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 EmbedPress PDF Widget – CVE-2024-5571 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What exactly is the vulnerability in the EmbedPress plugin?

What exactly is the vulnerability in the EmbedPress plugin? The vulnerability in the EmbedPress plugin allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts through the 'url' attribute in the EmbedPress PDF widget. This can lead to unauthorized script execution on compromised pages, potentially compromising site security and user data.

Q: How does this vulnerability affect my WordPress website?

How does this vulnerability affect my WordPress website? This vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress websites that use the affected versions of the EmbedPress plugin. Attackers could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary scripts, which might lead to various consequences such as data theft, site defacement, or malware distribution.

Q: Who discovered this vulnerability?

Who discovered this vulnerability? The vulnerability was identified and reported by security researcher Wesley. It was publicly disclosed on June 4, 2024, highlighting the importance of prompt updates and proactive security measures for WordPress users.

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

How can I check if my site is affected by this vulnerability? You can determine if your site is affected by monitoring for any unusual or unexpected behavior, such as unauthorized scripts executing on pages where the EmbedPress PDF widget is used. Implementing the recommended updates promptly is the most effective way to mitigate the risk.

Q: What should I do if my site has been compromised?

What should I do if my site has been compromised? If you suspect that your site has been compromised due to this vulnerability, take immediate action to update the EmbedPress plugin to the patched version 4.0.2 or later. Additionally, conduct a thorough security audit to identify and remove any unauthorized scripts or malicious activity.

Q: Can I continue using the EmbedPress plugin until I update it?

Can I continue using the EmbedPress plugin until I update it? While a patch is available in version 4.0.2, it's advisable to exercise caution. Consider temporarily deactivating the EmbedPress plugin or using alternative plugins that offer similar functionalities until you can update to the latest patched version.

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

Are there any alternative plugins I can use instead of EmbedPress? Yes, several alternative plugins offer similar embedding functionalities for PDFs, Google Docs, videos, and other content types within Gutenberg and Elementor. Explore these alternatives to maintain site functionality while ensuring security.

Q: How often should I update WordPress plugins to prevent vulnerabilities?

How often should I update WordPress plugins to prevent vulnerabilities? Regularly updating WordPress plugins is crucial for maintaining site security. Aim to update plugins as soon as new versions are released, especially when security patches are included, to mitigate the risk of vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-5571.

Q: Why is it important to stay proactive about WordPress security?

Why is it important to stay proactive about WordPress security? Staying proactive about WordPress security helps protect your website from potential exploits and cyber threats. By keeping plugins updated and following best security practices, you not only safeguard your site but also maintain trust with your audience and customers.

Q: Where can I find more information about WordPress security best practices?

Where can I find more information about WordPress security best practices? For more information on WordPress security best practices, including how to secure your site and prevent vulnerabilities, refer to official WordPress documentation, security blogs, or consult with a WordPress security expert for personalized guidance.

By Your WP Guy | June 4, 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: 2,721,459
Active Installs: 90,000
Last Updated: June 18, 2024
Patched Versions:4.0.2
Affected Versions: <= 4.0.1

Vulnerability Details:

Name: EmbedPress – Embed PDF, Google Docs, Vimeo, Wistia, Embed YouTube Videos, Audios, Maps & Embed Any Documents in Gutenberg & Elementor <= 4.0.1
Type: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via EmbedPress PDF Widget
CVE: CVE-2024-5571
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: June 4, 2024
Researcher: Wesley
Description: The EmbedPress – Embed PDF, Google Docs, Vimeo, Wistia, Embed YouTube Videos, Audios, Maps & Embed Any Documents in Gutenberg & Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'url' attribute within the plugin's EmbedPress PDF widget in all versions up to, and including, 4.0.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. 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 EmbedPress – Embed PDF, Google Docs, Vimeo, Wistia, Embed YouTube Videos, Audios, Maps & Embed Any Documents in Gutenberg & Elementor plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 4.0.1 that allows authenticated contributors and above to execute arbitrary web scripts via the EmbedPress PDF widget. This vulnerability has been patched in version 4.0.2.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the 'url' attribute of the EmbedPress PDF widget. Attackers with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this to inject malicious scripts, compromising the security of affected WordPress sites. Users are urged to update to version 4.0.2 or later immediately to mitigate this risk.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the EmbedPress plugin to version 4.0.2 or later.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor site activity for unexpected behavior or injected scripts.
Alternate Plugins: Consider alternative plugins that offer similar functionalities until the update is applied.
Stay Updated: Regularly update all WordPress plugins to their latest versions to prevent vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The prompt release of version 4.0.2 by EmbedPress developers demonstrates their commitment to security. Users should prioritize updating to version 4.0.2 or newer to safeguard their WordPress installations against potential exploits.

References:

Wordfence Report

Detailed Report:

Introduction:

In today's digital landscape, the security of your website is non-negotiable. Recent findings reveal a critical vulnerability in the EmbedPress plugin, impacting WordPress sites using versions up to 4.0.1. This Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw allows authenticated contributors and higher to inject malicious scripts via the EmbedPress PDF widget. Such vulnerabilities underscore the imperative of maintaining up-to-date software to mitigate risks and safeguard your online presence.

Vulnerability Overview:

Named CVE-2024-5571, this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the 'url' attribute of the EmbedPress PDF widget. Exploitation by authenticated attackers could lead to the execution of arbitrary web scripts on compromised pages, endangering site integrity and visitor security.

Potential Impacts and Risks:

The risk associated with this vulnerability includes unauthorized script execution, potentially leading to data theft, site defacement, or malware distribution. For small business owners relying on their WordPress websites for online presence and commerce, such compromises can damage reputation and customer trust, besides financial losses.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

Since June 26, 2023, EmbedPress has addressed 22 vulnerabilities through updates, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect user data.

Conclusion:

For small business owners managing WordPress sites, staying vigilant against vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-5571 is crucial. Implementing timely updates not only secures your website but also fortifies your digital defenses against evolving threats. While the task may seem daunting, prioritizing security measures ensures continuous protection for your business and your customers.

By staying informed and proactive, you safeguard your online presence against potential exploits, maintaining the trust and integrity of your business in the digital realm.

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.