Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks Vulnerability – Page Builder Features – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-0598 & CVE-2024-2919 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-0598?

What is CVE-2024-0598? CVE-2024-0598 is a security vulnerability identified in the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features WordPress plugin. This particular vulnerability allows authenticated users with editor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into the website via the plugin's contact form message settings. The risk is especially pronounced in multi-site installations or in environments where the unfiltered_html capability is disabled, potentially leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. The exploitation of this vulnerability could compromise the security of a WordPress site, allowing attackers to perform a range of malicious activities. These could include stealing user data, defacing the website, or spreading malware to site visitors.

Q: What is CVE-2024-2919?

What is CVE-2024-2919? CVE-2024-2919 represents a security flaw within the same Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin, but it involves a different attack vector. This vulnerability enables authenticated users with at least contributor-level access to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the Countdown and CountUp Widget due to inadequate sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes. Such a vulnerability poses a significant threat as it could allow attackers to inject harmful scripts into a website. These scripts could then perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the site's visitors, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or further propagation of the exploit.

Q: How can I check if my website is affected?

How can I check if my website is affected? To determine if your website is affected by these vulnerabilities, you should first check the version of the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin installed on your WordPress site. If your plugin version is 3.2.17 or lower for CVE-2024-0598, or 3.2.31 or lower for CVE-2024-2919, your site could be at risk. It's crucial to regularly review the plugins and themes installed on your WordPress site for updates. Keeping your software up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect your site from known vulnerabilities.

Q: How do I update the affected plugin?

How do I update the affected plugin? Updating the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin is straightforward. In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section, find the plugin in question, and click the 'Update Now' link if an update is available. It is recommended to back up your website before applying updates to prevent data loss in case of any issues. Always ensure that your WordPress environment, including all plugins and themes, is kept up to date. Regular updates not only introduce new features but also address security vulnerabilities and bugs.

Q: What immediate actions should I take if my plugin is vulnerable?

What immediate actions should I take if my plugin is vulnerable? If you discover that your version of the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin is vulnerable, the most critical action is to update the plugin to the latest version immediately. The developers have released a patch in version 3.2.18 that addresses these vulnerabilities. After updating, it's wise to conduct a thorough review of your site for any signs of compromise, such as unexpected changes to content or new, unfamiliar user accounts. If any suspicious activity is detected, consider employing a professional security service to conduct a full site audit and clean-up.

Q: Are there any alternatives to this plugin?

Are there any alternatives to this plugin? While the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin is popular for its functionality, there are numerous alternatives available in the WordPress plugin repository. When considering an alternative, look for plugins that offer similar features but prioritize security and regular updates. Some notable alternatives include Advanced Gutenberg, Stackable, and CoBlocks. Before switching to a new plugin, ensure it is compatible with your WordPress theme and other plugins to avoid conflicts. Testing the new plugin on a staging site before applying it to your live site is also advisable.

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

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability? Failing to address these vulnerabilities can lead to several adverse outcomes for your website. Attackers could exploit the vulnerabilities to execute malicious scripts, leading to unauthorized data access, website defacement, or spreading malware to your site's visitors. Such security breaches can damage your business's reputation, erode customer trust, and potentially lead to legal and financial repercussions. Therefore, it is crucial to take these vulnerabilities seriously and implement the recommended updates and security measures.

Q: How often do WordPress plugins encounter vulnerabilities?

How often do WordPress plugins encounter vulnerabilities? WordPress plugins, like all software, can be susceptible to vulnerabilities. The frequency of such vulnerabilities varies widely depending on the plugin's complexity, popularity, and the attentiveness of the developers to security practices. The WordPress community, including developers and security researchers, actively works to identify and patch vulnerabilities, contributing to the overall security of the ecosystem. Staying informed about the latest security news and updates for WordPress and its plugins is crucial for maintaining a secure website. Regularly updating your plugins and themes is the best defense against known vulnerabilities.

Q: What can I do to improve the overall security of my WordPress site?

What can I do to improve the overall security of my WordPress site? To enhance the security of your WordPress site, consider implementing several best practices. These include using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, employing a reputable security plugin to monitor and protect your site, regularly updating WordPress core, plugins, and themes, and implementing a reliable backup solution. Additionally, consider limiting login attempts to prevent brute force attacks and using two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Educating yourself and your users about security best practices can also significantly reduce the risk of compromise.

Q: Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities?

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities? Staying on top of security vulnerabilities is essential to protect your website from potential attacks that could compromise sensitive data, damage your reputation, and impact your business operations. By promptly addressing vulnerabilities, you mitigate the risk of being exploited by attackers who actively seek out and target known weaknesses. Regularly updating your WordPress core, plugins, and themes, along with implementing robust security measures, creates a more secure environment for your website. Being proactive about security not only protects your site but also helps maintain the trust and confidence of your visitors and customers.

By Your WP Guy | April 3, 2024

Plugin Name: Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: kadence-blocks
Software Status: Active
Software Author: britner
Software Downloads: 17,837,802
Active Installs: 400,000
Last Updated: April 3, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.2.18
Affected Versions: <= 3.2.17 for CVE-2024-0598 and <= 3.2.31 for CVE-2024-2919

Vulnerability 1 Details:

Name: Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks <= 3.2.17
Title: Authenticated (Editor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Contact Form Message Settings
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-0598
CVSS Score: 4.4
Publicly Published: April 2, 2024
Researcher: Akbar Kustirama
Description: This vulnerability in the plugin allows authenticated attackers with editor-level access to inject arbitrary web scripts via the contact form message settings. It primarily affects multi-site installations or those where unfiltered_html is disabled.

Vulnerability 2 Details:

Name: Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features <= 3.2.31
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) DOM-Based Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Countdown and CountUp Widget
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-2919
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: April 3, 2024
Researcher: Webbernaut
Description: This vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes in the Countdown and CountUp Widget, enabling authenticated attackers with contributor-level access to execute arbitrary web scripts.

Summary:

The "Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features" plugin for WordPress has encountered significant security issues, notably in versions up to and including 3.2.17 and 3.2.31, for two different vulnerabilities. These flaws allowed authenticated attackers to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks through various plugin features. The developers have addressed these issues in the version 3.2.18.

Detailed Overview:

Both vulnerabilities discovered by Akbar Kustirama and Webbernaut present significant security concerns, particularly for multi-site installations or those with specific configurations. The vulnerabilities could potentially allow attackers to execute malicious scripts, compromising site integrity and user security. The prompt patching of these vulnerabilities in version 3.2.18 reflects a critical step towards securing affected WordPress installations.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the plugin to version 3.2.18 without delay.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor your site for unexpected changes or content, which may indicate a compromise.
Alternate Plugins: Consider using alternative plugins with similar functionality as an additional precaution.
Stay Updated: Regularly update all your WordPress plugins and core to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The swift action taken by the developers of "Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features" to patch these vulnerabilities highlights the critical nature of regular software updates in maintaining site security. Users are urged to upgrade to version 3.2.18 or later to protect their WordPress installations from these and other potential security threats.

References:

Detailed Report:

In an era where digital presence is paramount, the security of your website serves as the cornerstone of trust and reliability for your visitors and customers. The recent uncovering of vulnerabilities within the "Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features" plugin for WordPress is a potent reminder of the ever-present cyber threats looming over digital spaces. Identified as CVE-2024-0598 and CVE-2024-2919, these vulnerabilities expose the thin line between a secure website and a potential cyber disaster, underscoring the critical need for constant vigilance and timely updates in maintaining website security.

Plugin Overview:

"Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features" is a popular WordPress plugin developed by britner, boasting over 400,000 active installations. The plugin, designed to enhance the functionality and design of WordPress sites, recently came under scrutiny when vulnerabilities were detected in versions up to and including 3.2.17 and 3.2.31. With a wide user base and substantial downloads totaling 17,837,802, the impact scope is significant, emphasizing the importance of addressing these security concerns promptly.

Vulnerability Insights:

The first vulnerability, CVE-2024-0598, allows authenticated users with editor-level access or higher to exploit Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) through the plugin's contact form message settings. This flaw primarily affects multi-site installations or instances where the unfiltered_html capability is disabled. The second vulnerability, CVE-2024-2919, also involves Stored XSS but through the Countdown and CountUp Widget, allowing attackers with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts. Both vulnerabilities stem from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, creating a gateway for unauthorized script execution.

Risks and Impacts:

The exploitation of these vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized data access, website defacement, and the spread of malware to unsuspecting visitors. For small business owners, such breaches not only endanger user data but also tarnish the business's reputation and trustworthiness, potentially leading to irreversible damage.

Remediation Steps:

In response to these vulnerabilities, the developers released a patched version, 3.2.18, effectively neutralizing the threats posed by these security flaws. Users of the plugin are strongly encouraged to update to this latest version immediately to safeguard their sites. Additionally, regular monitoring for unusual site activities and content changes is advised to detect potential compromises.

Historical Context:

It's noteworthy that this isn't the plugin's first encounter with security vulnerabilities; four previous issues have been reported since August 9, 2023. This pattern highlights the ongoing challenge of software security and the necessity for continuous attention to updates and patches.

Conclusion:

For small business owners juggling myriad responsibilities, staying atop security updates can seem daunting. However, the consequences of neglecting website security can be far more burdensome. Implementing regular maintenance schedules, utilizing automated update features, and subscribing to security advisories can significantly reduce the risk of vulnerabilities, ensuring your website remains a secure and reliable resource for your audience. In the digital age, proactive security practices are not just beneficial; they are indispensable for safeguarding your digital storefront against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

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.

Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks Vulnerability – Page Builder Features – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-0598 & CVE-2024-2919 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-0598?

CVE-2024-0598 is a security vulnerability identified in the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features WordPress plugin. This particular vulnerability allows authenticated users with editor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into the website via the plugin's contact form message settings. The risk is especially pronounced in multi-site installations or in environments where the unfiltered_html capability is disabled, potentially leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

The exploitation of this vulnerability could compromise the security of a WordPress site, allowing attackers to perform a range of malicious activities. These could include stealing user data, defacing the website, or spreading malware to site visitors.

What is CVE-2024-2919?

CVE-2024-2919 represents a security flaw within the same Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin, but it involves a different attack vector. This vulnerability enables authenticated users with at least contributor-level access to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the Countdown and CountUp Widget due to inadequate sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes.

Such a vulnerability poses a significant threat as it could allow attackers to inject harmful scripts into a website. These scripts could then perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the site's visitors, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or further propagation of the exploit.

How can I check if my website is affected?

To determine if your website is affected by these vulnerabilities, you should first check the version of the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin installed on your WordPress site. If your plugin version is 3.2.17 or lower for CVE-2024-0598, or 3.2.31 or lower for CVE-2024-2919, your site could be at risk.

It's crucial to regularly review the plugins and themes installed on your WordPress site for updates. Keeping your software up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect your site from known vulnerabilities.

How do I update the affected plugin?

Updating the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin is straightforward. In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section, find the plugin in question, and click the 'Update Now' link if an update is available. It is recommended to back up your website before applying updates to prevent data loss in case of any issues.

Always ensure that your WordPress environment, including all plugins and themes, is kept up to date. Regular updates not only introduce new features but also address security vulnerabilities and bugs.

What immediate actions should I take if my plugin is vulnerable?

If you discover that your version of the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin is vulnerable, the most critical action is to update the plugin to the latest version immediately. The developers have released a patch in version 3.2.18 that addresses these vulnerabilities.

After updating, it's wise to conduct a thorough review of your site for any signs of compromise, such as unexpected changes to content or new, unfamiliar user accounts. If any suspicious activity is detected, consider employing a professional security service to conduct a full site audit and clean-up.

Are there any alternatives to this plugin?

While the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin is popular for its functionality, there are numerous alternatives available in the WordPress plugin repository. When considering an alternative, look for plugins that offer similar features but prioritize security and regular updates. Some notable alternatives include Advanced Gutenberg, Stackable, and CoBlocks.

Before switching to a new plugin, ensure it is compatible with your WordPress theme and other plugins to avoid conflicts. Testing the new plugin on a staging site before applying it to your live site is also advisable.

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

Failing to address these vulnerabilities can lead to several adverse outcomes for your website. Attackers could exploit the vulnerabilities to execute malicious scripts, leading to unauthorized data access, website defacement, or spreading malware to your site's visitors.

Such security breaches can damage your business's reputation, erode customer trust, and potentially lead to legal and financial repercussions. Therefore, it is crucial to take these vulnerabilities seriously and implement the recommended updates and security measures.

How often do WordPress plugins encounter vulnerabilities?

WordPress plugins, like all software, can be susceptible to vulnerabilities. The frequency of such vulnerabilities varies widely depending on the plugin's complexity, popularity, and the attentiveness of the developers to security practices. The WordPress community, including developers and security researchers, actively works to identify and patch vulnerabilities, contributing to the overall security of the ecosystem.

Staying informed about the latest security news and updates for WordPress and its plugins is crucial for maintaining a secure website. Regularly updating your plugins and themes is the best defense against known vulnerabilities.

What can I do to improve the overall security of my WordPress site?

To enhance the security of your WordPress site, consider implementing several best practices. These include using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, employing a reputable security plugin to monitor and protect your site, regularly updating WordPress core, plugins, and themes, and implementing a reliable backup solution.

Additionally, consider limiting login attempts to prevent brute force attacks and using two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Educating yourself and your users about security best practices can also significantly reduce the risk of compromise.

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities?

Staying on top of security vulnerabilities is essential to protect your website from potential attacks that could compromise sensitive data, damage your reputation, and impact your business operations. By promptly addressing vulnerabilities, you mitigate the risk of being exploited by attackers who actively seek out and target known weaknesses.

Regularly updating your WordPress core, plugins, and themes, along with implementing robust security measures, creates a more secure environment for your website. Being proactive about security not only protects your site but also helps maintain the trust and confidence of your visitors and customers.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-0598, CVE-2024-2919, digital security maintenance, Kadence Blocks vulnerabilities, Plugin Updates, small business cybersecurity, website security best practices, WordPress Plugin Safety, wordpress security, XSS vulnerabilities

Plugin Name: Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features

Key Information:

Vulnerability 1 Details:

Vulnerability 2 Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Plugin Overview:

Vulnerability Insights:

Risks and Impacts:

Remediation Steps:

Historical Context:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks Vulnerability – Page Builder Features – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-0598 & CVE-2024-2919 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-0598?

What is CVE-2024-2919?

How can I check if my website is affected?

How do I update the affected plugin?

What immediate actions should I take if my plugin is vulnerable?

Are there any alternatives to this plugin?

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

How often do WordPress plugins encounter vulnerabilities?

What can I do to improve the overall security of my WordPress site?

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities?

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities?

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