GiveWP Vulnerability – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform – Authenticated Contributor+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode – CVE-2024-1957 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-1957?

What is CVE-2024-1957? CVE-2024-1957 is a security vulnerability identified in the GiveWP Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform for WordPress. This vulnerability allowed authenticated users, such as those with contributor access, to inject arbitrary web scripts via the 'give_form' shortcode. These scripts could execute malicious actions on a website, such as stealing user data or redirecting visitors to harmful sites.

Q: How does CVE-2024-1957 affect my website?

How does CVE-2024-1957 affect my website? If you use the GiveWP plugin on your WordPress site, this vulnerability could allow attackers to compromise the security of your website by executing stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Such attacks could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of website content, or redirection of your visitors to malicious websites, ultimately undermining your website’s integrity and the trust of your visitors.

Q: What versions of the GiveWP plugin are affected?

What versions of the GiveWP plugin are affected? The vulnerability affects all versions of the GiveWP plugin up to and including version 3.6.1. Websites running any of these versions are at risk and should update to version 3.7.0 immediately, which includes the necessary patches to fix the vulnerability.

Q: How do I update the GiveWP plugin to secure my site?

How do I update the GiveWP plugin to secure my site? To update the GiveWP plugin, log into your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section, and find the GiveWP plugin listed among your installed plugins. If an update is available, you will see an option to update the plugin. It is always a good practice to back up your website before performing any updates to avoid data loss in the event of a complication.

Q: Are there safer alternatives to the GiveWP plugin?

Are there safer alternatives to the GiveWP plugin? While the GiveWP plugin is popular for WordPress donations, there are other plugins available that you might consider if you're looking for alternatives with potentially different security features. Some notable alternatives include Charitable, WP Charitable, and Donorbox. Each plugin has its own set of features and security measures, so it's important to review and compare these before making a decision.

Q: What immediate actions should I take if I suspect my site has been compromised?

What immediate actions should I take if I suspect my site has been compromised? If you suspect that your site has been compromised due to this vulnerability, immediately update the plugin to the latest version to close the security gap. Next, review your site for any unusual activity or unauthorized changes. It’s also advisable to reset passwords and audit user roles to ensure no unauthorized changes were made. Consulting with a cybersecurity expert can provide additional insights and remediation steps.

Q: How often should WordPress plugins be updated?

How often should WordPress plugins be updated? WordPress plugins should be updated regularly, as updates not only bring new features but also often include patches for security vulnerabilities. It’s critical to install updates as soon as they are released, especially if they address security issues. Setting up automatic updates for plugins can help ensure that you’re always running the most secure versions.

Q: What is stored cross-site scripting (XSS)?

What is stored cross-site scripting (XSS)? Stored cross-site scripting, or stored XSS, is a type of security breach where an attacker injects malicious scripts into a website, which are then saved to the website’s database. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses the infected page, potentially stealing cookies, session tokens, or performing malicious actions that can compromise the security of the site and its users.

Q: How can I ensure my WordPress site is secure?

How can I ensure my WordPress site is secure? Ensuring your WordPress site is secure involves regularly updating all software, including plugins and themes, to their latest versions. Employ strong passwords, use security plugins to monitor threats, and configure website firewalls. Regularly scanning your website for vulnerabilities and educating yourself on the latest security practices are also key to maintaining a secure website.

Q: Why is it important to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1957?

Why is it important to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1957? Staying informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1957 is crucial because it helps you understand the risks to your website and the steps needed to mitigate them. Awareness enables you to act swiftly to patch vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers, thereby protecting your site’s data and maintaining the trust of your users. In the digital world, proactive security management is essential for safeguarding your online presence against evolving threats.

By Your WP Guy | April 12, 2024

Plugin Name: GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: give
Software Status: Active
Software Author: webdevmattcrom
Software Downloads: 7,093,144
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: April 25, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.7.0
Affected Versions: <= 3.6.1

Vulnerability Details:

Name: GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform <= 3.6.1
Title: Authenticated Contributor+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-1957
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: April 12, 2024
Researcher: Ngô Thiên An (ancorn_) - VNPT-VCI
Description: The GiveWP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via the 'give_form' shortcode. This flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, allowing authenticated attackers with contributor-level or higher permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses an injected page, potentially compromising user data or manipulating page content.

Summary:

The GiveWP plugin for WordPress has disclosed a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.6.1 that permits authenticated users with contributor-level or higher permissions to exploit stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities through its shortcode functionality. This critical issue has been addressed in the latest patch, version 3.7.0.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability, identified by researcher Ngô Thiên An from VNPT-VCI and published on April 12, 2024, represents a significant security risk, particularly for websites relying on the GiveWP plugin for fundraising and donations. The vulnerability could be exploited to perform malicious actions such as stealing cookies, session tokens, or even redirecting donors to malicious websites, thereby undermining the trust and integrity of the fundraising platform. The patched version 3.7.0 corrects this by enhancing the input validation and escape mechanisms, ensuring that the shortcode attributes are properly sanitized before being processed.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users of the GiveWP plugin should immediately update to version 3.7.0 to mitigate this vulnerability and prevent potential exploits.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should monitor their website logs and check for any unusual activities or unauthorized script executions that could indicate past exploitations.
Alternate Plugins: While the current patch resolves the issue, users concerned about security might evaluate other fundraising plugins that have robust security measures in place.
Stay Updated: Maintaining up-to-date versions of all WordPress plugins is crucial in protecting your site against known vulnerabilities and enhancing site functionality.

Conclusion:

The prompt update provided by the developers of GiveWP following the discovery of this XSS vulnerability highlights the importance of quick and effective responses in the digital security landscape. Website administrators, particularly those managing donation platforms, are reminded of the critical need to keep their software updated and to implement comprehensive security practices to safeguard donor information and maintain trust.

References:

Detailed Report:

The integrity of digital platforms is crucial, especially for non-profit organizations that rely heavily on online donations. A recent security flaw in the GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform, which is utilized by over 100,000 websites, highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining secure digital environments. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-1957, allowed users with basic contributor access to manipulate web pages by injecting malicious scripts via the plugin's shortcode, posing significant risks to site security and user data.

Summary:

The identified security issue in versions up to and including 3.6.1 of GiveWP enabled lower-level users to execute unauthorized code through the platform's shortcode system. Addressing this, the developers have released an update in version 3.7.0, which rectifies the input validation flaw.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered and reported by Ngô Thiên An of VNPT-VCI, this vulnerability posed a significant threat by allowing simple contributor roles to inject scripts that could alter the behavior of web pages or steal private information from unsuspecting visitors. Such vulnerabilities could drastically undermine user trust and the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns. Thankfully, with the introduction of version 3.7.0, enhanced security protocols now prevent such exploits, ensuring that shortcode inputs are thoroughly sanitized.

Conclusion:

This swift resolution following the discovery of CVE-2024-1957 by GiveWP's developers emphasizes the importance of rapid update deployment in the digital security ecosystem. For site administrators, especially those in charge of handling sensitive information like donations, staying updated is non-negotiable. It's crucial for protecting not just your data but also the trust and safety of your 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.

GiveWP Vulnerability – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform – Authenticated Contributor+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode – CVE-2024-1957 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-1957?

CVE-2024-1957 is a security vulnerability identified in the GiveWP Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform for WordPress. This vulnerability allowed authenticated users, such as those with contributor access, to inject arbitrary web scripts via the 'give_form' shortcode. These scripts could execute malicious actions on a website, such as stealing user data or redirecting visitors to harmful sites.

How does CVE-2024-1957 affect my website?

If you use the GiveWP plugin on your WordPress site, this vulnerability could allow attackers to compromise the security of your website by executing stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Such attacks could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of website content, or redirection of your visitors to malicious websites, ultimately undermining your website’s integrity and the trust of your visitors.

What versions of the GiveWP plugin are affected?

How do I update the GiveWP plugin to secure my site?

To update the GiveWP plugin, log into your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section, and find the GiveWP plugin listed among your installed plugins. If an update is available, you will see an option to update the plugin. It is always a good practice to back up your website before performing any updates to avoid data loss in the event of a complication.

Are there safer alternatives to the GiveWP plugin?

While the GiveWP plugin is popular for WordPress donations, there are other plugins available that you might consider if you're looking for alternatives with potentially different security features. Some notable alternatives include Charitable, WP Charitable, and Donorbox. Each plugin has its own set of features and security measures, so it's important to review and compare these before making a decision.

What immediate actions should I take if I suspect my site has been compromised?

If you suspect that your site has been compromised due to this vulnerability, immediately update the plugin to the latest version to close the security gap. Next, review your site for any unusual activity or unauthorized changes. It’s also advisable to reset passwords and audit user roles to ensure no unauthorized changes were made. Consulting with a cybersecurity expert can provide additional insights and remediation steps.

How often should WordPress plugins be updated?

WordPress plugins should be updated regularly, as updates not only bring new features but also often include patches for security vulnerabilities. It’s critical to install updates as soon as they are released, especially if they address security issues. Setting up automatic updates for plugins can help ensure that you’re always running the most secure versions.

What is stored cross-site scripting (XSS)?

Stored cross-site scripting, or stored XSS, is a type of security breach where an attacker injects malicious scripts into a website, which are then saved to the website’s database. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses the infected page, potentially stealing cookies, session tokens, or performing malicious actions that can compromise the security of the site and its users.

How can I ensure my WordPress site is secure?

Ensuring your WordPress site is secure involves regularly updating all software, including plugins and themes, to their latest versions. Employ strong passwords, use security plugins to monitor threats, and configure website firewalls. Regularly scanning your website for vulnerabilities and educating yourself on the latest security practices are also key to maintaining a secure website.

Why is it important to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1957?

Staying informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1957 is crucial because it helps you understand the risks to your website and the steps needed to mitigate them. Awareness enables you to act swiftly to patch vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by attackers, thereby protecting your site’s data and maintaining the trust of your users. In the digital world, proactive security management is essential for safeguarding your online presence against evolving threats.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-1957, cyber security, GiveWP vulnerability, nonprofit security, online donations security, Plugin Updates, Website Protection, WordPress Plugin Safety, wordpress security, XSS vulnerability

Plugin Name: GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

GiveWP Vulnerability – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform – Authenticated Contributor+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode – CVE-2024-1957 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-1957?

How does CVE-2024-1957 affect my website?

What versions of the GiveWP plugin are affected?

How do I update the GiveWP plugin to secure my site?

Are there safer alternatives to the GiveWP plugin?

What immediate actions should I take if I suspect my site has been compromised?

How often should WordPress plugins be updated?

What is stored cross-site scripting (XSS)?

How can I ensure my WordPress site is secure?

Why is it important to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1957?

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