Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) Vulnerability – Multiple Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-5554, CVE-2024-5555 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and how does it affect my website?

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and how does it affect my website? Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into a website, which are then executed when other users access the affected pages. In the context of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, these vulnerabilities could enable attackers with Contributor-level access to inject harmful code, leading to unauthorized actions, data breaches, and potential further exploitation of your website. This type of vulnerability can significantly compromise your website's security and damage your business's reputation.

Q: How serious are the vulnerabilities in the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin?

How serious are the vulnerabilities in the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin? The vulnerabilities in the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin are considered serious, with a CVSS score of 6.4, indicating a moderate to high severity. These flaws allow authenticated users with Contributor-level access to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks, which can lead to unauthorized changes, data theft, and potential security breaches. Addressing these vulnerabilities promptly is crucial to protecting your website and preventing malicious activities.

Q: What steps should I take immediately to secure my website?

What steps should I take immediately to secure my website? The first and most important step is to update the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to versions 5.6.12 or 5.6.6 or later. These versions contain patches that address the vulnerabilities and prevent potential exploitation. After updating, it is advisable to review your site for any unusual activity or changes, particularly in areas where the vulnerable parameters were used.

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

How can I check if my site has already been compromised? Signs that your site may have been compromised include unexpected changes in content, strange behavior in areas where the plugin is used, or the presence of unfamiliar scripts. You should also review your server logs for any unusual activity that may indicate an attack. If you suspect your site has been compromised, consider consulting a security expert to conduct a thorough investigation and take corrective measures.

Q: Why do these vulnerabilities mostly affect users with Contributor-level access?

Why do these vulnerabilities mostly affect users with Contributor-level access? These vulnerabilities are tied to specific parameters within the plugin that can be exploited by users with Contributor-level access or higher. Contributors can add content to your site, and if the plugin does not properly sanitize or escape user input, it can allow these users to inject malicious scripts. This is why it is crucial to limit access and ensure that only trusted individuals have Contributor-level permissions on your site.

Q: What are the risks if I do not update the plugin?

What are the risks if I do not update the plugin? If you do not update the plugin, your website remains vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting attacks. This could lead to unauthorized changes, data breaches, and the potential for attackers to execute further malicious activities on your site. Not updating increases the risk of your site being compromised, which could result in financial loss, damage to your reputation, and a loss of customer trust.

Q: Should I consider using an alternative plugin?

Should I consider using an alternative plugin? If you are concerned about the security history of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, you might consider switching to an alternative plugin with a stronger security record. However, before making a switch, ensure that the new plugin meets your needs and is regularly updated. Always back up your website before changing plugins to avoid potential data loss or compatibility issues.

Q: How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins? It is recommended to check for updates at least weekly or enable automatic updates to ensure your site remains secure. Regular updates help protect your website from newly discovered vulnerabilities and ensure that your plugins continue to function correctly. Keeping your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins up to date should be a regular part of your website maintenance routine.

Q: What should I do if I’m not comfortable handling updates and security issues myself?

What should I do if I’m not comfortable handling updates and security issues myself? If you're not comfortable managing updates and security issues on your own, consider hiring a professional or using a managed WordPress hosting service that includes security monitoring and updates. These services can help ensure your site remains secure, allowing you to focus on running your business without worrying about the technical aspects of website maintenance.

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

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities? Staying on top of security vulnerabilities is crucial because cyber threats are constantly evolving, and even minor vulnerabilities can lead to significant security breaches. Regularly updating your plugins, monitoring your website for unusual activity, and taking proactive measures to secure your site can prevent potential attacks and protect your business's reputation. Being vigilant about security helps you avoid costly and damaging incidents that could have been easily prevented.

By Your WP Guy | July 17, 2024

Plugin Name: Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows)

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: bdthemes-element-pack-lite
Software Status: Active
Software Author: bdthemes
Software Downloads: 2,552,973
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: August 12, 2024
Patched Versions: 5.6.12, 5.6.6
Affected Versions: <= 5.6.11, <= 5.6.5

Vulnerability 1 Details:

Name: Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) <= 5.6.11
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
CVE: CVE-2024-5554
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: July 17, 2024
Researcher: wesley (wcraft)
Description: The Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘onclick_event’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 5.6.11 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an affected page.

Vulnerability 2 Details:

Name: Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) <= 5.6.5
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
CVE: CVE-2024-5555
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: July 17, 2024
Researcher: João Pedro Soares de Alcântara - Kinorth
Description: The Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘social-link-title’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 5.6.5 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an affected page.

Summary:

The Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) plugin for WordPress has multiple vulnerabilities in versions up to and including 5.6.11 and 5.6.5 that allow for authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. These vulnerabilities have been patched in versions 5.6.12 and 5.6.6, respectively.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerabilities in the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin were identified by researchers wesley (wcraft) and João Pedro Soares de Alcântara (Kinorth). These vulnerabilities are due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the ‘onclick_event’ and ‘social-link-title’ parameters. Authenticated users with Contributor-level access or higher can exploit these flaws by injecting malicious scripts into pages, which then execute whenever another user accesses the affected page. These XSS vulnerabilities pose significant risks, including unauthorized content changes, data breaches, and potential further exploitation.

The plugin developers have released versions 5.6.12 and 5.6.6 to address these issues, enhancing the security by properly sanitizing and escaping user inputs to prevent such attacks.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update to versions 5.6.12 or 5.6.6 or later immediately to protect their sites from these vulnerabilities.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Users should review their site for any unexpected behavior, particularly in areas where the ‘onclick_event’ and ‘social-link-title’ parameters are used. If anything unusual is detected, consider consulting with a security expert.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched versions are available, users concerned about ongoing security may want to explore alternative Elementor addon plugins.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities like these.

Conclusion:

The prompt response from the plugin developers to patch these vulnerabilities underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running versions 5.6.12 or 5.6.6 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Detailed Report:

In today’s digital landscape, ensuring the security of your WordPress website is crucial. One of the most important steps you can take to protect your site from potential threats is to keep all your plugins up to date. Recently, multiple vulnerabilities were discovered in the widely used Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) plugin. These vulnerabilities, affecting versions up to and including 5.6.11 and 5.6.5, allow for authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. If left unpatched, these vulnerabilities could expose your website to unauthorized content changes, data breaches, and further exploitation by malicious actors.

Vulnerability Details:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The risks associated with these vulnerabilities are significant, particularly for small business owners who may not have the resources or time to continuously monitor their website for security issues. If exploited, these vulnerabilities could allow attackers to inject harmful scripts into your website, leading to unauthorized content changes, data breaches, and potential harm to your business’s reputation. Given the widespread use of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, these vulnerabilities could impact a large number of websites, increasing the urgency to address these issues.

How to Remediate the Vulnerability:

To protect your website from these vulnerabilities, the developers of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin have released versions 5.6.12 and 5.6.6, which patch these issues by improving input sanitization and output escaping across all affected fields. Here’s what you need to do:

Immediate Action: Update your Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to versions 5.6.12 or 5.6.6 or later as soon as possible. This update is crucial for securing your site against potential exploitation.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your website for any unexpected behavior, particularly in areas where the ‘onclick_event’ and ‘social-link-title’ parameters are used. If you notice anything unusual, it may be worth consulting with a security expert to conduct a thorough audit.
Consider Alternative Plugins: If you are concerned about the security history of this plugin, you may want to explore alternative Elementor addon plugins with a stronger security record. Ensure that any new plugin you choose meets your needs and is regularly updated.
Stay Updated: Regularly checking for and applying updates to all your WordPress plugins is one of the most effective ways to protect your site from vulnerabilities. Consider enabling automatic updates or setting a reminder to manually check for updates weekly.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

It’s important to note that this isn’t the first time the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin has faced security challenges. There have been 13 previous vulnerabilities reported since February 2, 2024. While the developers have consistently addressed these issues with updates, the recurrence of vulnerabilities highlights the importance of staying vigilant and proactive in your website’s security management.

Conclusion:

For small business owners, keeping up with security vulnerabilities can be overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on running your business. However, the risks of neglecting website security are too significant to ignore. Regular updates, vigilant monitoring, and professional assistance when needed are all critical steps in protecting your website. By staying proactive, you can safeguard your business, your customers, and your online presence from potential threats.

If you don’t have the time or expertise to manage these updates yourself, consider hiring a professional to ensure your website remains secure and up to date. Taking these steps now can save you from potential headaches and losses in the future.

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.

Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) Vulnerability – Multiple Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-5554, CVE-2024-5555 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and how does it affect my website?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into a website, which are then executed when other users access the affected pages. In the context of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, these vulnerabilities could enable attackers with Contributor-level access to inject harmful code, leading to unauthorized actions, data breaches, and potential further exploitation of your website. This type of vulnerability can significantly compromise your website's security and damage your business's reputation.

How serious are the vulnerabilities in the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin?

The vulnerabilities in the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin are considered serious, with a CVSS score of 6.4, indicating a moderate to high severity. These flaws allow authenticated users with Contributor-level access to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks, which can lead to unauthorized changes, data theft, and potential security breaches. Addressing these vulnerabilities promptly is crucial to protecting your website and preventing malicious activities.

What steps should I take immediately to secure my website?

The first and most important step is to update the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to versions 5.6.12 or 5.6.6 or later. These versions contain patches that address the vulnerabilities and prevent potential exploitation. After updating, it is advisable to review your site for any unusual activity or changes, particularly in areas where the vulnerable parameters were used.

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

Signs that your site may have been compromised include unexpected changes in content, strange behavior in areas where the plugin is used, or the presence of unfamiliar scripts. You should also review your server logs for any unusual activity that may indicate an attack. If you suspect your site has been compromised, consider consulting a security expert to conduct a thorough investigation and take corrective measures.

Why do these vulnerabilities mostly affect users with Contributor-level access?

These vulnerabilities are tied to specific parameters within the plugin that can be exploited by users with Contributor-level access or higher. Contributors can add content to your site, and if the plugin does not properly sanitize or escape user input, it can allow these users to inject malicious scripts. This is why it is crucial to limit access and ensure that only trusted individuals have Contributor-level permissions on your site.

What are the risks if I do not update the plugin?

If you do not update the plugin, your website remains vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting attacks. This could lead to unauthorized changes, data breaches, and the potential for attackers to execute further malicious activities on your site. Not updating increases the risk of your site being compromised, which could result in financial loss, damage to your reputation, and a loss of customer trust.

Should I consider using an alternative plugin?

If you are concerned about the security history of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, you might consider switching to an alternative plugin with a stronger security record. However, before making a switch, ensure that the new plugin meets your needs and is regularly updated. Always back up your website before changing plugins to avoid potential data loss or compatibility issues.

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

It is recommended to check for updates at least weekly or enable automatic updates to ensure your site remains secure. Regular updates help protect your website from newly discovered vulnerabilities and ensure that your plugins continue to function correctly. Keeping your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins up to date should be a regular part of your website maintenance routine.

What should I do if I’m not comfortable handling updates and security issues myself?

If you're not comfortable managing updates and security issues on your own, consider hiring a professional or using a managed WordPress hosting service that includes security monitoring and updates. These services can help ensure your site remains secure, allowing you to focus on running your business without worrying about the technical aspects of website maintenance.

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

Staying on top of security vulnerabilities is crucial because cyber threats are constantly evolving, and even minor vulnerabilities can lead to significant security breaches. Regularly updating your plugins, monitoring your website for unusual activity, and taking proactive measures to secure your site can prevent potential attacks and protect your business's reputation. Being vigilant about security helps you avoid costly and damaging incidents that could have been easily prevented.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-5554, CVE-2024-5555, Element Pack vulnerability, elementor addons, Plugin Updates, Plugin Vulnerability, small business cybersecurity, Website Security, wordpress security, WordPress Updates, XSS

Plugin Name: Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows)

Key Information:

Vulnerability 1 Details:

Vulnerability 2 Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Vulnerability Details:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

How to Remediate the Vulnerability:

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) Vulnerability – Multiple Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-5554, CVE-2024-5555 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and how does it affect my website?

How serious are the vulnerabilities in the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin?

What steps should I take immediately to secure my website?

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

Why do these vulnerabilities mostly affect users with Contributor-level access?

What are the risks if I do not update the plugin?

Should I consider using an alternative plugin?

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

What should I do if I’m not comfortable handling updates and security issues myself?

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

Share this post:

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