GiveWP Vulnerability – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform – Authenticated PHP Object Injection – CVE-2024-30229 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is PHP Object Injection?

What is PHP Object Injection? PHP Object Injection is a type of vulnerability that occurs when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being used in an object deserialization operation. This allows attackers to manipulate the logic of an application and execute arbitrary code. It is particularly dangerous because it can lead to unauthorized access, data leaks, or even full control over the vulnerable server.

Q: How do I know if my version of GiveWP is vulnerable?

How do I know if my version of GiveWP is vulnerable? If your GiveWP plugin version is 3.4.2 or lower, it is vulnerable to the PHP Object Injection flaw described in CVE-2024-30229. You can check your plugin version from your WordPress admin dashboard under the 'Plugins' section. It’s crucial to update to version 3.5.0 or higher, as this release contains the necessary fixes to address the vulnerability.

Q: What should I do immediately if I'm using a vulnerable version?

What should I do immediately if I'm using a vulnerable version? Immediately update the GiveWP plugin to version 3.5.0 or later. This version includes a fix for the PHP Object Injection vulnerability. Before updating, ensure that you back up your WordPress site to prevent data loss in case any issues arise during the update process. Updates can be applied directly through the WordPress admin panel by navigating to the 'Updates' section.

Q: Are there any specific signs that my site has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

Are there any specific signs that my site has been compromised due to this vulnerability? Signs of compromise can vary, but common indicators include unusual admin activity, unexpected changes to website files, or new, unfamiliar user accounts. Check your website logs for any suspicious activities, especially any unauthorized actions that could be linked to PHP Object Injection, like attempts to modify serialized objects or unexpected database queries.

Q: Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely? Yes, the PHP Object Injection vulnerability in GiveWP can potentially be exploited remotely by an authenticated user with manager-level access. The attacker does not need to be physically present or have direct access to the host server; they only need to be able to send crafted data to the affected plugin, which could be done through the web interface.

Q: What can happen if I don't update the plugin?

What can happen if I don't update the plugin? Failing to update the GiveWP plugin to patch this vulnerability leaves your site open to attacks that could exploit the PHP Object Injection flaw. Potential impacts include unauthorized code execution, data theft, and even a complete site takeover. It’s essential to update as soon as possible to protect your data and maintain the trust of your donors.

Q: Is updating the plugin the only action I need to take to secure my site?

Is updating the plugin the only action I need to take to secure my site? While updating the plugin is crucial, it's also important to conduct a thorough security check on your site to ensure that no breaches have occurred. Consider using a security plugin that scans for malware and vulnerabilities. Regularly updating all software and using strong, unique passwords for all accounts associated with your site are also key steps in maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

Q: What if I need an alternative to GiveWP?

What if I need an alternative to GiveWP? If you are considering switching from GiveWP due to this vulnerability or for other reasons, there are several other reputable donation plugins available for WordPress. Look for plugins with a strong focus on security and a good track record of updates and support. Always test new plugins in a staging environment before going live.

Q: How can I prevent future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

How can I prevent future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins? To minimize the risk of future vulnerabilities, regularly update all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core. Use security plugins to monitor and protect your site. Additionally, consider limiting the number of plugins you use and only install plugins from reputable sources that regularly release updates and patches.

Q: Why is it important to maintain regular updates for all software on my website?

Why is it important to maintain regular updates for all software on my website? Regular updates are essential because they often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the last update. Keeping software updated minimizes the risk of exploitation through known vulnerabilities, which is a common way attackers breach websites. Updates also often include improvements and new features that can enhance the functionality and performance of your website.

By Your WP Guy | April 26, 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: 7,225,697
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: May 13, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.5.0
Affected Versions: <= 3.4.2

Vulnerability Details:

Name: GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform <= 3.4.2
Title: Authenticated (GiveWP Manager+) PHP Object Injection
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVE: CVE-2024-30229
CVSS Score: 8.8
Publicly Published: April 26, 2024
Researcher: Rafie Muhammad - Patchstack
Description: The GiveWP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 3.4.2 via deserialization of untrusted input. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers, with give manager-level access and above, to inject a PHP object. Although no known POP chain is currently present in the plugin itself, if an additional plugin or theme installed on the same system contains a POP chain, it could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code, delete files, or access sensitive data.

Summary:

The GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.4.2 that exposes it to PHP object injection by authenticated users with manager-level access. This critical security flaw has been addressed in version 3.5.0.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by Rafie Muhammad of Patchstack, this significant vulnerability in the GiveWP plugin arises from the improper handling of serialized data. The flaw enables attackers with the necessary permissions to inject malicious PHP objects into the stream, potentially leading to severe consequences like code execution, data theft, or file deletion if they can exploit a POP chain present in other components of the WordPress installation. The developers have fixed this vulnerability in the latest release, version 3.5.0, which implements stricter input validation to prevent such attacks.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 3.5.0 immediately to mitigate this security issue.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor your website logs and user roles to ensure no unauthorized activities have occurred.
Alternate Plugins: Consider using alternative donation and fundraising plugins if you prefer a different security approach or feature set.
Stay Updated: Regularly update your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins to the latest versions to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: The swift action taken by the developers of the GiveWP plugin to correct this PHP Object Injection vulnerability illustrates the critical role that ongoing maintenance and updates play in securing web applications. As this incident shows, even authenticated and seemingly secure systems can be compromised without diligent attention to security updates. Users are advised to install version 3.5.0 or later to protect their WordPress sites from potential threats.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the digital age, the security of your website is as crucial as the physical security of your business premises. Recently, a significant vulnerability was identified in the GiveWP – Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform, one of the most popular WordPress plugins, which has been downloaded over 7 million times. This vulnerability, specifically an Authenticated PHP Object Injection (CVE-2024-30229), poses a serious risk to sites using versions up to and including 3.4.2. Authenticated users with manager-level access could exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary code, delete files, or steal sensitive data if certain conditions are met. This breach not only underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist even in widely trusted plugins but also highlights the necessity of regular updates and vigilance in maintaining website security. For website owners who might feel overwhelmed by the technicalities of such issues, this post aims to demystify the steps needed to safeguard your platform, ensuring that your charitable contributions and interactions remain secure and trustworthy.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The ability for attackers to execute code or manipulate data through the GiveWP plugin is particularly alarming due to the nature of the data typically handled by this plugin—donations and personal donor information. Such breaches could lead to significant financial loss, erosion of donor trust, and severe reputational damage.

Remediation Steps:

Immediate Update: Users should update immediately to the latest patched version, 3.5.0, which fixes the vulnerability by implementing stricter input validation.
Check for Anomalies: Review your site's logs and settings to detect any signs of compromise or unusual activities.
Regular Monitoring: Set up continuous monitoring or use security services to get alerts for suspicious activities on your site.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

This is not the first time vulnerabilities have been discovered in the GiveWP plugin. Since its launch, there have been 40 recorded vulnerabilities, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance and regular updates.

Conclusion:

The discovery and swift correction of the PHP Object Injection vulnerability in the GiveWP plugin illustrate the ongoing battle against cyber threats in the world of WordPress plugins. For small business owners, the key takeaway should be the importance of maintaining up-to-date systems and employing robust security measures. Given the complexities of modern cybersecurity threats, enlisting professional help or utilizing managed WordPress hosting services that include security updates can be a sensible investment, ensuring that your charitable engagement and donor interactions remain uncompromised.

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 PHP Object Injection – CVE-2024-30229 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is PHP Object Injection?

PHP Object Injection is a type of vulnerability that occurs when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being used in an object deserialization operation. This allows attackers to manipulate the logic of an application and execute arbitrary code. It is particularly dangerous because it can lead to unauthorized access, data leaks, or even full control over the vulnerable server.

How do I know if my version of GiveWP is vulnerable?

If your GiveWP plugin version is 3.4.2 or lower, it is vulnerable to the PHP Object Injection flaw described in CVE-2024-30229. You can check your plugin version from your WordPress admin dashboard under the 'Plugins' section. It’s crucial to update to version 3.5.0 or higher, as this release contains the necessary fixes to address the vulnerability.

What should I do immediately if I'm using a vulnerable version?

Immediately update the GiveWP plugin to version 3.5.0 or later. This version includes a fix for the PHP Object Injection vulnerability. Before updating, ensure that you back up your WordPress site to prevent data loss in case any issues arise during the update process. Updates can be applied directly through the WordPress admin panel by navigating to the 'Updates' section.

Are there any specific signs that my site has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

Signs of compromise can vary, but common indicators include unusual admin activity, unexpected changes to website files, or new, unfamiliar user accounts. Check your website logs for any suspicious activities, especially any unauthorized actions that could be linked to PHP Object Injection, like attempts to modify serialized objects or unexpected database queries.

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes, the PHP Object Injection vulnerability in GiveWP can potentially be exploited remotely by an authenticated user with manager-level access. The attacker does not need to be physically present or have direct access to the host server; they only need to be able to send crafted data to the affected plugin, which could be done through the web interface.

What can happen if I don't update the plugin?

Failing to update the GiveWP plugin to patch this vulnerability leaves your site open to attacks that could exploit the PHP Object Injection flaw. Potential impacts include unauthorized code execution, data theft, and even a complete site takeover. It’s essential to update as soon as possible to protect your data and maintain the trust of your donors.

Is updating the plugin the only action I need to take to secure my site?

While updating the plugin is crucial, it's also important to conduct a thorough security check on your site to ensure that no breaches have occurred. Consider using a security plugin that scans for malware and vulnerabilities. Regularly updating all software and using strong, unique passwords for all accounts associated with your site are also key steps in maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

What if I need an alternative to GiveWP?

How can I prevent future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

To minimize the risk of future vulnerabilities, regularly update all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core. Use security plugins to monitor and protect your site. Additionally, consider limiting the number of plugins you use and only install plugins from reputable sources that regularly release updates and patches.

Why is it important to maintain regular updates for all software on my website?

Regular updates are essential because they often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the last update. Keeping software updated minimizes the risk of exploitation through known vulnerabilities, which is a common way attackers breach websites. Updates also often include improvements and new features that can enhance the functionality and performance of your website.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-30229, cybersecurity for nonprofits, GiveWP vulnerability, managing WordPress risks, PHP object injection, plugin security, secure donations, security patches, WordPress plugin updates, wordpress security