GiveWP Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-3714 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the GiveWP vulnerability (CVE-2024-3714), and how does it affect WordPress websites?

What is the GiveWP vulnerability (CVE-2024-3714), and how does it affect WordPress websites? The GiveWP vulnerability (CVE-2024-3714) is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw that affects the popular GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into pages that use the plugin's 'give_form' shortcode with a legacy form. When a user visits an injected page, the malicious script executes, potentially leading to sensitive information theft, website defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects all GiveWP versions up to and including 3.10.0.

Q: How can I check if my WordPress site is affected by the GiveWP vulnerability?

How can I check if my WordPress site is affected by the GiveWP vulnerability? To determine if your WordPress site is affected by the GiveWP vulnerability, first, check if you have the GiveWP plugin installed and active. If you do, navigate to the WordPress plugins page in your dashboard and look for the version number of the GiveWP plugin. If your installed version is 3.10.0 or earlier, your site is potentially vulnerable. Additionally, review your site's pages and posts, especially those with donation forms, for any suspicious scripts or unexpected behavior.

Q: What steps should I take to protect my WordPress site from the GiveWP vulnerability?

What steps should I take to protect my WordPress site from the GiveWP vulnerability? To protect your WordPress site from the GiveWP vulnerability, update the GiveWP plugin to version 3.11.0 or later, which includes a patch for the vulnerability. If you cannot update the plugin immediately, consider temporarily disabling it or using an alternative donation plugin as a precaution. After updating, thoroughly review your site's pages and posts for any signs of injected scripts or unusual behavior. Regularly keep all your WordPress plugins and core installation up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches and fixes.

Q: Can updating the GiveWP plugin to the latest version cause compatibility issues with my WordPress site?

Can updating the GiveWP plugin to the latest version cause compatibility issues with my WordPress site? In most cases, updating the GiveWP plugin to the latest version should not cause compatibility issues with your WordPress site. However, it's always a good practice to back up your website before performing any updates. If you are using a heavily customized WordPress theme or have other plugins that interact with GiveWP, it's advisable to test the update on a staging or development site first. This allows you to identify and resolve any potential compatibility issues before updating your live site.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing the GiveWP vulnerability on my WordPress site?

What are the potential consequences of not addressing the GiveWP vulnerability on my WordPress site? Failing to address the GiveWP vulnerability on your WordPress site can lead to various negative consequences. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability to inject malicious scripts, which may result in sensitive user information being stolen, such as login credentials or financial data. Furthermore, attackers may deface your website, causing damage to your brand's reputation and eroding user trust. In some cases, search engines may even blacklist your site if it is found to be compromised, significantly reducing your online visibility and traffic.

Q: How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting my WordPress site in the future?

How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting my WordPress site in the future? To minimize the risk of similar vulnerabilities affecting your WordPress site in the future, adopt a proactive approach to website security. Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to ensure you have the latest security patches and fixes. Implement strong password policies and enable two-factor authentication for all user accounts. Regularly monitor your site for any suspicious activity, and consider using security plugins or services that can detect and prevent potential threats. Additionally, educate yourself and your team about best practices for maintaining a secure WordPress site.

Q: Should I inform my website users about the GiveWP vulnerability?

Should I inform my website users about the GiveWP vulnerability? If you have determined that your WordPress site was affected by the GiveWP vulnerability and you have successfully updated the plugin and secured your site, it's generally not necessary to inform your users about the vulnerability unless you have evidence that their data was compromised. However, if you believe that user data may have been exposed or if you have received reports of suspicious activity related to your site, it's crucial to be transparent with your users. Communicate the steps you have taken to address the vulnerability and provide guidance on what users should do to protect their accounts and information.

Q: Can I continue using the GiveWP plugin after updating it to the patched version?

Can I continue using the GiveWP plugin after updating it to the patched version? Yes, you can continue using the GiveWP plugin after updating it to version 3.11.0 or later, which includes the patch for the vulnerability. The GiveWP development team has addressed the issue, and the updated version is considered secure. However, it's essential to stay informed about any future updates or security notices related to the plugin. Regularly check for new versions and apply updates promptly to maintain the security of your WordPress site.

Q: Are there any signs that my WordPress site has been compromised due to the GiveWP vulnerability?

Are there any signs that my WordPress site has been compromised due to the GiveWP vulnerability? Some signs that your WordPress site may have been compromised due to the GiveWP vulnerability include unexpected changes to your website's content or appearance, such as the addition of unfamiliar scripts or links. You may also notice a sudden decrease in website performance or receive reports from users about being redirected to suspicious websites. If you suspect your site has been compromised, immediately update the GiveWP plugin to the patched version and thoroughly review your site for any signs of malicious activity. It's also advisable to change all user passwords and check your website's access logs for any unusual behavior.

Q: What should I do if I don't have the technical expertise to update the GiveWP plugin or secure my WordPress site?

What should I do if I don't have the technical expertise to update the GiveWP plugin or secure my WordPress site? If you lack the technical expertise to update the GiveWP plugin or secure your WordPress site, it's crucial to seek assistance from a qualified professional. Consider reaching out to a reputable WordPress development or security company that can help you address the vulnerability and implement necessary security measures. Alternatively, if you have a website maintenance plan or support contract with your hosting provider or web developer, contact them for guidance and assistance. Remember, delaying the update or ignoring the vulnerability can put your website and users at risk, so it's essential to take action as soon as possible.

By Your WP Guy | May 17, 2024

Plugin Name: GiveWP

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: give
Software Status: Active
Software Author: webdevmattcrom
Software Downloads: 7,298,288
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: May 17, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.11.0
Affected Versions: <= 3.10.0

Vulnerability Details:

Name: GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform <= 3.10.0 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2024-3714
CVSS Score: 6.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: May 17, 2024
Researcher: Ngô Thiên An
Description: The GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'give_form' shortcode when used with a legacy form in all versions up to, and including, 3.10.0 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 GiveWP plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.10.0 that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts via the plugin's 'give_form' shortcode when used with a legacy form. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.11.0.

Detailed Overview:

Ngô Thiên An discovered a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's 'give_form' shortcode when used with a legacy form 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. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to, and including, 3.10.0.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update to version 3.11.0 or later to ensure their WordPress installations are secure.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your site's pages and posts for any suspicious scripts or unexpected behavior, particularly on pages with donation forms.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might still consider plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

The prompt response from the GiveWP developers to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 3.11.0 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/give

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/give/givewp-donation-plugin-and-fundraising-platform-3100-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting

Detailed Report:

In the ever-evolving world of web security, staying vigilant and keeping your WordPress site up to date is of utmost importance. The recent discovery of a vulnerability in the popular GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform plugin serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks faced by website owners. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-3714, allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject malicious scripts into your website, potentially compromising its security and putting your users' data at risk.

About the GiveWP Plugin

GiveWP is a widely-used WordPress plugin that enables website owners to accept donations and create fundraising campaigns. With over 100,000 active installations and more than 7 million downloads, it's a popular choice for many non-profit organizations and individuals seeking to raise funds through their WordPress sites.

The Vulnerability: CVE-2024-3714

Researcher Ngô Thiên An discovered a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the GiveWP plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 3.10.0. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes in the plugin's 'give_form' shortcode when used with a legacy form. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Risks and Potential Impacts

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to various malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive user information, defacing your website, or redirecting visitors to malicious sites. Attackers can use the injected scripts to perform actions on behalf of your users, potentially damaging your reputation and eroding trust in your brand. In worst-case scenarios, a compromised website may even be blacklisted by search engines, severely impacting your online visibility and traffic.

Remediation Steps

To protect your WordPress site from this vulnerability, follow these steps:

Update the GiveWP plugin to version 3.11.0 or later, which includes a patch for the vulnerability.
Review your site's pages and posts, particularly those with donation forms, for any suspicious scripts or unexpected behavior.
Consider using alternative donation plugins as a precaution, especially if you cannot update GiveWP immediately.
Regularly update all your WordPress plugins and core installation to ensure you have the latest security patches and fixes.

Previous Vulnerabilities

It's worth noting that the GiveWP plugin has had a history of vulnerabilities, with 41 reported issues since April 2015. This underscores the importance of staying informed about the plugins you use and being proactive in applying updates and patches as they become available.

The Importance of Staying Vigilant

As a small business owner, it's understandable that you may not have the time or resources to constantly monitor your website's security. However, neglecting to keep your WordPress site updated can leave it vulnerable to attacks that can have severe consequences for your business. By staying informed about potential threats, regularly updating your plugins and WordPress installation, and partnering with trusted security professionals, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercriminals.

Remember, investing in your website's security is not just about protecting your online presence; it's also about safeguarding your customers' trust and your business's reputation. By prioritizing security and staying vigilant, you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind, knowing that your website is secure and your users' data is protected.

Don't tackle WordPress security alone - the consequences of a breach are too great. At Your WP Guy, our managed WordPress maintenance services include layers of protection like auto-updates, malware scanning, firewalls and 24/7 monitoring by WordPress experts. We become your outsourced IT team.

Let's chat about migrating your site to our managed hosting so you can finally stop worrying about security issues. We'll fully audit and lock down your site as part of onboarding. Call us at 678-995-5169 to keep your business safe online.

GiveWP Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-3714 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the GiveWP vulnerability (CVE-2024-3714), and how does it affect WordPress websites?

The GiveWP vulnerability (CVE-2024-3714) is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw that affects the popular GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into pages that use the plugin's 'give_form' shortcode with a legacy form.

When a user visits an injected page, the malicious script executes, potentially leading to sensitive information theft, website defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects all GiveWP versions up to and including 3.10.0.

How can I check if my WordPress site is affected by the GiveWP vulnerability?

To determine if your WordPress site is affected by the GiveWP vulnerability, first, check if you have the GiveWP plugin installed and active. If you do, navigate to the WordPress plugins page in your dashboard and look for the version number of the GiveWP plugin.

If your installed version is 3.10.0 or earlier, your site is potentially vulnerable. Additionally, review your site's pages and posts, especially those with donation forms, for any suspicious scripts or unexpected behavior.

What steps should I take to protect my WordPress site from the GiveWP vulnerability?

To protect your WordPress site from the GiveWP vulnerability, update the GiveWP plugin to version 3.11.0 or later, which includes a patch for the vulnerability. If you cannot update the plugin immediately, consider temporarily disabling it or using an alternative donation plugin as a precaution.

After updating, thoroughly review your site's pages and posts for any signs of injected scripts or unusual behavior. Regularly keep all your WordPress plugins and core installation up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches and fixes.

Can updating the GiveWP plugin to the latest version cause compatibility issues with my WordPress site?

In most cases, updating the GiveWP plugin to the latest version should not cause compatibility issues with your WordPress site. However, it's always a good practice to back up your website before performing any updates.

If you are using a heavily customized WordPress theme or have other plugins that interact with GiveWP, it's advisable to test the update on a staging or development site first. This allows you to identify and resolve any potential compatibility issues before updating your live site.

What are the potential consequences of not addressing the GiveWP vulnerability on my WordPress site?

Failing to address the GiveWP vulnerability on your WordPress site can lead to various negative consequences. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability to inject malicious scripts, which may result in sensitive user information being stolen, such as login credentials or financial data.

Furthermore, attackers may deface your website, causing damage to your brand's reputation and eroding user trust. In some cases, search engines may even blacklist your site if it is found to be compromised, significantly reducing your online visibility and traffic.

How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting my WordPress site in the future?

To minimize the risk of similar vulnerabilities affecting your WordPress site in the future, adopt a proactive approach to website security. Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to ensure you have the latest security patches and fixes.

Implement strong password policies and enable two-factor authentication for all user accounts. Regularly monitor your site for any suspicious activity, and consider using security plugins or services that can detect and prevent potential threats. Additionally, educate yourself and your team about best practices for maintaining a secure WordPress site.

Should I inform my website users about the GiveWP vulnerability?

If you have determined that your WordPress site was affected by the GiveWP vulnerability and you have successfully updated the plugin and secured your site, it's generally not necessary to inform your users about the vulnerability unless you have evidence that their data was compromised.

However, if you believe that user data may have been exposed or if you have received reports of suspicious activity related to your site, it's crucial to be transparent with your users. Communicate the steps you have taken to address the vulnerability and provide guidance on what users should do to protect their accounts and information.

Can I continue using the GiveWP plugin after updating it to the patched version?

Yes, you can continue using the GiveWP plugin after updating it to version 3.11.0 or later, which includes the patch for the vulnerability. The GiveWP development team has addressed the issue, and the updated version is considered secure.

However, it's essential to stay informed about any future updates or security notices related to the plugin. Regularly check for new versions and apply updates promptly to maintain the security of your WordPress site.

Are there any signs that my WordPress site has been compromised due to the GiveWP vulnerability?

Some signs that your WordPress site may have been compromised due to the GiveWP vulnerability include unexpected changes to your website's content or appearance, such as the addition of unfamiliar scripts or links. You may also notice a sudden decrease in website performance or receive reports from users about being redirected to suspicious websites.

If you suspect your site has been compromised, immediately update the GiveWP plugin to the patched version and thoroughly review your site for any signs of malicious activity. It's also advisable to change all user passwords and check your website's access logs for any unusual behavior.

What should I do if I don't have the technical expertise to update the GiveWP plugin or secure my WordPress site?

If you lack the technical expertise to update the GiveWP plugin or secure your WordPress site, it's crucial to seek assistance from a qualified professional. Consider reaching out to a reputable WordPress development or security company that can help you address the vulnerability and implement necessary security measures.

Alternatively, if you have a website maintenance plan or support contract with your hosting provider or web developer, contact them for guidance and assistance. Remember, delaying the update or ignoring the vulnerability can put your website and users at risk, so it's essential to take action as soon as possible.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-3714, Cybersecurity, donation plugin, fundraising platform, givewp, Online Security, Plugin Vulnerability, security patches, Small Business, Vulnerability Remediation, Website Maintenance, Website Security, website updates, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, XSS