Easy Table of Contents Vulnerability- Authenticated (Editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-6334 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Easy Table of Contents plugin, and what is it used for?

What is the Easy Table of Contents plugin, and what is it used for? The Easy Table of Contents plugin is a WordPress plugin that helps website owners organize their content by automatically generating a table of contents for their posts and pages. This feature enhances the user experience by making it easier for visitors to navigate through lengthy content. The plugin is popular for its simplicity and ease of use, with over 12.9 million downloads and 500,000 active installs.

Q: What is the recent vulnerability discovered in the Easy Table of Contents plugin?

What is the recent vulnerability discovered in the Easy Table of Contents plugin? The recent vulnerability is a type of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) that allows authenticated users with editor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary scripts into web pages. These scripts can execute when anyone accesses the affected pages, potentially leading to data theft, site defacement, or the spread of malware. This vulnerability affects versions up to and including 2.0.67 and has been patched in version 2.0.67.1.

Q: How serious is the vulnerability in the Easy Table of Contents plugin?

How serious is the vulnerability in the Easy Table of Contents plugin? The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 4.4, indicating a moderate risk. While it primarily affects websites in multi-site installations or those with the unfiltered_html capability disabled, the potential for damage remains significant. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the confidentiality and integrity of a website, impacting both site owners and visitors.

Q: How can I check if my website is affected by this vulnerability?

How can I check if my website is affected by this vulnerability? To check if your website is affected, review the version of the Easy Table of Contents plugin you are using. If it is version 2.0.67 or earlier, your site could be vulnerable. Additionally, inspect your web pages for any unexpected scripts or changes, especially if your site operates in a multi-site setup or has the unfiltered_html capability disabled.

Q: What should I do if my site is using an affected version of the plugin?

What should I do if my site is using an affected version of the plugin? If your site is using an affected version, you should immediately update to the latest version, 2.0.67.1, which contains the necessary security patches. Updating your plugin is crucial to protecting your site from potential attacks. Additionally, review your site's security settings and consider using a security plugin to monitor and prevent future vulnerabilities.

Q: What are the risks if I don't update the Easy Table of Contents plugin?

What are the risks if I don't update the Easy Table of Contents plugin? Not updating the plugin leaves your site vulnerable to exploitation through the discovered XSS vulnerability. Attackers could potentially inject malicious scripts, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or other security incidents. These issues can harm your site's reputation, result in legal liabilities, and disrupt your business operations.

Q: Are there any alternative plugins to Easy Table of Contents that offer similar functionality?

Are there any alternative plugins to Easy Table of Contents that offer similar functionality? Yes, there are several alternative plugins available that provide similar table of contents functionality. When choosing an alternative, consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, and security features. It is also advisable to select plugins with a strong track record of regular updates and good support.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? It is recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as updates are available, particularly when they include security patches. Regular updates help protect your site from newly discovered vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress version. Maintaining an update schedule reduces the risk of exploitation and keeps your site secure.

Q: What other security measures should I take to protect my WordPress site?

What other security measures should I take to protect my WordPress site? Beyond updating plugins, you should use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and implement two-factor authentication. Regularly back up your site and consider using a reputable security plugin to monitor and block suspicious activities. Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated is essential for a comprehensive security strategy.

Q: Where can I get help if I'm concerned about my website's security?

Where can I get help if I'm concerned about my website's security? If you're concerned about your website's security, consider consulting with a web security professional or your hosting provider. Many hosting companies offer security services or can recommend specialists. Additionally, the WordPress community and forums can be valuable resources for advice and best practices in maintaining a secure website.

By Your WP Guy | June 18, 2024

Plugin Name: Easy Table of Contents

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: easy-table-of-contents
Software Status: Active
Software Author: magazine3
Software Downloads: 12,901,982
Active Installs: 500,000
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.0.67.1
Affected Versions: <= 2.0.67

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Easy Table of Contents <= 2.0.67
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-2024-6334
CVSS Score: 4.4
Publicly Published: June 18, 2024
Researcher: Dmitrii Ignatyev - CleanTalk Inc
Description: The Easy Table of Contents plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via settings in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.67 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with editor-level permissions and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This only affects multi-site installations and installations where unfiltered_html has been disabled.

Summary:

The Easy Table of Contents plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.0.67 that allows authenticated attackers with editor-level permissions and above to inject arbitrary web scripts, leading to potential cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability has been patched in version 2.0.67.1.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability in the Easy Table of Contents plugin was identified by Dmitrii Ignatyev from CleanTalk Inc. It involves a lack of input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin's settings, enabling attackers with sufficient permissions to inject scripts into web pages. The injected scripts could execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page, posing a risk of cross-site scripting attacks. This issue is particularly concerning for multi-site installations and those where the unfiltered_html capability is disabled, as these conditions could increase the impact of the vulnerability. The risk associated with this vulnerability is moderate, with a CVSS score of 4.4, indicating a potential impact on confidentiality and integrity, though not on availability.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update to the latest patched version, 2.0.67.1, to mitigate this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: To check if your site has been compromised, look for unexpected scripts or modifications in the pages that use the Easy Table of Contents plugin, especially if you are running a multi-site installation or have the unfiltered_html capability disabled.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version addresses the vulnerability, users may consider exploring alternative plugins that offer similar functionality, particularly if they require more robust security features.
Stay Updated: Always keep your plugins updated to the latest versions to prevent exposure to vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The prompt response from the plugin developers to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 2.0.67.1 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Wordfence Threat Intelligence Report on Easy Table of Contents

Detailed Report

In the ever-evolving landscape of web security, keeping your website up to date is crucial to protecting your digital presence. A recent vulnerability discovered in the popular WordPress plugin, Easy Table of Contents, highlights the risks associated with outdated software. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-6334, allows attackers with editor-level permissions to inject malicious scripts into web pages, potentially compromising your site's security and the data of your visitors.

Plugin Overview

Easy Table of Contents is a widely used WordPress plugin designed to help website owners organize their content by generating a table of contents for posts and pages. Developed by magazine3, this plugin has been downloaded over 12.9 million times and is actively installed on 500,000 websites. The most recent update was released on July 26, 2024, with the current patched version being 2.0.67.1.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability in question is an Authenticated (Editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting issue, which affects versions <= 2.0.67 of the Easy Table of Contents plugin. Discovered by Dmitrii Ignatyev of CleanTalk Inc, the vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin's settings. This flaw enables authenticated users with editor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary scripts into web pages, which are executed whenever the page is viewed.

The vulnerability, rated with a CVSS score of 4.4, poses a moderate risk, primarily impacting sites in multi-site installations or those with the unfiltered_html capability disabled. Such conditions can exacerbate the potential damage, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the affected websites.

Risks and Potential Impacts

The primary risk associated with this vulnerability is the unauthorized execution of scripts, which can lead to data theft, defacement, or the distribution of malware. For small business owners, such breaches can result in loss of customer trust, legal liabilities, and potential financial losses.

Remediation and Safety Measures

To mitigate this vulnerability, website owners are strongly advised to update to the latest version, 2.0.67.1, immediately. If you are unsure whether your site has been compromised, check for unexpected scripts or changes, especially if your installation meets the risk criteria mentioned earlier.

While the patched version addresses this issue, consider evaluating alternative plugins if you require enhanced security features. Regularly updating all plugins and themes is a best practice to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Previous Vulnerabilities

The Easy Table of Contents plugin has encountered two previous vulnerabilities since March 2023, underscoring the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures.

Conclusion

For small business owners, managing a website's security can seem daunting, especially with limited time and resources. However, staying on top of updates and understanding potential risks are essential to maintaining a secure online presence. This recent vulnerability in the Easy Table of Contents plugin serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats in the digital space.

If you need help or have concerns about your website's security, don't hesitate to seek professional advice or consult with experts. Keeping your website secure is not just about protecting data; it's about preserving the trust and confidence of your customers. Prioritize updates and security to ensure a safe and trustworthy online environment for your business and your visitors.

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 Table of Contents Vulnerability- Authenticated (Editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-6334 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Easy Table of Contents plugin, and what is it used for?

The Easy Table of Contents plugin is a WordPress plugin that helps website owners organize their content by automatically generating a table of contents for their posts and pages. This feature enhances the user experience by making it easier for visitors to navigate through lengthy content. The plugin is popular for its simplicity and ease of use, with over 12.9 million downloads and 500,000 active installs.

What is the recent vulnerability discovered in the Easy Table of Contents plugin?

The recent vulnerability is a type of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) that allows authenticated users with editor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary scripts into web pages. These scripts can execute when anyone accesses the affected pages, potentially leading to data theft, site defacement, or the spread of malware. This vulnerability affects versions up to and including 2.0.67 and has been patched in version 2.0.67.1.

How serious is the vulnerability in the Easy Table of Contents plugin?

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 4.4, indicating a moderate risk. While it primarily affects websites in multi-site installations or those with the unfiltered_html capability disabled, the potential for damage remains significant. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to compromise the confidentiality and integrity of a website, impacting both site owners and visitors.

How can I check if my website is affected by this vulnerability?

To check if your website is affected, review the version of the Easy Table of Contents plugin you are using. If it is version 2.0.67 or earlier, your site could be vulnerable. Additionally, inspect your web pages for any unexpected scripts or changes, especially if your site operates in a multi-site setup or has the unfiltered_html capability disabled.

What should I do if my site is using an affected version of the plugin?

If your site is using an affected version, you should immediately update to the latest version, 2.0.67.1, which contains the necessary security patches. Updating your plugin is crucial to protecting your site from potential attacks. Additionally, review your site's security settings and consider using a security plugin to monitor and prevent future vulnerabilities.

What are the risks if I don't update the Easy Table of Contents plugin?

Not updating the plugin leaves your site vulnerable to exploitation through the discovered XSS vulnerability. Attackers could potentially inject malicious scripts, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or other security incidents. These issues can harm your site's reputation, result in legal liabilities, and disrupt your business operations.

Are there any alternative plugins to Easy Table of Contents that offer similar functionality?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins available that provide similar table of contents functionality. When choosing an alternative, consider factors such as ease of use, customization options, and security features. It is also advisable to select plugins with a strong track record of regular updates and good support.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

It is recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as updates are available, particularly when they include security patches. Regular updates help protect your site from newly discovered vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress version. Maintaining an update schedule reduces the risk of exploitation and keeps your site secure.

What other security measures should I take to protect my WordPress site?

Beyond updating plugins, you should use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and implement two-factor authentication. Regularly back up your site and consider using a reputable security plugin to monitor and block suspicious activities. Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated is essential for a comprehensive security strategy.

Where can I get help if I'm concerned about my website's security?

If you're concerned about your website's security, consider consulting with a web security professional or your hosting provider. Many hosting companies offer security services or can recommend specialists. Additionally, the WordPress community and forums can be valuable resources for advice and best practices in maintaining a secure website.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-6334, Cybersecurity, Digital Security, Easy Table of Contents plugin, online safety., Plugin Update, security vulnerability, Small Business, Web Development, Website Protection, Website Security, WordPress, wordpress plugins, XSS