Essential Addons for Elementor Vulnerability- Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Data Table – CVE-2024-1537 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-1537?

What is CVE-2024-1537? CVE-2024-1537 refers to a security vulnerability found in the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin versions up to 5.9.9. This flaw allows authenticated users with at least contributor-level access to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the Data Table widget by injecting malicious scripts that run when another user views the affected page.

Q: How does CVE-2024-1537 affect my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-1537 affect my WordPress site? This vulnerability compromises the security of your WordPress site by allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code. Such actions can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and manipulation of website content, posing significant risks to your site's integrity and the privacy of your users.

Q: How can I fix the CVE-2024-1537 vulnerability?

How can I fix the CVE-2024-1537 vulnerability? To address this vulnerability, update your Essential Addons for Elementor plugin to version 5.9.10 or later. This patched version includes the necessary fixes to eliminate the security risk. Always ensure your plugins are updated to the latest versions to maintain site security.

Q: How do I check if my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1537?

How do I check if my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1537? Inspect your site for unexpected changes, especially in areas where the Data Table widget is used. Look for unusual script insertions or content alterations. Regular monitoring and utilizing security plugins can help detect and mitigate unauthorized activities on your site.

Q: Are there alternatives to Essential Addons for Elementor that I should consider?

Are there alternatives to Essential Addons for Elementor that I should consider? While the patched version of Essential Addons for Elementor is secure, exploring alternative plugins might suit your specific needs better or offer additional features. Ensure any alternatives are reputable and regularly updated for security and functionality.

Q: What are the signs of a Stored Cross-Site Scripting attack?

What are the signs of a Stored Cross-Site Scripting attack? Signs of an XSS attack include unexpected pop-ups, unauthorized redirections, altered website content, or strange scripts within your web pages. These indicators suggest that malicious scripts might be executing due to a vulnerability like CVE-2024-1537.

Q: How can I ensure my WordPress plugins are secure?

How can I ensure my WordPress plugins are secure? Regularly update all your WordPress components, including plugins and themes. Choose reputable plugins with strong security track records and active development teams. Consider using security plugins to monitor and protect your site.

Q: What should I do if I find my site has been affected by CVE-2024-1537?

What should I do if I find my site has been affected by CVE-2024-1537? If you suspect your site has been compromised, immediately update the vulnerable plugin and scan your site for malware. Consider consulting with cybersecurity professionals to assess and remediate any damage and to strengthen your site's security posture.

Q: How often do WordPress plugins get security updates?

How often do WordPress plugins get security updates? WordPress plugin developers release security updates as needed. When a vulnerability is discovered, developers work to patch it swiftly. It's crucial to apply updates promptly to protect your site from newly discovered vulnerabilities.

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

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities? Keeping abreast of security vulnerabilities and applying timely updates is crucial to safeguarding your digital assets against cyber threats. Regular maintenance ensures the integrity and trustworthiness of your website, protecting both you and your users from potential harm.

By Your WP Guy | March 11, 2024

Plugin Name: Essential Addons for Elementor – Best Elementor Templates, Widgets, Kits & WooCommerce Builders

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: essential-addons-for-elementor-lite
Software Status: Active
Software Author: wpdevteam
Software Downloads: 67,142,962
Active Installs: 2,000,000
Last Updated: March 13, 2024
Patched Versions: 5.9.10
Affected Versions: <= 5.9.9

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Essential Addons for Elementor <= 5.9.9
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Data Table
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-1537
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: March 11, 2024
Researcher: Wesley
Description: The plugin is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) through its Data Table widget due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping. Authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious scripts that execute when another user views the affected page.

Summary:

The widely-used Essential Addons for Elementor plugin has been found vulnerable in versions up to 5.9.9, allowing for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks through the Data Table widget. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-1537, endangers website integrity and user safety but has been rectified in version 5.9.10.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by security researcher Wesley, CVE-2024-1537 highlights the critical need for stringent input sanitization in web applications, particularly those providing user input functionalities. The exploitability of this vulnerability by authenticated users underscores the importance of role-based access controls and robust security measures in plugin development.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin to version 5.9.10 immediately to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2024-1537.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly audit your site for unexpected content changes or functionalities, which may indicate the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version is secure, exploring alternative Elementor addons may provide additional security or functionality benefits.
Stay Updated: Ensure all WordPress components, including plugins, themes, and core installations, are up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The timely resolution of CVE-2024-1537 within Essential Addons for Elementor reaffirms the ongoing importance of cybersecurity vigilance in the WordPress community. For website administrators, particularly those overseeing sites for small businesses, the proactive management of software updates is vital in safeguarding digital assets against evolving threats.

References:

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the security of WordPress plugins remains a paramount concern, especially for widely-used plugins that enhance site functionality. A recent security vulnerability identified in the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin underscores the necessity of regular updates and diligent cybersecurity practices. With over 67 million downloads and active installations on 2 million sites, the potential impact of this vulnerability is extensive, affecting versions up to 5.9.9.

About the Plugin:

Essential Addons for Elementor is a popular plugin that expands the capabilities of the Elementor page builder, offering additional widgets and features for WordPress websites. Developed by wpdevteam, this plugin has become a staple for many website owners seeking to enhance their site's design and functionality.

Vulnerability Details:

The vulnerability, CVE-2024-1537, was discovered by security researcher Wesley and publicly reported on March 11, 2024. It involves a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue within the Data Table widget of the plugin, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping allow authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts. These scripts could then be executed by other users, compromising site integrity and user data.

Risks and Impacts:

Stored XSS vulnerabilities like this one pose significant risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive information, website defacement, and the potential distribution of malware to unsuspecting site visitors. Given the plugin's extensive user base, the implications of such a vulnerability cannot be understated.

Remediation:

To address this vulnerability, the plugin's developers released version 5.9.10, which implements necessary security measures to prevent such attacks. Users of the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin are strongly advised to update to this latest version to safeguard their sites.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

This is not the first vulnerability reported for the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin; there have been 17 previous instances since April 13, 2021. This history emphasizes the importance of ongoing vigilance and regular updates to maintain security.

Conclusion:

The discovery and prompt resolution of CVE-2024-1537 serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in maintaining a secure and trustworthy online presence. For small business owners and WordPress site administrators, staying informed about vulnerabilities and applying timely updates are indispensable practices. In a digital environment where threats continuously evolve, proactive security measures are the key to safeguarding your website and its users.

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.