EmbedPress – Embed PDF, Google Docs, Vimeo, Wistia, Embed YouTube Videos, Audios, Maps & Embed Any Documents in Gutenberg & Elementor Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via PDF Widget URL – CVE-2024-1565 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the EmbedPress plugin?

What is the EmbedPress plugin? The EmbedPress plugin is a popular WordPress tool used to embed various types of media, such as PDFs, Google Docs, YouTube videos, and more, directly into your WordPress site. It supports Gutenberg and Elementor, making it a versatile choice for many users. With over 90,000 active installs and millions of downloads, it is trusted by a large user base.

Q: What is the recent vulnerability found in the plugin?

What is the recent vulnerability found in the plugin? The recent vulnerability in the EmbedPress plugin is an Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting issue, identified as CVE-2024-1565. This vulnerability allows attackers with Contributor-level access and above to inject malicious web scripts via the PDF Widget URL. These scripts execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page, posing significant security risks.

Q: How can this vulnerability impact my website?

How can this vulnerability impact my website? This vulnerability can enable unauthorized actions on behalf of users, such as altering website content or settings. Attackers might gain access to sensitive information, compromising user privacy and site security. Additionally, the integrity and functionality of your website could be compromised, leading to potential downtime or loss of user trust.

Q: What should I do to protect my website from this vulnerability?

What should I do to protect my website from this vulnerability? To protect your website, you should immediately update the EmbedPress plugin to version 3.9.11, which patches the vulnerability. Regularly checking your website for unexpected scripts and reviewing user accounts for unauthorized changes can help detect potential issues. Employing security plugins or services that automate updates and monitor for security threats can also enhance your site's protection.

Q: How do I know if my website has been affected by this vulnerability?

How do I know if my website has been affected by this vulnerability? Signs of vulnerability may include unexpected scripts on your site, changes in user accounts, or unusual website behavior. Regularly monitoring your site for such anomalies and performing security audits can help identify if your site has been compromised. If you suspect your site is affected, taking immediate action to update the plugin and consult with security professionals is advisable.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of EmbedPress?

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of EmbedPress? While the EmbedPress plugin has been patched, users might consider alternative plugins for added peace of mind. Alternatives include other well-regarded media embedding plugins that provide similar functionality. Researching and selecting plugins with a strong security track record and regular updates is essential for maintaining a secure website.

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 new versions are available, especially when updates include security patches. Regularly checking for updates and enabling automatic updates for plugins can help ensure your website remains secure. Staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities through security advisories and WordPress community updates is also beneficial.

Q: What steps can I take to improve my overall website security?

What steps can I take to improve my overall website security? Improving website security involves several steps, including keeping all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core updated. Implementing strong passwords, limiting user permissions, and using security plugins can further protect your site. Regular backups, security audits, and monitoring for suspicious activity are also critical components of a robust security strategy.

Q: Why is it important to stay informed about plugin vulnerabilities?

Why is it important to stay informed about plugin vulnerabilities? Staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities is crucial because it helps you take timely action to protect your website. Vulnerabilities can be exploited quickly, leading to potential data breaches, site defacement, or other malicious activities. Being proactive about updates and security measures can prevent these issues and maintain your website's integrity and user trust.

Q: What resources are available for small business owners to manage website security?

What resources are available for small business owners to manage website security? Small business owners can utilize various resources to manage website security, including security plugins, online security guides, and professional security services. WordPress security plugins can automate many tasks, such as updates and malware scanning, making it easier to maintain a secure site. Additionally, seeking advice from web security experts and staying engaged with the WordPress community can provide valuable insights and support.

By Your WP Guy | June 12, 2024

Plugin Name:EmbedPress – Embed PDF, Google Docs, Vimeo, Wistia, Embed YouTube Videos, Audios, Maps & Embed Any Documents in Gutenberg & Elementor

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: embedpress
Software Status: Active
Software Author: wpdevteam
Software Downloads: 2,770,513
Active Installs: 90,000
Last Updated: July 2, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.9.11
Affected Versions: <= 3.9.10

Vulnerability Details:

Name: EmbedPress <= 3.9.10
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via PDF Widget URL
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-1565
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: June 12, 2024
Researcher: RandomRoot
Description: The EmbedPress – Embed PDF, YouTube, Google Docs, Vimeo, Wistia Videos, Audios, Maps & Any Documents in Gutenberg & Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the PDF Widget URL in all versions up to, and including, 3.9.10 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The EmbedPress plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.9.10 that allows 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. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.9.11.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability in the EmbedPress plugin, identified by researcher RandomRoot, is located in the PDF Widget URL. This flaw is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, which makes it possible for authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts. These scripts will execute whenever a user accesses a page containing the injected scripts. The risks of this vulnerability include the potential for attackers to perform actions on behalf of other users, access sensitive information, and compromise site integrity. The vulnerability has been addressed in version 3.9.11.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update to the patched version 3.9.11 immediately to mitigate the vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Users should check their websites for any unexpected or suspicious scripts and review user accounts for unauthorized changes.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might consider using alternate plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid 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 3.9.11 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, ensuring the security of your website is paramount. One critical aspect of maintaining a secure website is keeping your WordPress plugins up to date. Recently, a significant security vulnerability was discovered in the EmbedPress plugin, which is widely used for embedding PDFs, Google Docs, YouTube videos, and other media into WordPress sites. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-1565, presents a serious risk to websites using versions up to and including 3.9.10.

The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access and above to exploit the PDF Widget URL, injecting arbitrary web scripts that execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page. This flaw, caused by insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, can lead to unauthorized actions on behalf of users, access to sensitive information, and compromised site integrity.

For website owners, particularly small business owners, this highlights the necessity of regular plugin updates and vigilant security practices. If you are concerned about your website’s security, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the vulnerability, the associated risks, and actionable steps you can take to protect your site. Ensuring your site is secure not only safeguards your business but also preserves the trust of your users.

Summary

Detailed Overview

Risks and Potential Impacts

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of users, such as altering content or settings. Attackers may also gain access to sensitive information, compromising user privacy and site security. Additionally, the integrity and functionality of your website could be jeopardized, leading to potential downtime or loss of user trust.

Previous Vulnerabilities

Since June 26, 2023, there have been 23 previous vulnerabilities identified in the EmbedPress plugin. This history underscores the importance of regularly updating plugins and staying informed about potential security issues.

Conclusion

The prompt response from the plugin developers to patch this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of timely updates. For small business owners with WordPress websites, staying on top of security vulnerabilities can be challenging, but it is essential for protecting your site and your customers' data. Regularly updating your plugins and being aware of security advisories can significantly reduce your risk. If you find it difficult to keep up with these updates, consider employing security plugins or services that can automate these tasks and provide peace of mind.

By staying vigilant and proactive, you can ensure the security and reliability of your website, safeguarding your business and customer trust.

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.

EmbedPress – Embed PDF, Google Docs, Vimeo, Wistia, Embed YouTube Videos, Audios, Maps & Embed Any Documents in Gutenberg & Elementor Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via PDF Widget URL – CVE-2024-1565 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the EmbedPress plugin?

The EmbedPress plugin is a popular WordPress tool used to embed various types of media, such as PDFs, Google Docs, YouTube videos, and more, directly into your WordPress site. It supports Gutenberg and Elementor, making it a versatile choice for many users. With over 90,000 active installs and millions of downloads, it is trusted by a large user base.

What is the recent vulnerability found in the plugin?

The recent vulnerability in the EmbedPress plugin is an Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting issue, identified as CVE-2024-1565. This vulnerability allows attackers with Contributor-level access and above to inject malicious web scripts via the PDF Widget URL. These scripts execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page, posing significant security risks.

How can this vulnerability impact my website?

This vulnerability can enable unauthorized actions on behalf of users, such as altering website content or settings. Attackers might gain access to sensitive information, compromising user privacy and site security. Additionally, the integrity and functionality of your website could be compromised, leading to potential downtime or loss of user trust.

What should I do to protect my website from this vulnerability?

To protect your website, you should immediately update the EmbedPress plugin to version 3.9.11, which patches the vulnerability. Regularly checking your website for unexpected scripts and reviewing user accounts for unauthorized changes can help detect potential issues. Employing security plugins or services that automate updates and monitor for security threats can also enhance your site's protection.

How do I know if my website has been affected by this vulnerability?

Signs of vulnerability may include unexpected scripts on your site, changes in user accounts, or unusual website behavior. Regularly monitoring your site for such anomalies and performing security audits can help identify if your site has been compromised. If you suspect your site is affected, taking immediate action to update the plugin and consult with security professionals is advisable.

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of EmbedPress?

While the EmbedPress plugin has been patched, users might consider alternative plugins for added peace of mind. Alternatives include other well-regarded media embedding plugins that provide similar functionality. Researching and selecting plugins with a strong security track record and regular updates is essential for maintaining a secure website.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

It is recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions are available, especially when updates include security patches. Regularly checking for updates and enabling automatic updates for plugins can help ensure your website remains secure. Staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities through security advisories and WordPress community updates is also beneficial.

What steps can I take to improve my overall website security?

Improving website security involves several steps, including keeping all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core updated. Implementing strong passwords, limiting user permissions, and using security plugins can further protect your site. Regular backups, security audits, and monitoring for suspicious activity are also critical components of a robust security strategy.

Why is it important to stay informed about plugin vulnerabilities?

Staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities is crucial because it helps you take timely action to protect your website. Vulnerabilities can be exploited quickly, leading to potential data breaches, site defacement, or other malicious activities. Being proactive about updates and security measures can prevent these issues and maintain your website's integrity and user trust.

What resources are available for small business owners to manage website security?

Small business owners can utilize various resources to manage website security, including security plugins, online security guides, and professional security services. WordPress security plugins can automate many tasks, such as updates and malware scanning, making it easier to maintain a secure site. Additionally, seeking advice from web security experts and staying engaged with the WordPress community can provide valuable insights and support.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-1565, Cybersecurity, EmbedPress, Plugin Vulnerability, small business website, Web Development, web security tips, Website Maintenance, Website Security, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, WordPress Updates