Events Manager Vulnerability– Calendar, Bookings, Tickets, and more! – Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0614 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report 

Plugin Name: Events Manager – Calendar, Bookings, Tickets, and more!

Key Information:

  • Software Type: Plugin
  • Software Slug: events-manager
  • Software Status: Active
  • Software Author: netweblogic
  • Software Downloads: 4,542,882
  • Active Installs: 90,000
  • Last Updated: February 28, 2024
  • Patched Versions: 6.4.7
  • Affected Versions: <= 6.4.6.4

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: Events Manager <= 6.4.6.4
  • Title: Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via settings
  • Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
  • CVE: CVE-2024-0614
  • CVSS Score: 4.4
  • Publicly Published: February 28, 2024
  • Researcher: Akbar Kustirama
  • Description: The Events Manager plugin for WordPress, a popular tool for managing events, bookings, and tickets, has been identified with a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in versions up to and including 6.4.6.4. This flaw, discovered by Akbar Kustirama, arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping within the plugin's admin settings. Consequently, authenticated users with administrator-level permissions can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts into web pages, compromising site security and integrity. This vulnerability specifically affects multi-site installations and instances where the unfiltered_html capability is disabled.

Summary:

The vulnerability in the Events Manager plugin presents a significant security risk, particularly for WordPress multi-site installations and those with restricted HTML capabilities. The plugin, integral to many WordPress sites for organizing and managing events, requires immediate attention to mitigate potential risks associated with this XSS vulnerability.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability underscores the critical need for rigorous input validation and sanitization within plugin functionalities. The absence of such measures in the Events Manager plugin's settings allows attackers to embed harmful scripts, leading to unauthorized actions or data exposure when other users access the compromised pages. The release of the patched version 6.4.7 addresses this vulnerability, ensuring enhanced security for the plugin users.

Advice for Users:

  • Immediate Action: It is crucial for administrators using the Events Manager plugin to update to the latest patched version, 6.4.7, immediately to secure their sites against this vulnerability.
  • Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Site administrators are advised to monitor their sites for unusual behavior or unauthorized content, particularly in administrative settings, to detect potential exploitation attempts.
  • Alternate Plugins: While the updated version addresses this specific security issue, users may explore other event management plugins that adhere to stringent security standards as an additional precaution.
  • Stay Updated: Regular updates of all WordPress components, including plugins, themes, and the core installation, are essential for maintaining site security and operational integrity.

Conclusion:

The swift resolution of CVE-2024-0614 within the Events Manager plugin highlights the ongoing challenges and the importance of maintaining security vigilance within the WordPress ecosystem. For WordPress site owners, especially those managing multiple sites or business platforms, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the necessity for regular updates and proactive security measures. By staying informed about potential vulnerabilities and adhering to best security practices, site administrators can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and ensure a safe online environment for their users.

References:

  • Wordfence Vulnerability Report for Events Manager
  • Wordfence Vulnerabilities Database

In today's digital landscape, the security and reliability of WordPress plugins are crucial, especially for small business owners who depend on these tools to enhance their website's functionality. The recent discovery of a significant security vulnerability in the widely used Events Manager plugin underscores the importance of vigilant plugin management. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the vulnerability, its potential impacts, and the steps needed to mitigate risks, emphasizing the ongoing necessity for up-to-date security practices.

Introduction to the Vulnerability

The Events Manager plugin, a popular solution for managing events, bookings, and tickets on WordPress sites, was found to have a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-0614. This flaw was present in versions up to and including 6.4.6.4 and was due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping within the plugin's admin settings.

Potential Impacts

This vulnerability could allow authenticated administrators to inject malicious scripts into web pages, compromising site security and integrity. Specifically, it affects multi-site installations and sites where the 'unfiltered_html' capability is restricted, posing significant risks of unauthorized actions or data exposure.

Remediation Steps

The Events Manager development team promptly addressed the issue by releasing patch version 6.4.7. Users are urged to update their plugin to this latest version to safeguard against potential exploits.

Previous Vulnerabilities

The Events Manager plugin has had a history of vulnerabilities, with 19 instances recorded since May 22, 2012. This pattern highlights the importance of regular monitoring and updating to protect against emerging threats.

Conclusion: The Importance of Vigilance

The resolution of CVE-2024-0614 within the Events Manager plugin emphasizes the critical need for ongoing vigilance in plugin security. Small business owners, in particular, must prioritize regular updates and adhere to best security practices to protect their digital assets. By staying informed and proactive, WordPress site owners can ensure a secure and reliable online presence, safeguarding their business and maintaining user 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.

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Events Manager Vulnerability– Calendar, Bookings, Tickets, and more! – Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0614 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

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