Custom Permalinks Vulnerability – Authenticated (Editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-0926 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Custom Permalinks plugin used for?

What is the Custom Permalinks plugin used for? The Custom Permalinks plugin allows WordPress users to create custom URLs for their posts, pages, and other content types. This flexibility in URL structuring can enhance your site’s SEO and improve user experience by making your links more readable and relevant. It’s a popular choice for those looking to have more control over their site’s URL structure without needing to modify the underlying code.

Q: What is the specific vulnerability found in the Custom Permalinks plugin?

What is the specific vulnerability found in the Custom Permalinks plugin? The vulnerability discovered in the Custom Permalinks plugin is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue. This vulnerability allows users with Editor-level permissions to inject malicious scripts into pages. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses the affected page, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Q: Who is at risk from this vulnerability?

Who is at risk from this vulnerability? Websites using the Custom Permalinks plugin in versions up to and including 2.6.0 are at risk, especially those with multiple users who have Editor-level permissions. These users could unknowingly or maliciously exploit the vulnerability. If your website relies on this plugin and has not been updated to version 2.7.0, it is particularly vulnerable to this type of attack.

Q: What should I do if my website uses an affected version of the plugin?

What should I do if my website uses an affected version of the plugin? If your website is using an affected version of the Custom Permalinks plugin, the first step is to update to version 2.7.0 immediately. This update addresses the vulnerability and protects your site from potential XSS attacks. After updating, review your site to ensure no malicious scripts were injected prior to the update.

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

How can I check if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability? To check if your website has been compromised, look for any unauthorized changes to your site’s content, particularly on pages where tags are used. Unusual behavior or the presence of unexpected scripts could indicate that your site has been exploited. Consider using a security plugin to scan your site for potential threats and review recent activity logs for suspicious actions.

Q: What are the potential consequences if my site is compromised due to this vulnerability?

What are the potential consequences if my site is compromised due to this vulnerability? If your site is compromised, the consequences could include unauthorized access to your site’s backend, theft of sensitive data, and the spread of malicious content to your users. Attackers could use injected scripts to manipulate your site’s content or steal information, leading to a loss of customer trust and potential legal issues. The severity of the impact depends on the nature and extent of the exploitation.

Q: Is updating to the latest version of the plugin enough to secure my site?

Is updating to the latest version of the plugin enough to secure my site? Updating to version 2.7.0 of the Custom Permalinks plugin is a crucial step in securing your site from this specific vulnerability. However, maintaining overall security requires ongoing vigilance. Regularly updating all plugins and themes, monitoring your site for unusual activity, and using security plugins to detect and prevent threats are all essential practices for long-term security.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I should consider using instead of Custom Permalinks?

Are there alternative plugins I should consider using instead of Custom Permalinks? While the patched version of Custom Permalinks resolves the immediate vulnerability, you might want to explore alternative plugins if you’re concerned about the plugin’s security history. Several other plugins offer similar functionality, allowing you to customize your URLs while potentially providing a different security track record. However, the decision to switch should be based on your specific needs and the compatibility of alternative plugins with your website.

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

How often should I update my WordPress plugins and themes? It’s important to update your WordPress plugins and themes as soon as updates are available. Many updates include critical security patches that protect your site from newly discovered vulnerabilities. Regularly checking for updates or enabling automatic updates is key to maintaining a secure website and minimizing the risk of attacks.

Q: What should I do if I need help managing my website’s security?

What should I do if I need help managing my website’s security? If managing your website’s security feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional who specializes in WordPress security. A security expert can help you implement strong defenses, conduct regular security audits, and respond quickly to any potential threats. Additionally, using managed WordPress hosting services that offer built-in security features can simplify the process and give you peace of mind.

By Your WP Guy | August 23, 2024

Plugin Name: Custom Permalinks

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: custom-permalinks
Software Status: Active
Software Author: sasiddiqui
Software Downloads: 2,177,680
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.7.0
Affected Versions: <= 2.6.0

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Custom Permalinks <= 2.6.0
Title: Authenticated (Editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2023-0926
CVSS Score: 4.4
Publicly Published: August 23, 2024
Researcher: Ram - Wordfence
Description: The Custom Permalinks plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in versions up to and including 2.6.0. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on tag names, allowing authenticated users with Editor-level permissions or greater to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. These scripts execute whenever a user accesses the affected page, even if 'unfiltered_html' is disabled.

Summary:

The Custom Permalinks plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.6.0 that allows authenticated users with Editor-level permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts via Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). This vulnerability has been patched in version 2.7.0.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability, identified by Ram from Wordfence, exposes WordPress websites using the Custom Permalinks plugin to potential Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. This flaw occurs due to the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape input in tag names, enabling users with Editor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into pages. These scripts can execute whenever the affected page is accessed, posing risks such as data theft, unauthorized actions, or the spread of malicious content. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 2.6.0. Users are strongly advised to update to version 2.7.0 to secure their websites.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users should update to version 2.7.0 of the Custom Permalinks plugin immediately to eliminate the risk posed by this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: After updating, review your site for any unusual behavior or unauthorized script execution, particularly on pages where tags are used, as this could indicate a previous compromise.
Alternate Plugins: While the patch addresses this issue, users concerned about security might consider exploring alternative plugins that offer similar functionality with a different security history.
Stay Updated: Regularly updating all plugins and themes is crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress site. Keeping your site up to date ensures that security patches are applied promptly, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.

Conclusion:

The prompt response from the developers of the Custom Permalinks plugin to patch this vulnerability highlights the importance of staying vigilant with updates. Users are advised to ensure they are running version 2.7.0 or later to secure their WordPress installations and protect their websites from potential threats.

References:

Detailed Report:

In today’s digital environment, ensuring that your WordPress website is up to date is essential for safeguarding your online presence and protecting your customers' data. For small business owners, managing website security can be challenging, especially when time and resources are limited. However, neglecting to keep your site updated can expose it to serious vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit, potentially leading to severe consequences for your business. Recently, a security vulnerability was discovered in the Custom Permalinks plugin, which is actively used on over 100,000 websites. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-0926, allows users with Editor-level permissions to inject malicious scripts through Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). If left unaddressed, this flaw could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and the spread of harmful content on your site. To protect your website, it’s crucial to update to the latest version of the plugin, 2.7.0, and take proactive steps to secure your site.

The Custom Permalinks plugin is a popular tool that allows WordPress users to create custom URLs for their posts, pages, and other content types. It provides flexibility in structuring URLs, which can be beneficial for SEO and user experience. However, like any software, it can have vulnerabilities that need to be addressed promptly to maintain site security.

Risks and Potential Impacts: Why This Matters

This vulnerability poses a significant risk to any website using the affected versions of the Custom Permalinks plugin. The potential impacts include:

Data Theft: Attackers could inject malicious scripts that steal sensitive information from your website, such as user credentials or personal data.
Unauthorized Access: The vulnerability allows for the execution of scripts that could enable attackers to take control of your website or perform unauthorized actions.
Spread of Malicious Content: Injected scripts could also be used to spread malware or harmful content to users visiting the affected pages, damaging your site’s reputation.

How to Remediate the Vulnerability

Immediate Action: The most important step is to update your Custom Permalinks plugin to version 2.7.0, where this vulnerability has been patched. Updating your plugin promptly will eliminate the risk of this specific vulnerability being exploited.

Check for Signs of Vulnerability: After updating, review your site for any unusual behavior or unauthorized script execution, particularly on pages where tags are used. This could help you identify if your site was compromised before the update.

Consider Alternate Plugins: While the patch addresses this issue, if you are concerned about the security history of the Custom Permalinks plugin, you may want to explore alternative plugins that offer similar functionality with a different security track record.

Stay Updated: Regularly updating all plugins and themes is crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress site. Keeping your site up to date ensures that security patches are applied promptly, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities

The Custom Permalinks plugin has had two previous vulnerabilities reported since February 26, 2018. While these vulnerabilities were addressed, the history highlights the ongoing importance of staying vigilant with updates and security practices. Regularly checking for and applying updates is essential to protect your site from both known and emerging threats.

Conclusion: The Importance of Staying on Top of Security Vulnerabilities

For small business owners, managing website security can feel like a daunting task, especially when time and resources are limited. However, staying on top of security vulnerabilities is critical for protecting your business, your customers, and your reputation. By keeping your plugins updated, using trusted security tools, and staying informed about potential threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack. Remember, taking a proactive approach to security is always better than reacting to an incident after it has occurred.

If you’re concerned about your website’s security or need assistance with updates, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your website is a vital asset—protect it with the attention it deserves.

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.

Custom Permalinks Vulnerability – Authenticated (Editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-0926 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Custom Permalinks plugin used for?

The Custom Permalinks plugin allows WordPress users to create custom URLs for their posts, pages, and other content types. This flexibility in URL structuring can enhance your site’s SEO and improve user experience by making your links more readable and relevant. It’s a popular choice for those looking to have more control over their site’s URL structure without needing to modify the underlying code.

What is the specific vulnerability found in the Custom Permalinks plugin?

The vulnerability discovered in the Custom Permalinks plugin is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue. This vulnerability allows users with Editor-level permissions to inject malicious scripts into pages. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses the affected page, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Who is at risk from this vulnerability?

Websites using the Custom Permalinks plugin in versions up to and including 2.6.0 are at risk, especially those with multiple users who have Editor-level permissions. These users could unknowingly or maliciously exploit the vulnerability. If your website relies on this plugin and has not been updated to version 2.7.0, it is particularly vulnerable to this type of attack.

What should I do if my website uses an affected version of the plugin?

If your website is using an affected version of the Custom Permalinks plugin, the first step is to update to version 2.7.0 immediately. This update addresses the vulnerability and protects your site from potential XSS attacks. After updating, review your site to ensure no malicious scripts were injected prior to the update.

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

To check if your website has been compromised, look for any unauthorized changes to your site’s content, particularly on pages where tags are used. Unusual behavior or the presence of unexpected scripts could indicate that your site has been exploited. Consider using a security plugin to scan your site for potential threats and review recent activity logs for suspicious actions.

What are the potential consequences if my site is compromised due to this vulnerability?

If your site is compromised, the consequences could include unauthorized access to your site’s backend, theft of sensitive data, and the spread of malicious content to your users. Attackers could use injected scripts to manipulate your site’s content or steal information, leading to a loss of customer trust and potential legal issues. The severity of the impact depends on the nature and extent of the exploitation.

Is updating to the latest version of the plugin enough to secure my site?

Updating to version 2.7.0 of the Custom Permalinks plugin is a crucial step in securing your site from this specific vulnerability. However, maintaining overall security requires ongoing vigilance. Regularly updating all plugins and themes, monitoring your site for unusual activity, and using security plugins to detect and prevent threats are all essential practices for long-term security.

Are there alternative plugins I should consider using instead of Custom Permalinks?

While the patched version of Custom Permalinks resolves the immediate vulnerability, you might want to explore alternative plugins if you’re concerned about the plugin’s security history. Several other plugins offer similar functionality, allowing you to customize your URLs while potentially providing a different security track record. However, the decision to switch should be based on your specific needs and the compatibility of alternative plugins with your website.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins and themes?

It’s important to update your WordPress plugins and themes as soon as updates are available. Many updates include critical security patches that protect your site from newly discovered vulnerabilities. Regularly checking for updates or enabling automatic updates is key to maintaining a secure website and minimizing the risk of attacks.

What should I do if I need help managing my website’s security?

If managing your website’s security feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional who specializes in WordPress security. A security expert can help you implement strong defenses, conduct regular security audits, and respond quickly to any potential threats. Additionally, using managed WordPress hosting services that offer built-in security features can simplify the process and give you peace of mind.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Custom Permalinks vulnerability, CVE-2023-0926, Cybersecurity, Plugin Update, Small Business, Stored Cross-Site Scripting, Website Protection, Website Security, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, XSS Attack