhance your site's security. Staying informed about the latest security threats and best practices is also crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

What are the potential consequences of not addressing WordPress plugin vulnerabilities? Failing to address WordPress plugin vulnerabilities can lead to a range of negative consequences, including unauthorized access to your site, theft of sensitive data, distribution of malware to your users, and defacement of your site. These security breaches can damage your site's reputation, erode user trust, and potentially result in financial losses. In some cases, compromised sites can also be used to launch further attacks, amplifying the impact of the initial vulnerability. It's essential to address known vulnerabilities promptly to maintain the security and integrity of your WordPress site.

Q: How can small business owners manage WordPress security effectively?

How can small business owners manage WordPress security effectively? Small business owners can manage WordPress security effectively by prioritizing regular maintenance and adopting best practices for site security. This includes updating all WordPress components as soon as updates are available, using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, and employing reputable security plugins to monitor and protect the site.

Q: What role do security researchers play in WordPress security?

What role do security researchers play in WordPress security? Security researchers play a crucial role in WordPress security by identifying and reporting vulnerabilities in WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Their expertise and diligence in discovering potential security issues help prevent widespread exploitation by malicious actors. Once a vulnerability is reported, plugin and theme developers, as well as the WordPress core team, can work on creating and releasing patches to fix the issues. The collaboration between security researchers, developers, and the WordPress community is essential for maintaining the security and stability of WordPress sites worldwide.

By Your WP Guy | January 29, 2024

Plugin Name: Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: wp-gdpr-compliance
Software Status: Active
Software Author: cookieinformation
Software Downloads: 3,745,212
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: February 2, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.0.23
Affected Versions: <= 2.0.22

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution <= 2.0.22
Title: Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Options Update
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVE: CVE-2023-6700
CVSS Score: 8.8
Publicly Published: January 29, 2024
Researcher: Lucio Sá
Description: A critical vulnerability has been identified in the Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 2.0.22. This flaw arises from a missing capability check in the AJAX request handler, allowing authenticated users with subscriber-level permissions or higher to modify arbitrary site options. This could potentially be exploited to create unauthorized administrator accounts, posing a significant security risk.

Summary:

The Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution plugin, essential for WordPress sites requiring GDPR compliance, has been found to contain a severe security vulnerability in versions up to 2.0.22. This issue enables lower-level users to illicitly alter site settings, underscoring the urgent need for updates to version 2.0.23, where the vulnerability has been rectified.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by researcher Lucio Sá, this vulnerability presents a considerable threat by allowing those with minimal access to execute changes typically reserved for administrators. The ability to update arbitrary options can lead to severe consequences, such as the unauthorized creation of admin accounts, alteration of site content, or complete site takeover. Given the high CVSS score of 8.8, the potential impact of this vulnerability is substantial, warranting immediate attention from site administrators.

Advice for Users:

To safeguard against potential exploits stemming from this vulnerability, users are advised to promptly update the Cookie Information plugin to the patched version 2.0.23. Additionally, administrators should review their WordPress sites for any signs of unauthorized activity or changes. In instances where an immediate update is not feasible, temporarily disabling the plugin and seeking alternative GDPR compliance solutions may be necessary until the update can be applied. Regularly updating all WordPress components is crucial for maintaining a secure online environment.

Conclusion:

The swift response from the developers of the Cookie Information plugin in releasing a patch highlights the critical nature of timely software updates in the realm of cybersecurity. With over 1,200 attacks blocked by Wordfence targeting this vulnerability in just 24 hours, the urgency for users to update to version 2.0.23 or later cannot be overstated. Staying informed and proactive in applying updates is essential for WordPress site owners, particularly small business operators with limited IT resources, to protect their digital assets and user data from emerging threats.

References:

In today's digital ecosystem, where websites serve as the linchpin of many businesses, the security and integrity of your online presence are paramount. The discovery of a significant vulnerability in the Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution WordPress plugin, marked as CVE-2023-6700, serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present cyber threats lurking in the digital shadows. This vulnerability not only exposes the fragility of seemingly robust digital tools but also accentuates the critical importance of diligent website maintenance and cybersecurity vigilance.

About the Plugin:

The Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution plugin is an essential tool for WordPress site owners, facilitating GDPR compliance with over 3.7 million downloads and 100,000 active installations. Developed by cookieinformation, this plugin has become a staple for ensuring user consent and data protection practices are up to par with legal standards.

Vulnerability Details:

CVE-2023-6700 unveils a critical flaw in versions up to 2.0.22 of the plugin, where a missing capability check in the AJAX request handler allows authenticated users, even those with mere subscriber-level access, to alter arbitrary site options. This loophole, discovered by researcher Lucio Sá and publicly disclosed on January 29, 2024, could potentially be exploited to create unauthorized administrator accounts, leading to severe security breaches.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The exploitation of this vulnerability poses dire risks, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and the possibility of a complete site takeover. For small business owners, such incidents can lead to significant reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and potentially severe legal and financial repercussions.

Remediation and Advice for Users:

To counteract this vulnerability, it is imperative to update the plugin to the patched version 2.0.23 immediately. Site administrators should also conduct thorough reviews of their WordPress settings and user roles for any anomalies or unauthorized changes. In scenarios where an update is not immediately feasible, disabling the plugin temporarily and exploring alternative GDPR compliance solutions is advisable until the security patch can be applied.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

This is not the first time vulnerabilities have been identified in the Cookie Information plugin, with three previous issues reported since November 8, 2018. This history of vulnerabilities underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and updating as part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

Conclusion:

The rapid response from the Cookie Information plugin developers to rectify CVE-2023-6700 highlights the vital role of timely software updates in maintaining cybersecurity. In an era where over 1,200 attacks targeting this vulnerability were blocked in just 24 hours, the necessity for WordPress site owners, especially those managing small businesses with limited IT resources, to stay informed and proactive in updating their site components is more critical than ever. Embracing a culture of regular maintenance and staying abreast of the latest security advisories can significantly fortify your digital assets against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

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.

Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution Vulnerability – Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Options Update – CVE-2023-6700 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2023-6700?

CVE-2023-6700 is a vulnerability identifier for a specific security flaw found in the Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution WordPress plugin. This flaw allows authenticated users, even those with just subscriber-level permissions, to make unauthorized changes to arbitrary site options due to a missing capability check in the plugin's AJAX request handler. Such actions can lead to serious security breaches, including the unauthorized creation of admin accounts.

This vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 2.0.22. It was publicly disclosed on January 29, 2024, emphasizing the need for immediate action by WordPress site administrators to mitigate potential risks.

How does CVE-2023-6700 affect my WordPress site?

CVE-2023-6700 poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using the affected versions of the Cookie Information plugin. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers with subscriber-level access could potentially alter core site settings without authorization. These changes can range from minor site disruptions to severe security breaches, such as the creation of unauthorized admin accounts, which could compromise the entire site.

The potential impact includes loss of data integrity, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and the possibility of further malicious activities. Site owners should address this vulnerability promptly to protect their sites and user data.

How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2023-6700?

To determine if your site is vulnerable to CVE-2023-6700, you need to check the version of the Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution plugin installed on your WordPress site. If your site is running version 2.0.22 or earlier of the plugin, it is vulnerable to this security issue.

You can find the plugin version by navigating to the 'Plugins' section of your WordPress dashboard. If your plugin version is within the vulnerable range, it is crucial to update to the patched version immediately to secure your site.

What should I do if my site is affected?

If your site is affected by CVE-2023-6700, the immediate step is to update the Cookie Information plugin to the latest patched version, 2.0.23, which addresses this vulnerability. You can update the plugin directly from your WordPress dashboard by navigating to the 'Plugins' section and following the prompts for updating the Cookie Information plugin.

After updating, it's advisable to conduct a thorough review of your site's settings and user roles to ensure no unauthorized changes were made. If suspicious activity is detected, consider further security measures, such as changing passwords and auditing user accounts.

Are there alternatives to the Cookie Information plugin?

Yes, several alternative plugins offer similar GDPR compliance solutions for WordPress sites. Popular alternatives include GDPR Cookie Consent, Complianz, and WP AutoTerms. Each of these plugins provides features to help make your WordPress site compliant with GDPR and other privacy regulations.

When selecting an alternative, consider the specific features you need, the plugin's compatibility with your site's theme and other plugins, and its user reviews and update history. Always ensure that any plugin you choose is regularly maintained and updated by its developers.

What is a CVSS score?

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score is a standardized way to rate the severity of security vulnerabilities. The CVSS score for CVE-2023-6700 is 8.8, which is considered high. This score reflects the potential impact of the vulnerability on affected systems, taking into account factors like how easily the vulnerability can be exploited and the potential consequences of an exploit.

A high CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability poses a significant risk and should be addressed promptly to mitigate potential security breaches and protect user data.

How can I protect my WordPress site from similar vulnerabilities?

Protecting your WordPress site from similar vulnerabilities involves adopting a proactive approach to site security. This includes regularly updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins to their latest versions, as updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities. Using reputable security plugins can also help monitor your site for potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Additionally, implementing strong password policies, limiting user permissions to only what is necessary, and conducting regular security audits can further enhance your site's security. Staying informed about the latest security threats and best practices is also crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

What are the potential consequences of not addressing WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

Failing to address WordPress plugin vulnerabilities can lead to a range of negative consequences, including unauthorized access to your site, theft of sensitive data, distribution of malware to your users, and defacement of your site. These security breaches can damage your site's reputation, erode user trust, and potentially result in financial losses.

In some cases, compromised sites can also be used to launch further attacks, amplifying the impact of the initial vulnerability. It's essential to address known vulnerabilities promptly to maintain the security and integrity of your WordPress site.

How can small business owners manage WordPress security effectively?

Small business owners can manage WordPress security effectively by prioritizing regular maintenance and adopting best practices for site security. This includes updating all WordPress components as soon as updates are available, using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, and employing reputable security plugins to monitor and protect the site.

What role do security researchers play in WordPress security?

Security researchers play a crucial role in WordPress security by identifying and reporting vulnerabilities in WordPress core, themes, and plugins. Their expertise and diligence in discovering potential security issues help prevent widespread exploitation by malicious actors.

Once a vulnerability is reported, plugin and theme developers, as well as the WordPress core team, can work on creating and releasing patches to fix the issues. The collaboration between security researchers, developers, and the WordPress community is essential for maintaining the security and stability of WordPress sites worldwide.

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Posted in WordPress and tagged Cookie Information plugin, CVE-2023-6700, Cybersecurity, data protection, GDPR compliance, Plugin Vulnerability, Site Maintenance, small business cybersecurity, wordpress security, WordPress Updates

Plugin Name: Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

About the Plugin:

Vulnerability Details:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Remediation and Advice for Users:

Previous Vulnerabilities:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

Cookie Information | Free GDPR Consent Solution Vulnerability – Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Options Update – CVE-2023-6700 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2023-6700?

How does CVE-2023-6700 affect my WordPress site?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2023-6700?

What should I do if my site is affected?

Are there alternatives to the Cookie Information plugin?

What is a CVSS score?

How can I protect my WordPress site from similar vulnerabilities?

What are the potential consequences of not addressing WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

How can small business owners manage WordPress security effectively?

What role do security researchers play in WordPress security?

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