Depicter Slider Vulnerability – Cross-Site Request Forgery via save – CVE-2023-6493 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Depicter Slider plugin?

What is the Depicter Slider plugin? The Depicter Slider plugin is a popular responsive image, video and post slider plugin for WordPress developed by Averta. It has over 727,000 downloads and around 80,000 active installs on sites using versions up to and including 2.0.6. The plugin provides a drag and drop slider builder within WordPress to showcase images, video and blog post content in a dynamic slideshow. It is widely used across many types of websites to add galleries and visual elements.

Q: What is the vulnerability discovered in Depicter Slider?

What is the vulnerability discovered in Depicter Slider? Security researcher Rafshanzani Suhada discovered a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-6493, affecting all versions of Depicter Slider up to and including 2.0.6. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the plugin's 'save' function that handles saving settings. This could allow attackers to make unauthorized changes to the plugin's configuration by tricking administrators into clicking malicious links.

Q: How severe is this vulnerability? Is my site at risk?

How severe is this vulnerability? Is my site at risk? The vulnerability has been given a CVSS severity score of 4.3 out of 10 by security researchers, meaning it is medium risk. Any site still running one of the affected versions of Depicter Slider is technically vulnerable. However immediate updating to version 2.0.7 can patch the problem before any compromise occurs. Performing security scans can also help determine if your specific site has already been impacted based on unusual settings or behavior changes.

Q: What could happen if a site was compromised through this vulnerability?

What could happen if a site was compromised through this vulnerability? If successfully exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to alter the plugin's functionality without authorization. This level of access could then potentially be leveraged to compromise the broader WordPress site in various ways. Attackers might inject spam, steal or ransom data, deface sites with their own content, install backdoors for further access, or open up additional vulnerabilities to exploit.

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

How can I tell if my site has already been compromised? Indications your site may have already fallen victim to an attack leveraging this vulnerability include unexpected changes to plugin or WordPress settings impacting functionality and behavior. Things like loss of administrative access, injections of spam links/content, appearance changes like defaced templates, or capture of sensitive data submissions could also occur. Running security tools like vulnerability scanners can automatically detect common post-compromise indicators.

Q: What should I do if my site has been compromised?

What should I do if my site has been compromised? If you confirm or strongly suspect your site has been compromised, take it offline immediately if possible to contain the attack's impact. Failing to isolate further intrusion could enable adversaries to inflict more damage or extract even more data from the site and its users. With the site isolated, initiate incident response procedures, run comprehensive detection tools to uncover all vulnerabilities or anomalies, and proceed to fully restore and sanitize the site before bringing it back online.

Q: Why weren't plugin users notified of the vulnerability sooner?

Why weren't plugin users notified of the vulnerability sooner? There is often a period between vulnerability discovery, patch development and public disclosure to give developers reasonable time to address issues properly. Public disclosure also must be carefully coordinated for maximum effectiveness while limiting potential exploits in the wild before users have an opportunity to update. However, this case highlights the importance of developers responsible disclosure policies as well as timely security updates for users.

Q: How do I update Depicter Slider to address this vulnerability?

How do I update Depicter Slider to address this vulnerability? Updating is easy - simply go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins, click 'Update' next to Depicter Slider and install version 2.0.7 or higher. Be sure to backup your site first though. Or for additional configuration and testing help with updating, consider leveraging professional managed website services familiar with the plugin and security practices.

Q: Could other plugins also have vulnerabilities putting my site at risk?

Could other plugins also have vulnerabilities putting my site at risk? Absolutely - vulnerabilities are unfortunately commonplace in plugins and themes given the rapid pace of WordPress development by mostly independent creators. Everything from missing input validation to access control issues exist putting sites relying on outdated software at risk. This is why timely updates, security testing and scans, and working with website security professionals is highly recommended to stay on top of the latest threats.

Q: What proactive steps can I take to bolster my site's security?

What proactive steps can I take to bolster my site's security? Some key proactive security steps every WordPress site owner should undertake include: always keep WordPress, plugins and themes updated promptly; perform automated vulnerability scanning regularly; leverage security tools like firewalls and backup solutions; avoid installing excessive plugins limiting your attack surface; follow configuration and permission best practices; and work with qualified managed website service providers to handle updates and security diligence on your behalf. Making website security basics a habit can make a big difference protecting against common threats.

By Your WP Guy | January 4, 2024

Plugin Name: Depicter Slider

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: depicter
Software Status: Active
Software Author: averta
Software Downloads: 727,890
Active Installs: 80,000
Last Updated: January 4, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.0.7
Affected Versions: <= 2.0.6

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Depicter Slider – Responsive Image Slider, Video Slider & Post Slider <= 2.0.6 - Cross-Site Request Forgery via save
Title: Cross-Site Request Forgery via save
Type: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
CVE: CVE-2023-6493
CVSS Score: 4.3 (Medium)
Publicly Published: January 4, 2024
Researcher: Rafshanzani Suhada
Description: The Depicter Slider – Responsive Image Slider, Video Slider & Post Slider plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.6. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the 'save' function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to modify the plugin's settings via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link. CVE-2023-51491 appears to be a duplicate of this issue.

Summary:

The Depicter Slider for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.0.6 that allows unauthenticated attackers to modify the plugin's settings via a forged request. This vulnerability has been patched in version 2.0.7.

Detailed Overview:

The researcher Rafshanzani Suhada discovered a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in the Depicter Slider plugin affecting versions up to and including 2.0.6. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the 'save' function which handles saving the plugin's settings. An attacker could exploit this to trick an administrator into clicking a malicious link that submits a request to change the plugin's settings without their knowledge. This could result in unexpected behavior or open up further avenues for compromise. The vulnerability has been assigned CVE identifier CVE-2023-6493 and has a CVSS severity score of 4.3 out of 10, meaning it is considered medium severity.

To remediate this issue, users should upgrade to version 2.0.7 or later which contains the fix to address this vulnerability by adding proper nonce verification to prevent unauthorized modifications to settings.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 2.0.7 or later to ensure proper nonce validation is in place.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review the plugin's settings and configuration for any unexpected changes.
Alternate Plugins: Consider alternate slider plugins like Smart Slider 3 or MetaSlider as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always keep plugins updated to avoid potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The prompt response from the Depicter Slider developers to patch this vulnerability in version 2.0.7 underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are strongly advised to update as soon as possible to prevent any potential compromise through this vector. Keeping software updated remains one of the most effective means of staying secure.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/depicter

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/depicter/depicter-slider-responsive-image-slider-video-slider-post-slider-206-cross-site-request-forgery-via-save

Detailed Report:

Keeping your WordPress website secure should be a top priority – but with plugins and themes constantly being updated, it can be easy to let things slip through the cracks. Unfortunately, that can leave you vulnerable to attacks. Case in point: a serious security vulnerability was recently disclosed in the popular Depicter Slider plugin, affecting over 80,000 WordPress sites.

About the Plugin: Depicter Slider is a responsive image, video and post slider plugin developed by Averta and downloaded over 727,890 times. With around 80,000 active installs currently using versions up to and including 2.0.6, it has a substantial user base reliant on its functionality.

The Vulnerability:

Researcher Rafshanzani Suhada discovered a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability affecting Depicter Slider versions up to and including 2.0.6, identified as CVE-2023-6493. The vulnerability is caused by missing or incorrect nonce validation on the plugin's 'save' function that handles saving settings.

This could allow an attacker to trick an administrator into clicking a malicious link that submits unauthorized changes to the plugin’s settings and behavior. Attackers could leverage this to compromise sites in various ways such as injecting spam, stealing data, or opening up further vulnerabilities.

The vulnerability has a CVSS severity score of 4.3 out of 10, meaning it is considered medium risk.

Impacts and Risks:

If exploited, this vulnerability could enable attackers to make unauthorized configuration changes that alter the functionality of the Depicter Slider plugin. This could be leveraged to compromise the security of the broader WordPress site, lead to site defacements, data theft, or more.

How to Stay Secure:

The good news is Depicter Slider developer Averta has released version 2.0.7 to address this vulnerability by adding proper nonce verification to prevent unauthorized changes to the plugin’s settings.

All administrators using Depicter Slider should immediately update to the latest patched release. You should also be on the lookout for any unexpected changes made to your site’s plugins and themes, which could indicate prior compromise. Consider running automated vulnerability scans as well.

Why Timely Updates Matter:

Exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated plugins is a common attack vector for hackers and can lead to site takeovers, data theft, and more. This is why it’s critical to keep WordPress and all plugins updated in a timely manner.

But with updates happening all the time, it can be hard to stay on top of for busy business owners. This underscores the importance of leveraging available resources like managed website services, audits, and automated tools to ensure your site’s security keeps pace with the latest threats.

By taking advantage of available security assistance and expertise, you can better defend your WordPress site while staying focused on running your business.

As a business owner, you don't have time to constantly monitor for WordPress vulnerabilities like this. At Your WP Guy, we become your outsourced IT team to handle security, updates, maintenance and support. Let us fully audit your site and plugins to assess any impact from this issue. We'll update everything to patched versions so you can rest easy knowing your site is locked down.

Focus on your business goals while we focus on your WordPress site's security. Chat with us anytime during business hours, schedule a call or call 678-995-5169 for a free consultation on securing your online presence.

Depicter Slider Vulnerability - Cross-Site Request Forgery via save - CVE-2023-6493 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Depicter Slider plugin?

The Depicter Slider plugin is a popular responsive image, video and post slider plugin for WordPress developed by Averta. It has over 727,000 downloads and around 80,000 active installs on sites using versions up to and including 2.0.6. The plugin provides a drag and drop slider builder within WordPress to showcase images, video and blog post content in a dynamic slideshow. It is widely used across many types of websites to add galleries and visual elements.

What is the vulnerability discovered in Depicter Slider?

Security researcher Rafshanzani Suhada discovered a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-6493, affecting all versions of Depicter Slider up to and including 2.0.6. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the plugin's 'save' function that handles saving settings. This could allow attackers to make unauthorized changes to the plugin's configuration by tricking administrators into clicking malicious links.

How severe is this vulnerability? Is my site at risk?

The vulnerability has been given a CVSS severity score of 4.3 out of 10 by security researchers, meaning it is medium risk. Any site still running one of the affected versions of Depicter Slider is technically vulnerable. However immediate updating to version 2.0.7 can patch the problem before any compromise occurs. Performing security scans can also help determine if your specific site has already been impacted based on unusual settings or behavior changes.

What could happen if a site was compromised through this vulnerability?

If successfully exploited, the vulnerability could enable attackers to alter the plugin's functionality without authorization. This level of access could then potentially be leveraged to compromise the broader WordPress site in various ways. Attackers might inject spam, steal or ransom data, deface sites with their own content, install backdoors for further access, or open up additional vulnerabilities to exploit.

How can I tell if my site has already been compromised?

Indications your site may have already fallen victim to an attack leveraging this vulnerability include unexpected changes to plugin or WordPress settings impacting functionality and behavior. Things like loss of administrative access, injections of spam links/content, appearance changes like defaced templates, or capture of sensitive data submissions could also occur. Running security tools like vulnerability scanners can automatically detect common post-compromise indicators.

What should I do if my site has been compromised?

If you confirm or strongly suspect your site has been compromised, take it offline immediately if possible to contain the attack's impact. Failing to isolate further intrusion could enable adversaries to inflict more damage or extract even more data from the site and its users. With the site isolated, initiate incident response procedures, run comprehensive detection tools to uncover all vulnerabilities or anomalies, and proceed to fully restore and sanitize the site before bringing it back online.

Why weren't plugin users notified of the vulnerability sooner?

There is often a period between vulnerability discovery, patch development and public disclosure to give developers reasonable time to address issues properly. Public disclosure also must be carefully coordinated for maximum effectiveness while limiting potential exploits in the wild before users have an opportunity to update. However, this case highlights the importance of developers responsible disclosure policies as well as timely security updates for users.

How do I update Depicter Slider to address this vulnerability?

Updating is easy - simply go to your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Plugins, click 'Update' next to Depicter Slider and install version 2.0.7 or higher. Be sure to backup your site first though. Or for additional configuration and testing help with updating, consider leveraging professional managed website services familiar with the plugin and security practices.

Could other plugins also have vulnerabilities putting my site at risk?

Absolutely - vulnerabilities are unfortunately commonplace in plugins and themes given the rapid pace of WordPress development by mostly independent creators. Everything from missing input validation to access control issues exist putting sites relying on outdated software at risk. This is why timely updates, security testing and scans, and working with website security professionals is highly recommended to stay on top of the latest threats.

What proactive steps can I take to bolster my site's security?

Some key proactive security steps every WordPress site owner should undertake include: always keep WordPress, plugins and themes updated promptly; perform automated vulnerability scanning regularly; leverage security tools like firewalls and backup solutions; avoid installing excessive plugins limiting your attack surface; follow configuration and permission best practices; and work with qualified managed website service providers to handle updates and security diligence on your behalf. Making website security basics a habit can make a big difference protecting against common threats.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CSRF, CVE-2023-6493, Depicter Slider, patches, Plugins, updates, Vulnerabilities, web best practices, Web Security, Website Maintenance, wordpress security