Easy Digital Downloads Vulnerability– Sell Digital Files (eCommerce Store & Payments Made Easy) – Authenticated (Shop Manager+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0659 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-0659?

What is CVE-2024-0659? CVE-2024-0659 is a designated identifier for a specific security vulnerability found in the Easy Digital Downloads WordPress plugin. This vulnerability is classified as a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue, arising from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping within the plugin's variable pricing options. It allows users with shop manager-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts, which can then be executed by anyone accessing the compromised pages. This vulnerability was publicly disclosed on February 2, 2024, and affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 3.2.6. It highlights the importance of thorough security practices in plugin development and maintenance.

Q: How does CVE-2024-0659 affect my website?

How does CVE-2024-0659 affect my website? If your website uses a version of Easy Digital Downloads that is vulnerable to CVE-2024-0659, it could potentially allow attackers with shop manager access to inject malicious scripts into your web pages. These scripts can be executed by users visiting these pages, leading to unauthorized actions being performed on their behalf, data theft, or the spread of malware. The vulnerability compromises both the integrity of your website and the security of its users, making it imperative to address promptly. It's a significant risk for e-commerce sites, where trust and data security are paramount.

Q: What steps should I take if my website uses a vulnerable version of Easy Digital Downloads?

What steps should I take if my website uses a vulnerable version of Easy Digital Downloads? If your website is running a version of Easy Digital Downloads that is 3.2.6 or older, you should immediately update to version 3.2.7 or newer. This latest version includes a patch for the CVE-2024-0659 vulnerability, effectively mitigating the associated risks. After updating, it's wise to audit your website for signs of compromise, such as unauthorized changes to content or suspicious user activity. Regularly updating your plugins and themes and employing additional security measures can further protect your site.

Q: What are the risks of not updating the Easy Digital Downloads plugin?

What are the risks of not updating the Easy Digital Downloads plugin? Failing to update the Easy Digital Downloads plugin to a version that addresses the CVE-2024-0659 vulnerability leaves your site susceptible to attacks that exploit this flaw. Attackers could inject harmful scripts into your website, compromising the security of your site and its visitors. Such vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and loss of customer trust. In the context of e-commerce, the stakes are particularly high due to the transactional nature of the sites and the sensitivity of the data involved.

Q: Can CVE-2024-0659 be exploited by any visitor to my website?

Can CVE-2024-0659 be exploited by any visitor to my website? CVE-2024-0659 requires shop manager-level access or higher to be exploited. This means that not just any visitor can exploit the vulnerability; however, it does mean that any user with sufficient permissions, such as employees or contractors with access to your site's backend, could potentially execute malicious scripts if they have malicious intent or their accounts are compromised. This limitation does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability, as the consequences of exploitation can be significant. It underscores the need for strict access controls and regular monitoring of user activity.

Q: What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a web security vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into content that is saved by a web application. When other users view the compromised content, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the users' behalf, data theft, and other security breaches. Stored XSS is particularly dangerous because the injected scripts are saved by the server and can affect multiple users over time, making it a critical target for attackers and a priority for remediation by website owners.

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 determine if your website has been compromised due to CVE-2024-0659, look for unusual changes to your website's content, unexpected user account creations or privilege escalations, and reports from users about suspicious behavior. Monitoring access logs and using security plugins that scan for malicious activity can also help identify potential compromises. If you suspect that your website has been compromised, it's crucial to conduct a thorough security audit and clean up any unauthorized changes or malicious scripts. Consulting with cybersecurity professionals may also be necessary to ensure that your site is fully secured.

Q: Are there alternatives to Easy Digital Downloads that are more secure?

Are there alternatives to Easy Digital Downloads that are more secure? While Easy Digital Downloads is a popular choice for selling digital products through WordPress, there are alternative e-commerce plugins available, such as WooCommerce, WP Simple Pay, and MemberPress. Each plugin has its own set of features, security practices, and history of vulnerabilities. When considering an alternative, it's essential to evaluate its security track record, update frequency, and support responsiveness. Regardless of the plugin chosen, regular updates and security best practices remain key to maintaining a secure e-commerce site.

Q: How often are WordPress plugins like Easy Digital Downloads updated for security?

How often are WordPress plugins like Easy Digital Downloads updated for security? WordPress plugins, including Easy Digital Downloads, are updated regularly to address security vulnerabilities, improve functionality, and add new features. The frequency of these updates can vary based on the development team's resources, user feedback, and the discovery of security issues. Staying informed about new releases and security patches for your installed plugins is crucial. Enabling automatic updates where possible can help ensure that your site benefits from the latest security enhancements and bug fixes.

Q: Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins? Staying informed and responsive to security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your website. Vulnerabilities, if exploited, can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and a loss of trust among your users, which is particularly damaging for e-commerce sites where secure transactions are vital. Regularly updating your plugins and themes, employing security best practices, and monitoring your site for unusual activity are key steps in protecting your site from potential threats. Proactive security measures help safeguard your online presence, ensuring a secure and trustworthy experience for your users.

By Your WP Guy | February 2, 2024

Plugin Name: Easy Digital Downloads – Sell Digital Files (eCommerce Store & Payments Made Easy)

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: easy-digital-downloads
Software Status: Active
Software Author: smub
Software Downloads: 4,802,741
Active Installs: 50,000
Last Updated: February 8, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.2.7
Affected Versions: <= 3.2.6

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Easy Digital Downloads <= 3.2.6
Title: Authenticated (Shop Manager+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via variable pricing options
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-0659
CVSS Score: 5.5
Publicly Published: February 2, 2024
Researcher: emad
Description: Easy Digital Downloads, a prominent WordPress plugin designed for selling digital products, has been found to have a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in its variable pricing option titles. This flaw, identified in versions up to and including 3.2.6, arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, enabling attackers with shop manager-level access to embed malicious scripts. These scripts can be executed unsuspectingly by users, posing a risk to site integrity and user security.

Summary:

Easy Digital Downloads is a critical tool for many WordPress-based eCommerce sites, facilitating the sale of digital products with ease. However, a significant security concern has been identified in versions up to and including 3.2.6, where the variable pricing option titles can be exploited to inject harmful scripts. This vulnerability, now patched in version 3.2.7, underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software to safeguard against potential security breaches.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability, discovered by researcher emad, highlights the subtle yet significant risks associated with insufficient data validation processes within plugins. The ability for shop managers to inject arbitrary scripts creates a vector for potential data breaches, unauthorized access, and manipulation of site content. The prompt issuance of a patch in version 3.2.7 by the plugin's developers is a testament to the critical nature of the vulnerability and the necessity for immediate remedial action.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 3.2.7 immediately to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly monitor your site for any unusual activities or content alterations that might suggest exploitation.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version rectifies this issue, exploring alternative eCommerce plugins can provide contingency options should future vulnerabilities arise.
Stay Updated: Consistently ensuring that all WordPress plugins and themes are up-to-date is essential for minimizing vulnerability to known security threats.

Conclusion:

The swift action taken by the developers of Easy Digital Downloads to address this vulnerability serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of timely software updates in the realm of web security. Users are encouraged to promptly update to version 3.2.7 or later to protect their WordPress installations from potential exploits. This incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive security measures in maintaining a secure and trustworthy online presence.

References:

In the digital marketplace, where WordPress reigns supreme as the platform of choice for entrepreneurs and content creators, plugins like Easy Digital Downloads have become indispensable tools for e-commerce success. This plugin, known for its seamless integration and user-friendly interface for selling digital products, recently found itself at the center of a cybersecurity concern with the discovery of CVE-2024-0659. This incident not only sheds light on the specific vulnerabilities within widely used plugins but also emphasizes the broader imperative of maintaining up-to-date and secure digital environments.

Plugin Overview:

Easy Digital Downloads – Sell Digital Files (eCommerce Store & Payments Made Easy) is a pivotal WordPress plugin that simplifies the process of selling digital products online. With over 4.8 million downloads and 50,000 active installations, its influence is undeniable. Authored by smub and continuously updated, the plugin recently released version 3.2.7 to address the critical vulnerability found in its previous versions.

Vulnerability Insights:

CVE-2024-0659, identified in versions up to 3.2.6, manifests through the plugin's variable pricing options, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping allowed shop managers to inject malicious scripts. This Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, discovered by researcher emad and publicly disclosed on February 2, 2024, posed significant risks to site integrity and user security by enabling unauthorized script execution.

Potential Risks:

The implications of such vulnerabilities extend beyond mere technical glitches; they can compromise sensitive user data, manipulate site content, and erode the trust that users place in digital platforms. For small business owners, the stakes are particularly high, as any breach can lead to substantial reputational damage and potential financial losses.

Remediation Steps:

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-0659, users are urged to update to the patched version 3.2.7 promptly. Beyond this immediate action, regularly monitoring for unusual site activity and exploring alternative e-commerce plugins can serve as additional safeguards. Maintaining up-to-date software is not just a recommendation; it's a critical component of web security.

Historical Context:

It's worth noting that Easy Digital Downloads is no stranger to vulnerabilities, with 21 previous incidents since April 20, 2015. This history underscores the ongoing battle against cyber threats and the importance of continuous vigilance in the digital space.

Concluding Thoughts:

For small business owners juggling myriad responsibilities, the task of staying abreast of every security update might seem daunting. However, the digital ecosystem's nature demands vigilance and proactive security measures to protect your online presence. The case of CVE-2024-0659 with Easy Digital Downloads serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-present need for diligence in updating and securing digital tools. By prioritizing regular updates and adhering to best security practices, you can safeguard your digital storefront against the relentless tide of cyber threats, ensuring a secure and trustworthy experience for your users.

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.

Easy Digital Downloads Vulnerability– Sell Digital Files (eCommerce Store & Payments Made Easy) – Authenticated (Shop Manager+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0659 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-0659?

CVE-2024-0659 is a designated identifier for a specific security vulnerability found in the Easy Digital Downloads WordPress plugin. This vulnerability is classified as a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue, arising from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping within the plugin's variable pricing options. It allows users with shop manager-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts, which can then be executed by anyone accessing the compromised pages.

This vulnerability was publicly disclosed on February 2, 2024, and affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 3.2.6. It highlights the importance of thorough security practices in plugin development and maintenance.

How does CVE-2024-0659 affect my website?

If your website uses a version of Easy Digital Downloads that is vulnerable to CVE-2024-0659, it could potentially allow attackers with shop manager access to inject malicious scripts into your web pages. These scripts can be executed by users visiting these pages, leading to unauthorized actions being performed on their behalf, data theft, or the spread of malware.

The vulnerability compromises both the integrity of your website and the security of its users, making it imperative to address promptly. It's a significant risk for e-commerce sites, where trust and data security are paramount.

What steps should I take if my website uses a vulnerable version of Easy Digital Downloads?

If your website is running a version of Easy Digital Downloads that is 3.2.6 or older, you should immediately update to version 3.2.7 or newer. This latest version includes a patch for the CVE-2024-0659 vulnerability, effectively mitigating the associated risks.

After updating, it's wise to audit your website for signs of compromise, such as unauthorized changes to content or suspicious user activity. Regularly updating your plugins and themes and employing additional security measures can further protect your site.

What are the risks of not updating the Easy Digital Downloads plugin?

Failing to update the Easy Digital Downloads plugin to a version that addresses the CVE-2024-0659 vulnerability leaves your site susceptible to attacks that exploit this flaw. Attackers could inject harmful scripts into your website, compromising the security of your site and its visitors.

Such vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and loss of customer trust. In the context of e-commerce, the stakes are particularly high due to the transactional nature of the sites and the sensitivity of the data involved.

Can CVE-2024-0659 be exploited by any visitor to my website?

CVE-2024-0659 requires shop manager-level access or higher to be exploited. This means that not just any visitor can exploit the vulnerability; however, it does mean that any user with sufficient permissions, such as employees or contractors with access to your site's backend, could potentially execute malicious scripts if they have malicious intent or their accounts are compromised.

This limitation does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability, as the consequences of exploitation can be significant. It underscores the need for strict access controls and regular monitoring of user activity.

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a web security vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into content that is saved by a web application. When other users view the compromised content, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the users' behalf, data theft, and other security breaches.

Stored XSS is particularly dangerous because the injected scripts are saved by the server and can affect multiple users over time, making it a critical target for attackers and a priority for remediation by website owners.

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

To determine if your website has been compromised due to CVE-2024-0659, look for unusual changes to your website's content, unexpected user account creations or privilege escalations, and reports from users about suspicious behavior. Monitoring access logs and using security plugins that scan for malicious activity can also help identify potential compromises.

If you suspect that your website has been compromised, it's crucial to conduct a thorough security audit and clean up any unauthorized changes or malicious scripts. Consulting with cybersecurity professionals may also be necessary to ensure that your site is fully secured.

Are there alternatives to Easy Digital Downloads that are more secure?

While Easy Digital Downloads is a popular choice for selling digital products through WordPress, there are alternative e-commerce plugins available, such as WooCommerce, WP Simple Pay, and MemberPress. Each plugin has its own set of features, security practices, and history of vulnerabilities.

When considering an alternative, it's essential to evaluate its security track record, update frequency, and support responsiveness. Regardless of the plugin chosen, regular updates and security best practices remain key to maintaining a secure e-commerce site.

How often are WordPress plugins like Easy Digital Downloads updated for security?

WordPress plugins, including Easy Digital Downloads, are updated regularly to address security vulnerabilities, improve functionality, and add new features. The frequency of these updates can vary based on the development team's resources, user feedback, and the discovery of security issues.

Staying informed about new releases and security patches for your installed plugins is crucial. Enabling automatic updates where possible can help ensure that your site benefits from the latest security enhancements and bug fixes.

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

Staying informed and responsive to security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your website. Vulnerabilities, if exploited, can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and a loss of trust among your users, which is particularly damaging for e-commerce sites where secure transactions are vital.

Regularly updating your plugins and themes, employing security best practices, and monitoring your site for unusual activity are key steps in protecting your site from potential threats. Proactive security measures help safeguard your online presence, ensuring a secure and trustworthy experience for your users.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-0659, Cybersecurity, digital safety., e-commerce security, Easy Digital Downloads, Plugin Vulnerability, small business protection, software updates, web security best practices, wordpress security

Plugin Name: Easy Digital Downloads – Sell Digital Files (eCommerce Store & Payments Made Easy)

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Plugin Overview:

Vulnerability Insights:

Potential Risks:

Remediation Steps:

Historical Context:

Concluding Thoughts:

Staying Secure

Easy Digital Downloads Vulnerability– Sell Digital Files (eCommerce Store & Payments Made Easy) – Authenticated (Shop Manager+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0659 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-0659?

What is CVE-2024-0659?

How does CVE-2024-0659 affect my website?

What steps should I take if my website uses a vulnerable version of Easy Digital Downloads?

What are the risks of not updating the Easy Digital Downloads plugin?

Can CVE-2024-0659 be exploited by any visitor to my website?

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

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

Are there alternatives to Easy Digital Downloads that are more secure?

How often are WordPress plugins like Easy Digital Downloads updated for security?

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

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