Elementor Header & Footer Builder Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-33933 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin?

What is the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin? The Elementor Header & Footer Builder is a WordPress plugin designed to help users create custom headers, footers, and blocks on their websites. Developed by brainstormforce, it is widely used due to its ease of use and flexibility. The plugin has over 30 million downloads and 2 million active installs.

Q: What is the recent vulnerability discovered in this plugin?

What is the recent vulnerability discovered in this plugin? The recent vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-33933, is a type of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) that affects versions up to 1.6.35. It allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into web pages. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses the affected page, potentially leading to data theft or site defacement.

Q: How serious is this vulnerability?

How serious is this vulnerability? This vulnerability is considered moderately serious, with a CVSS score of 6.4. The risk is heightened due to the ease with which an attacker can exploit it, requiring only contributor-level access. The potential impacts include compromised data security, unauthorized actions on the site, and damage to the site's reputation.

Q: Who discovered this vulnerability and when was it publicly disclosed?

Who discovered this vulnerability and when was it publicly disclosed? The vulnerability was discovered by a researcher named wesley and was publicly disclosed on July 1, 2024. Public disclosure means that the details of the vulnerability are available to the public, which can both alert site owners and potentially inform malicious actors.

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, verify the version of the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin installed on your site. If it is version 1.6.35 or earlier, your site may be vulnerable. Additionally, review your site's content for unexpected changes or unauthorized scripts, which could indicate an exploitation attempt.

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

What steps should I take if my site is using an affected version of the plugin? If your site uses an affected version, it is crucial to disable the plugin immediately or restrict user permissions to prevent exploitation. Monitor your site for any signs of compromise and consider consulting with a security professional. Staying updated with the latest security patches is essential once a fix is released.

Q: Are there alternative plugins to the Elementor Header & Footer Builder?

Are there alternative plugins to the Elementor Header & Footer Builder? Yes, there are alternative plugins available that offer similar functionality for creating headers, footers, and blocks. When choosing an alternative, prioritize plugins with a good security reputation and regular updates. This helps ensure that your site remains secure against known vulnerabilities.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? You should update your WordPress plugins as soon as updates are available, particularly if they include security patches. Regular updates help protect your site from newly discovered vulnerabilities and improve compatibility and performance. Using outdated plugins can leave your site exposed to security risks.

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

What other security measures can I take to protect my WordPress site? In addition to updating plugins, you should use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all user accounts. Regularly back up your site and consider using a security plugin to monitor for threats. Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated is essential for comprehensive security.

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 are valuable resources for advice and best practices in maintaining a secure website.

By Your WP Guy | July 1, 2024

Plugin name: Elementor Header & Footer Builder

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: header-footer-elementor
Software Status: Active
Software Author: brainstormforce
Software Downloads: 30,625,064
Active Installs: 2,000,000
Last Updated: July 27, 2024
Patched Versions: NA
Affected Versions: <= 1.6.35

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Elementor – Header, Footer & Blocks Template <= 1.6.35
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-33933
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: July 1, 2024
Researcher: wesley
Description: The Elementor – Header, Footer & Blocks Template plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting in versions up to, and including, 1.6.35 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Elementor – Header, Footer & Blocks Template plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.6.35 that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts, leading to potential cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability has not yet been patched in the plugin's latest available version.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability in the Elementor – Header, Footer & Blocks Template plugin was identified by a researcher known as wesley. The issue arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, which enables attackers to inject scripts into web pages. These scripts execute whenever an affected page is accessed, posing significant security risks, including data theft and site defacement. The vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its low complexity and the potential widespread impact given the plugin's large user base.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to disable the plugin or limit user roles that can access and modify plugin settings until a patch is released.

Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Look for unexpected changes or scripts on pages using the plugin, especially if you have users with contributor-level access.

Alternate Plugins: Consider using alternative plugins with similar functionality, particularly those with a strong security track record and regular updates.

Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The discovery of this vulnerability in the Elementor – Header, Footer & Blocks Template plugin highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in managing website security. Users are advised to monitor for updates and consider security audits to safeguard their sites. Staying proactive with updates and security measures is crucial to protect against such vulnerabilities.

References:

Wordfence Threat Intelligence Report on Elementor Header, Footer & Blocks Template

Detailed Report:

In the fast-paced digital world, maintaining the security of your website is essential, particularly for small business owners who may not have the time or resources to stay on top of every update. A recent vulnerability discovered in the popular Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin for WordPress, identified as CVE-2024-33933, highlights the critical importance of keeping your plugins up to date.

Plugin Overview

The Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin, developed by brainstormforce, is widely used to create custom headers, footers, and blocks on WordPress sites. With over 30 million downloads and 2 million active installs, this plugin plays a vital role in enhancing website design and functionality. However, a vulnerability has been identified in versions up to and including 1.6.35, posing significant risks to users.

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability, classified as Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting, arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. It allows authenticated users with contributor-level access to inject arbitrary scripts into web pages. These scripts execute whenever an affected page is accessed, potentially leading to data theft, site defacement, or the spread of malware. The vulnerability, discovered by a researcher named wesley, has a CVSS score of 6.4, indicating a moderate severity level.

Risks and Potential Impacts

For small business owners, the implications of such vulnerabilities are substantial. If exploited, this flaw could compromise sensitive information, damage the site's reputation, and lead to financial losses. Given the plugin's widespread use, the impact could be extensive, affecting both the site owners and their visitors.

Remediation and Safety Measures

Users are strongly advised to take immediate action by disabling the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin or restricting user roles that can modify plugin settings until a security patch is released. It is crucial to monitor your site for any unusual activities, such as unexpected changes or unauthorized scripts, which could indicate a compromise. Exploring alternative plugins with a robust security track record and regular updates is also recommended to mitigate risks.

Previous Vulnerabilities

This vulnerability is not an isolated incident. Since April 13, 2021, there have been six previous vulnerabilities associated with the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin, underscoring the need for continuous vigilance in plugin management.

Conclusion

Staying proactive about website security is not just about preventing potential attacks; it's also about safeguarding the trust and confidence of your customers. For small business owners, balancing daily operations with the technical demands of website security can be challenging. However, regular updates, security audits, and professional consultations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Ensuring that your WordPress plugins are always up to date is a fundamental step in protecting your online presence and maintaining a secure, reliable website.

If you have concerns about your website's security or need assistance, don't hesitate to seek expert help. Keeping your site secure is an ongoing process, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities is essential for the safety and success of your business.

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.

Elementor Header & Footer Builder Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-33933 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin?

What is the recent vulnerability discovered in this plugin?

The recent vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-33933, is a type of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) that affects versions up to 1.6.35. It allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into web pages. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses the affected page, potentially leading to data theft or site defacement.

How serious is this vulnerability?

Who discovered this vulnerability and when was it publicly disclosed?

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

To check if your website is affected, verify the version of the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin installed on your site. If it is version 1.6.35 or earlier, your site may be vulnerable. Additionally, review your site's content for unexpected changes or unauthorized scripts, which could indicate an exploitation attempt.

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

If your site uses an affected version, it is crucial to disable the plugin immediately or restrict user permissions to prevent exploitation. Monitor your site for any signs of compromise and consider consulting with a security professional. Staying updated with the latest security patches is essential once a fix is released.

Are there alternative plugins to the Elementor Header & Footer Builder?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

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

In addition to updating plugins, you should use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication for all user accounts. Regularly back up your site and consider using a security plugin to monitor for threats. Keeping your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated is essential for comprehensive 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 are 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-2024-33933, Cybersecurity, Digital Security, Elementor, online safety., Plugin Updates, Plugin Vulnerability, Small Business, Web Development, Website Protection, Website Security, WordPress, wordpress plugins, XSS