EmbedPress – Embed Various Content Types – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via EmbedPress PDF Widget – CVE-2024-2128 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-2128?

What is CVE-2024-2128? CVE-2024-2128 is a security vulnerability identified in the EmbedPress WordPress plugin, specifically in versions up to 3.9.10. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the plugin's PDF widget, compromising website security by injecting malicious scripts that execute when accessed by users.

Q: How does CVE-2024-2128 affect WordPress websites?

How does CVE-2024-2128 affect WordPress websites? Websites using affected versions of the EmbedPress plugin are at risk of security breaches due to CVE-2024-2128. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts on the site, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and distribution of malware to site visitors, undermining the site's integrity and user trust.

Q: Which versions of EmbedPress are vulnerable?

Which versions of EmbedPress are vulnerable? Versions of the EmbedPress plugin up to and including 3.9.10 are vulnerable to CVE-2024-2128. Websites using these versions are advised to update immediately to ensure their security against potential XSS attacks facilitated by this vulnerability.

Q: How can I protect my site from CVE-2024-2128?

How can I protect my site from CVE-2024-2128? To protect your site from CVE-2024-2128, update the EmbedPress plugin to version 3.9.11 or higher, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Regularly updating your WordPress plugins, themes, and core is essential for maintaining a secure online presence.

Q: Where can I find the patched version of EmbedPress?

Where can I find the patched version of EmbedPress? The patched version of EmbedPress, version 3.9.11, is available through the WordPress plugin repository. You can update the plugin directly from your WordPress dashboard by navigating to the 'Plugins' section and applying the available update for EmbedPress.

Q: What are the potential consequences of ignoring CVE-2024-2128?

What are the potential consequences of ignoring CVE-2024-2128? Ignoring CVE-2024-2128 can lead to severe security risks for your WordPress site, including unauthorized access, data breaches, and the potential spread of malware to your users. It's crucial to address this vulnerability promptly to maintain site integrity and user trust.

Q: Are there signs that my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2128?

Are there signs that my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2128? Signs of compromise due to CVE-2024-2128 might include unexpected changes to your website's content, the presence of unknown scripts, and unusual user account activities. Regularly monitoring your site can help in early detection and mitigation of potential security breaches.

Q: Can I use an alternative plugin that provides similar functionality to EmbedPress?

Can I use an alternative plugin that provides similar functionality to EmbedPress? Yes, there are several alternative plugins available that offer similar functionality to EmbedPress for embedding various content types into WordPress sites. When considering alternatives, evaluate their features, security measures, and update history to ensure you're choosing a reliable and secure option.

Q: Why is it important to keep WordPress plugins updated?

Why is it important to keep WordPress plugins updated? Keeping WordPress plugins updated is crucial for safeguarding your site against known vulnerabilities, like CVE-2024-2128. Plugin updates often include security patches, performance improvements, and new features, contributing to a secure and efficient website.

Q: What should I do if my site has already been compromised due to CVE-2024-2128?

What should I do if my site has already been compromised due to CVE-2024-2128? If you suspect your site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2128, update the EmbedPress plugin immediately to the patched version. Additionally, conduct a thorough security scan of your site, remove any malicious scripts or content, and consider consulting a cybersecurity professional to ensure your site is fully secured and restored.

By Your WP Guy | March 7, 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: 2,279,058
Active Installs: 90,000
Last Updated: March 12, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.9.11
Affected Versions: <= 3.9.10

Vulnerability Details:

Name: EmbedPress <= 3.9.10 - Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via PDF Widget
Title: Vulnerability in EmbedPress PDF Widget
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-2128
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: March 7, 2024
Researcher: Wesley
Description: EmbedPress, a plugin that enhances WordPress sites by enabling the embedding of various content types, has a vulnerability in its PDF widget. This flaw allows authenticated users with at least contributor permissions to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks by injecting malicious scripts into web pages via insufficiently sanitized and escaped user-supplied attributes.

Summary:

The flexibility of the EmbedPress plugin in embedding diverse content types directly into WordPress sites has made it a popular tool among site administrators. However, a critical vulnerability identified in versions up to 3.9.10 compromises this utility by opening doors to potential security breaches. Thankfully, the issue has been resolved in the recently released version 3.9.11, reinforcing the plugin's security framework and ensuring its safe use on WordPress sites.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by the security researcher Wesley, the vulnerability within the EmbedPress plugin underscores the vital importance of thorough input validation and output encoding in software development, especially in plugins that interact extensively with external content sources. The capacity for XSS attacks poses significant risks, including unauthorized access, data manipulation, and the distribution of malicious content, thereby endangering both site integrity and user trust. The prompt issuance of a patch by the plugin's developers underscores their commitment to user security and the plugin's reliability.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users should immediately upgrade their EmbedPress plugin to version 3.9.11 through the WordPress dashboard to safeguard against this vulnerability. Ensuring that your installation is up-to-date is crucial in maintaining site security.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly inspect your website for unexpected or suspicious behavior, particularly in areas where embedded content is displayed, as this might indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version addresses this specific issue, exploring alternative embedding plugins could provide additional features or security benefits, depending on your site's needs.
Stay Updated: Consistently keeping all site components, including themes, plugins, and the WordPress core, updated is essential in protecting against known vulnerabilities and enhancing site performance.

Conclusion:

The identification and resolution of CVE-2024-2128 within the EmbedPress plugin serve as a critical reminder of the ongoing cybersecurity threats in the digital realm. For WordPress site administrators, particularly those managing small businesses or personal blogs with limited IT resources, recognizing the importance of regular updates and cybersecurity best practices is paramount. Proactively securing digital assets ensures not only the operational integrity of online platforms but also the preservation of user confidence and trust.

References:

Navigating the Digital Landscape: The Crucial Balance Between Functionality and Security

In the realm of WordPress, plugins like EmbedPress have transformed the way we integrate diverse content into our websites, offering unparalleled ease and efficiency. EmbedPress, with its robust capabilities for embedding PDFs, Google Docs, Vimeo videos, YouTube content, and more, has become an indispensable tool for over 90,000 websites. Yet, the discovery of CVE-2024-2128 casts a spotlight on the delicate equilibrium between the added functionality of plugins and the imperative of maintaining digital security.

Unveiling the Vulnerability: CVE-2024-2128

CVE-2024-2128 presents a significant challenge, identified within the EmbedPress PDF widget, affecting versions up to 3.9.10. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, permitting authenticated users with contributor-level access to launch Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Such attacks could lead to the execution of arbitrary web scripts, potentially compromising site security and endangering user data.

The Implications of CVE-2024-2128

The impact of CVE-2024-2128 extends beyond mere technical glitches, posing tangible threats to website integrity and user trust. The ability for malicious scripts to be injected and executed within a site can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and a host of other security concerns, underscoring the critical nature of this vulnerability.

Addressing the Threat: Remediation and Updates

In response to the discovery of CVE-2024-2128 by security researcher Wesley on March 7, 2024, the wpdevteam acted swiftly to release a patched version of the plugin, 3.9.11, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by this vulnerability. This prompt action underscores the developers' dedication to user safety and the reliability of their plugin.

Best Practices for Users: Vigilance and Proactivity

For WordPress site administrators, especially those managing small business websites with constrained IT resources, the emergence of CVE-2024-2128 serves as a vital reminder of the importance of vigilance in plugin management. Regular updates are not merely routine maintenance; they are essential measures to safeguard against known vulnerabilities, ensuring the security and performance of your site.

The Ongoing Battle Against Digital Threats

The landscape of digital security is fraught with challenges, yet armed with knowledge and a proactive approach to updates, WordPress site owners can navigate this terrain with confidence. Regularly updating plugins like EmbedPress is not just about accessing new features; it's a critical defense strategy against the ever-evolving threats in the digital realm. For small business owners, this commitment to digital upkeep is paramount, ensuring the safety, integrity, and trustworthiness of their online presence in an increasingly complex digital ecosystem.

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 Various Content Types – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via EmbedPress PDF Widget – CVE-2024-2128 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-2128?

CVE-2024-2128 is a security vulnerability identified in the EmbedPress WordPress plugin, specifically in versions up to 3.9.10. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the plugin's PDF widget, compromising website security by injecting malicious scripts that execute when accessed by users.

How does CVE-2024-2128 affect WordPress websites?

Websites using affected versions of the EmbedPress plugin are at risk of security breaches due to CVE-2024-2128. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts on the site, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, and distribution of malware to site visitors, undermining the site's integrity and user trust.

Which versions of EmbedPress are vulnerable?

How can I protect my site from CVE-2024-2128?

Where can I find the patched version of EmbedPress?

What are the potential consequences of ignoring CVE-2024-2128?

Are there signs that my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2128?

Can I use an alternative plugin that provides similar functionality to EmbedPress?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins available that offer similar functionality to EmbedPress for embedding various content types into WordPress sites. When considering alternatives, evaluate their features, security measures, and update history to ensure you're choosing a reliable and secure option.

Why is it important to keep WordPress plugins updated?

What should I do if my site has already been compromised due to CVE-2024-2128?

If you suspect your site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2128, update the EmbedPress plugin immediately to the patched version. Additionally, conduct a thorough security scan of your site, remove any malicious scripts or content, and consider consulting a cybersecurity professional to ensure your site is fully secured and restored.

Share this post:

X (Twitter) Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Pocket SMS

Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged content embedding, Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-2128, Digital Security, EmbedPress vulnerability, Plugin Updates, Site Integrity, website safety, wordpress security, XSS vulnerability