Everest Forms Vulnerability- Unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery via font_url – CVE-2024-1812 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-1812?

What is CVE-2024-1812? CVE-2024-1812 refers to a security vulnerability identified in the Everest Forms plugin for WordPress. This flaw is classified as an unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) issue, which allows attackers to send web requests from the affected site to any location on the internet, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of internal systems. The vulnerability is significant due to the wide usage of Everest Forms, impacting numerous websites. It underscores the importance of maintaining updated software to safeguard against potential security threats.

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

How do I know if my website is affected by this vulnerability? If your website uses the Everest Forms plugin and you haven't updated it to version 2.0.8 or higher, your site is potentially at risk. Versions up to and including 2.0.7 are vulnerable to this specific SSRF issue. To confirm, you can check the version of Everest Forms installed on your WordPress site through the Plugins section in your WordPress dashboard. If the version is 2.0.7 or lower, it's crucial to update the plugin immediately.

Q: How can I update Everest Forms to secure my website?

How can I update Everest Forms to secure my website? Updating Everest Forms is straightforward. Access your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Plugins section, and find Everest Forms in the list of installed plugins. If an update is available, you will see an option to update the plugin to the latest version. Before updating, ensure you back up your website to prevent any potential data loss. Once backed up, proceed with the update to ensure your site is protected against this vulnerability.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I can use if I don't want to continue with Everest Forms?

Are there alternative plugins I can use if I don't want to continue with Everest Forms? Yes, there are several alternative form builder plugins available for WordPress that offer similar functionalities to Everest Forms. Popular options include WPForms, Contact Form 7, and Gravity Forms. Each has its unique features and user interface, so you may want to explore a few to find the best fit for your website's needs. When choosing an alternative, consider the plugin's security history, user reviews, and the frequency of updates to ensure you select a reliable and well-supported option.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability? Ignoring this vulnerability could expose your website to various security risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of website content, and potentially, a full site takeover by malicious actors. This can lead to significant reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and possible legal and financial repercussions. Addressing vulnerabilities promptly is critical in maintaining the integrity and security of your digital presence, especially for small businesses that might not have the resources to recover from a severe security breach.

Q: How often should I check for updates on my WordPress plugins?

How often should I check for updates on my WordPress plugins? It's good practice to check for plugin updates at least once a week. WordPress often notifies administrators of available updates through the dashboard, making it easier to keep track of new versions. Regular updates not only address security vulnerabilities but also introduce new features and improvements. For businesses with limited time, consider setting up automatic updates for plugins or working with a managed WordPress hosting service that can handle updates and security monitoring on your behalf.

Q: What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)?

What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)? Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a security vulnerability that allows an attacker to send crafted requests from a vulnerable server to other systems. This can lead to unauthorized actions, such as accessing internal services, manipulating server-side actions, and potentially exfiltrating sensitive data. SSRF vulnerabilities exploit the trust that a server has in its environment, turning it into a proxy for conducting attacks against internal systems or third-party services.

Q: Has Everest Forms had other security issues in the past?

Has Everest Forms had other security issues in the past? Yes, Everest Forms has had four previous vulnerabilities reported since July 2019. These incidents underline the importance of continual vigilance and regular updates as part of a comprehensive security strategy. While past vulnerabilities can be a concern, the developers' responsiveness to address such issues promptly is also an important factor to consider when evaluating the security of a plugin.

Q: Can updating Everest Forms cause issues with my website?

Can updating Everest Forms cause issues with my website? While updates are crucial for security, they can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with other plugins or themes. To mitigate this risk, it's advisable to perform updates on a staging site first, if possible. This allows you to test the new version without affecting your live website. If a staging site isn't an option, ensure you have a recent backup before updating, so you can restore the previous state if any issues arise.

Q: How can I enhance the overall security of my WordPress website?

How can I enhance the overall security of my WordPress website? Beyond keeping plugins and themes updated, implementing a few additional security measures can significantly enhance your site's security. These include using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, regularly scanning your site for vulnerabilities, and employing a web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious traffic. For small business owners with limited time, partnering with a managed WordPress hosting provider or a cybersecurity firm can offer peace of mind by handling these security measures on your behalf.

By Your WP Guy | March 15, 2024

Plugin Name: Everest Forms – Build Contact Forms, Surveys, Polls, Quizzes, Newsletter & Application Forms, and Many More with Ease!

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: everest-forms
Software Status: Active
Software Author: wpeverest
Software Downloads: 5,605,349
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: March 19, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.0.8
Affected Versions: <= 2.0.7

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Everest Forms <= 2.0.7
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-1812
CVSS Score: 7.2
Publicly Published: March 15, 2024
Researcher: hir0ot
Description: The Everest Forms plugin for WordPress is susceptible to a Server-Side Request Forgery vulnerability in all versions up to and including 2.0.7 via the 'font_url' parameter. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to initiate web requests from the application to arbitrary locations, potentially querying and modifying data from internal services.

Summary:

The Everest Forms plugin for WordPress harbors a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.0.7 that enables unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery via the 'font_url' parameter. This vulnerability has been rectified in version 2.0.8.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability was identified by the researcher hir0ot and exists due to improper validation of the 'font_url' parameter within the Everest Forms plugin. This weakness allows attackers to send crafted web requests from the server, potentially accessing and manipulating internal network resources. The risks associated with this vulnerability include unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential manipulation of internal systems without authentication.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update Everest Forms to version 2.0.8 immediately.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review server logs for any unusual web requests or activity that may indicate exploitation.
Alternate Plugins: While the patch is available, considering alternative form plugins may serve as a precautionary measure.
Stay Updated: Regularly updating all WordPress plugins to their latest versions is crucial to maintaining security and preventing vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The swift action by the developers of Everest Forms to release a patch for this vulnerability highlights the importance of regular software updates. To safeguard WordPress sites, users must ensure they are running version 2.0.8 or later of the Everest Forms plugin.

References:

Wordfence Threat Intel on Everest Forms Vulnerabilities

Detailed Report:

In the fast-paced digital age, the security of your online presence is paramount, especially for small business owners who juggle numerous responsibilities daily. The recent discovery of a significant vulnerability within the Everest Forms plugin for WordPress highlights the critical need for vigilance and the importance of keeping your website's components up-to-date. Let's delve into the specifics of this issue and outline steps to ensure your website remains secure, without overwhelming your already packed schedule.

Everest Forms Plugin: A Cornerstone of WordPress Functionality

Everest Forms is a widely acclaimed plugin, empowering WordPress users to effortlessly create various forms such as contact forms, surveys, and newsletters. With over 5,605,349 downloads and 100,000 active installations, its impact and utility in the WordPress ecosystem are undeniable. Maintained by wpeverest, the plugin's popularity underscores its utility across a broad spectrum of websites.

The Vulnerability: A Gateway for Unwanted Intruders

The vulnerability in question, cataloged as CVE-2024-1812, pertains to versions of Everest Forms up to and including 2.0.7. It involves an unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) via the 'font_url' parameter, allowing attackers to send requests from your website to any location on the internet. This can lead to unauthorized access to internal systems and sensitive information. The CVSS score of 7.2 signifies its high severity, with the flaw publicly disclosed on March 15, 2024, by a researcher known as hir0ot.

Risks and Potential Impacts

The exploitation of this vulnerability could have dire consequences, including the leakage of confidential data, unauthorized manipulation of website content, and potentially even a complete takeover of the website. For a small business, such breaches can result in financial loss, erosion of customer trust, and significant reputational damage.

Remediation: Securing Your Digital Front

Thankfully, the developers of Everest Forms acted swiftly to address this issue, releasing a patched version 2.0.8. The immediate step for website owners is to update the Everest Forms plugin to this latest version. Additionally, regularly reviewing server logs for unusual activity and considering alternate plugins as a precaution can further bolster your website's defenses.

Previous Vulnerabilities: A Pattern of Alerts

It's worth noting that this is not the first vulnerability discovered in Everest Forms; there have been four others since July 2019. This pattern serves as a reminder of the ever-present nature of security threats in the digital world and the need for continuous monitoring and updates.

The Bottom Line for Busy Entrepreneurs

For small business owners, the prospect of constantly monitoring for such vulnerabilities may seem daunting. However, the reality is that the security of your digital assets is too critical to overlook. Implementing a routine schedule for checking and updating your website's plugins and themes can mitigate the risk of security breaches. Moreover, leveraging managed WordPress hosting services or engaging with cybersecurity professionals can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your business while experts handle the technicalities of website security.

In conclusion, while the digital landscape offers boundless opportunities for growth and engagement, it also presents numerous security challenges. Staying informed, proactive, and prepared is essential. By taking the steps outlined above and considering professional assistance for website maintenance, small business owners can secure their online presence against the evolving threats of the digital world.

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.

Everest Forms Vulnerability- Unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery via font_url – CVE-2024-1812 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-1812?

CVE-2024-1812 refers to a security vulnerability identified in the Everest Forms plugin for WordPress. This flaw is classified as an unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) issue, which allows attackers to send web requests from the affected site to any location on the internet, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of internal systems.

The vulnerability is significant due to the wide usage of Everest Forms, impacting numerous websites. It underscores the importance of maintaining updated software to safeguard against potential security threats.

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

If your website uses the Everest Forms plugin and you haven't updated it to version 2.0.8 or higher, your site is potentially at risk. Versions up to and including 2.0.7 are vulnerable to this specific SSRF issue.

To confirm, you can check the version of Everest Forms installed on your WordPress site through the Plugins section in your WordPress dashboard. If the version is 2.0.7 or lower, it's crucial to update the plugin immediately.

How can I update Everest Forms to secure my website?

Updating Everest Forms is straightforward. Access your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Plugins section, and find Everest Forms in the list of installed plugins. If an update is available, you will see an option to update the plugin to the latest version.

Before updating, ensure you back up your website to prevent any potential data loss. Once backed up, proceed with the update to ensure your site is protected against this vulnerability.

Are there alternative plugins I can use if I don't want to continue with Everest Forms?

Yes, there are several alternative form builder plugins available for WordPress that offer similar functionalities to Everest Forms. Popular options include WPForms, Contact Form 7, and Gravity Forms. Each has its unique features and user interface, so you may want to explore a few to find the best fit for your website's needs.

When choosing an alternative, consider the plugin's security history, user reviews, and the frequency of updates to ensure you select a reliable and well-supported option.

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

Ignoring this vulnerability could expose your website to various security risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of website content, and potentially, a full site takeover by malicious actors. This can lead to significant reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and possible legal and financial repercussions.

Addressing vulnerabilities promptly is critical in maintaining the integrity and security of your digital presence, especially for small businesses that might not have the resources to recover from a severe security breach.

How often should I check for updates on my WordPress plugins?

It's good practice to check for plugin updates at least once a week. WordPress often notifies administrators of available updates through the dashboard, making it easier to keep track of new versions. Regular updates not only address security vulnerabilities but also introduce new features and improvements.

For businesses with limited time, consider setting up automatic updates for plugins or working with a managed WordPress hosting service that can handle updates and security monitoring on your behalf.

What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)?

Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a security vulnerability that allows an attacker to send crafted requests from a vulnerable server to other systems. This can lead to unauthorized actions, such as accessing internal services, manipulating server-side actions, and potentially exfiltrating sensitive data.

SSRF vulnerabilities exploit the trust that a server has in its environment, turning it into a proxy for conducting attacks against internal systems or third-party services.

Has Everest Forms had other security issues in the past?

Yes, Everest Forms has had four previous vulnerabilities reported since July 2019. These incidents underline the importance of continual vigilance and regular updates as part of a comprehensive security strategy.

While past vulnerabilities can be a concern, the developers' responsiveness to address such issues promptly is also an important factor to consider when evaluating the security of a plugin.

Can updating Everest Forms cause issues with my website?

While updates are crucial for security, they can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with other plugins or themes. To mitigate this risk, it's advisable to perform updates on a staging site first, if possible. This allows you to test the new version without affecting your live website.

If a staging site isn't an option, ensure you have a recent backup before updating, so you can restore the previous state if any issues arise.

How can I enhance the overall security of my WordPress website?

Beyond keeping plugins and themes updated, implementing a few additional security measures can significantly enhance your site's security. These include using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, regularly scanning your site for vulnerabilities, and employing a web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious traffic.

For small business owners with limited time, partnering with a managed WordPress hosting provider or a cybersecurity firm can offer peace of mind by handling these security measures on your behalf.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-1812, Cybersecurity, Digital Security, Everest Forms vulnerability, Plugin Updates, small business website, unauthenticated SSRF, Website Maintenance, wordpress plugins, wordpress security

Plugin Name: Everest Forms – Build Contact Forms, Surveys, Polls, Quizzes, Newsletter & Application Forms, and Many More with Ease!

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Everest Forms Plugin: A Cornerstone of WordPress Functionality

The Vulnerability: A Gateway for Unwanted Intruders

Risks and Potential Impacts

Remediation: Securing Your Digital Front

Previous Vulnerabilities: A Pattern of Alerts

The Bottom Line for Busy Entrepreneurs

Staying Secure

Everest Forms Vulnerability- Unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery via font_url – CVE-2024-1812 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-1812?

What is CVE-2024-1812?

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

How can I update Everest Forms to secure my website?

Are there alternative plugins I can use if I don't want to continue with Everest Forms?

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

How often should I check for updates on my WordPress plugins?

What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)?

Has Everest Forms had other security issues in the past?

Can updating Everest Forms cause issues with my website?

How can I enhance the overall security of my WordPress website?

How can I enhance the overall security of my WordPress website?

Share this post:

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