Gutenberg Blocks Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-4057, CVE-2024-3189, CVE-2024-4208 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability, and how does it affect WordPress websites?

What is the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability, and how does it affect WordPress websites? The Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability is a series of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities discovered in the popular WordPress plugin. These vulnerabilities allow authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into website pages through various attributes and blocks within the plugin. When users access the affected pages, the injected scripts execute, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, session hijacking, or other malicious activities. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using the Gutenberg Blocks plugin, as it can compromise user data and damage the website's reputation.

Q: Who discovered the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability, and when was it publicly disclosed?

Who discovered the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability, and when was it publicly disclosed? The Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability was discovered by researchers Dmitrii Ignatyev, stealthcopter, and Webbernaut. They identified multiple Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in the plugin and responsibly reported their findings to the plugin developers. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 14, 2024, along with the release of the patched version (3.2.38) of the Gutenberg Blocks plugin. The public disclosure allows website owners to take immediate action to update their plugins and secure their websites.

Q: What are the risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability?

What are the risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability? The risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability are significant and can have severe consequences for affected websites. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to steal sensitive user information, such as login credentials or personal data, by injecting malicious scripts that capture and transmit the data to the attacker. Additionally, attackers can hijack user sessions, gaining unauthorized access to the website and potentially making changes or defacing the site. The injected scripts can also be used to distribute malware or phishing links to website visitors, further compromising their security. These risks can lead to a loss of user trust, damage to the website's reputation, and potential financial losses for the website owner.

Q: What should website owners do to mitigate the risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability?

What should website owners do to mitigate the risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability? To mitigate the risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability, website owners should take immediate action. The first and most crucial step is to update the Gutenberg Blocks plugin to version 3.2.38 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the vulnerabilities. After updating the plugin, website owners should review their WordPress pages for any suspicious or unexpected content, particularly in pages that utilize the affected blocks and attributes. If any signs of compromise are found, website owners should take steps to remove the malicious content and secure their website.

Q: Are there any alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Gutenberg Blocks?

Are there any alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Gutenberg Blocks? Yes, there are several alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Gutenberg Blocks. While the patched version of the Gutenberg Blocks plugin is now available, some website owners may prefer to explore other options as a precautionary measure. Some popular alternatives include Elementor, Divi Builder, and Beaver Builder. These plugins provide a wide range of blocks, templates, and design options to help create visually appealing and functional pages without the need for coding skills. However, it's essential to research and compare these alternatives thoroughly before making a switch to ensure they meet your specific needs and have a good security track record.

Q: How often should website owners update their WordPress plugins, themes, and core?

How often should website owners update their WordPress plugins, themes, and core? Website owners should make it a priority to keep their WordPress plugins, themes, and core up to date at all times. Plugin and theme developers often release updates that include security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Failing to update these components can leave your website vulnerable to known security threats. As a general rule, website owners should check for updates at least once a week and apply them as soon as they become available. For critical security updates, it's essential to act promptly to minimize the risk of exploitation. Enabling automatic updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes can help ensure that your website remains up to date without requiring manual intervention.

Q: What other measures can website owners take to enhance the security of their WordPress websites?

What other measures can website owners take to enhance the security of their WordPress websites? In addition to keeping WordPress components up to date, website owners can take several other measures to enhance the security of their websites. Implementing strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and enabling two-factor authentication can help prevent unauthorized access. Regularly backing up your website's files and database is crucial in case of a security breach or other issues, allowing you to quickly restore your site to a previous state. Using a reputable security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri can help monitor your site for potential threats, block malicious traffic, and provide additional security features.

Q: What are the common signs that a website has been compromised due to a vulnerability like the one found in Gutenberg Blocks?

What are the common signs that a website has been compromised due to a vulnerability like the one found in Gutenberg Blocks? Common signs that a website has been compromised due to a vulnerability like the one found in Gutenberg Blocks include unexpected changes to website content, such as the appearance of unfamiliar links, images, or text. Injected content may contain spam, malicious links, or inappropriate material. Other indications of a compromise may include a sudden drop in website traffic, as search engines may blacklist compromised sites, or an increase in bounce rates, as users quickly leave the site due to suspicious content. Website owners may also receive reports from users about strange behavior or warnings from their browser when accessing the site.

Q: How can website owners stay informed about the latest security vulnerabilities and updates for their WordPress plugins and themes?

How can website owners stay informed about the latest security vulnerabilities and updates for their WordPress plugins and themes? To stay informed about the latest security vulnerabilities and updates for WordPress plugins and themes, website owners can subscribe to security newsletters and blogs from reputable sources, such as the official WordPress security blog, Wordfence, or Sucuri. These resources often provide timely information about newly discovered vulnerabilities, along with advice on how to mitigate the risks. Regularly checking the changelog and update notes for installed plugins and themes can also help website owners stay aware of any security fixes or improvements. Participating in WordPress community forums and social media groups can provide valuable insights and alerts from other website owners and developers.

By Your WP Guy | May 14, 2024

Plugin Name: Gutenberg Blocks

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: kadence-blocks
Software Status: Active
Software Author: britner
Software Downloads: 19,473,277
Active Installs: 400,000
Last Updated: May 14, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.2.38
Affected Versions: <= 3.2.37

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features <= 3.2.37 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2024-4057, CVE-2024-3189, CVE-2024-4208
CVSS Score: 6.4 (Medium), 5.4 (Medium), 6.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: May 14, 2024
Researcher: Dmitrii Ignatyev, stealthcopter, Webbernaut
Description: The Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via various attributes and blocks in all versions up to, and including, 3.2.37 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. 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 Gutenberg Blocks plugin for WordPress has vulnerabilities in versions up to and including 3.2.37 that allow authenticated users with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages via various attributes and blocks. These scripts will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. The vulnerabilities have been patched in version 3.2.38.

Detailed Overview:

Researchers Dmitrii Ignatyev, stealthcopter, and Webbernaut discovered multiple Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in the Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks – Page Builder Features plugin. The vulnerabilities exist due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in various attributes and blocks, including the fileUrl attribute, 'Testimonial', 'Progress Bar', 'Lottie Animations', 'Row Layout', 'Google Maps', 'Advanced Gallery' blocks, and the typer effect in the advanced heading widget.

These vulnerabilities allow authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. The injected scripts will execute whenever a user accesses the affected page, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, session hijacking, or other malicious activities.

The plugin developers have addressed these issues in version 3.2.38.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the Gutenberg Blocks plugin to version 3.2.38 or later to prevent potential exploitation of these vulnerabilities.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your WordPress pages for any suspicious or unexpected content, especially in pages utilizing the affected blocks and attributes.
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 plugin developers to patch these vulnerabilities underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 3.2.38 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

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

Vulnerability 1: https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/kadence-blocks/gutenberg-blocks-by-kadence-blocks-page-builder-features-3236-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting

Vulnerability 2: https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/kadence-blocks/gutenberg-blocks-by-kadence-blocks-page-builder-features-3237-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting

Vulnerability 3: https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/kadence-blocks/gutenberg-blocks-by-kadence-blocks-page-builder-features-3237-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting-via-typer-effect

Detailed Report:

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, website security is of utmost importance. As a website owner, it's crucial to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities and take proactive measures to protect your site and your users' data. A recent discovery of multiple vulnerabilities in the popular Gutenberg Blocks plugin for WordPress underscores the need for regular updates and vigilance.

About the Plugin

The Gutenberg Blocks plugin, developed by britner, is a popular page builder tool for WordPress, with over 400,000 active installations. It offers a variety of blocks and features to enhance the functionality and design of WordPress websites. The plugin was last updated on May 14, 2024, with the latest patched version being 3.2.38.

Vulnerability Details

Researchers Dmitrii Ignatyev, stealthcopter, and Webbernaut discovered multiple Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Gutenberg Blocks plugin. The vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2024-4057, CVE-2024-3189, and CVE-2024-4208, exist due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in various attributes and blocks, including the fileUrl attribute, 'Testimonial', 'Progress Bar', 'Lottie Animations', 'Row Layout', 'Google Maps', 'Advanced Gallery' blocks, and the typer effect in the advanced heading widget.

Risks and Potential Impacts

If left unpatched, these vulnerabilities can pose significant risks to your website and your users' data. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to:

Steal sensitive user information, such as login credentials or personal data
Hijack user sessions and gain unauthorized access to your website
Deface your website or inject malicious content
Distribute malware or phishing links to your website visitors
Damage your website's reputation and erode user trust

Remediation Steps

To mitigate the risks associated with these vulnerabilities, take the following actions:

Immediate Action: Update the Gutenberg Blocks plugin to version 3.2.38 or later to prevent potential exploitation of these vulnerabilities.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your WordPress pages for any suspicious or unexpected content, especially in pages utilizing the affected blocks and attributes.
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, themes, and WordPress core are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Previous Vulnerabilities

Since August 2023, the Gutenberg Blocks plugin has had 12 previously reported vulnerabilities. This highlights the importance of regularly monitoring and updating your plugins to ensure the security of your website.

The Importance of Staying Vigilant

As a small business owner with a WordPress website, it can be challenging to stay on top of security vulnerabilities and updates. However, neglecting these critical aspects can lead to severe consequences for your business, such as data breaches, loss of customer trust, and financial losses.

To ensure the safety and security of your website, consider the following:

Regularly update your WordPress plugins, themes, and core to the latest versions
Monitor security news and advisories related to the plugins and themes you use
Implement a robust backup strategy to minimize data loss in case of a security incident
Consider partnering with a reliable website maintenance and security service provider to handle updates and security monitoring on your behalf

By staying informed, proactive, and vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to security vulnerabilities like those found in the Gutenberg Blocks plugin. Prioritizing website security is not just a best practice; it's a critical investment in the long-term success and stability of your online presence.

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.

Gutenberg Blocks Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-4057, CVE-2024-3189, CVE-2024-4208 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability, and how does it affect WordPress websites?

The Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability is a series of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities discovered in the popular WordPress plugin. These vulnerabilities allow authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into website pages through various attributes and blocks within the plugin.

When users access the affected pages, the injected scripts execute, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, session hijacking, or other malicious activities. This vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using the Gutenberg Blocks plugin, as it can compromise user data and damage the website's reputation.

Who discovered the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability, and when was it publicly disclosed?

The Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability was discovered by researchers Dmitrii Ignatyev, stealthcopter, and Webbernaut. They identified multiple Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in the plugin and responsibly reported their findings to the plugin developers.

The vulnerability was publicly disclosed on May 14, 2024, along with the release of the patched version (3.2.38) of the Gutenberg Blocks plugin. The public disclosure allows website owners to take immediate action to update their plugins and secure their websites.

What are the risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability?

The risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability are significant and can have severe consequences for affected websites. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to steal sensitive user information, such as login credentials or personal data, by injecting malicious scripts that capture and transmit the data to the attacker.

Additionally, attackers can hijack user sessions, gaining unauthorized access to the website and potentially making changes or defacing the site. The injected scripts can also be used to distribute malware or phishing links to website visitors, further compromising their security. These risks can lead to a loss of user trust, damage to the website's reputation, and potential financial losses for the website owner.

What should website owners do to mitigate the risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability?

To mitigate the risks associated with the Gutenberg Blocks plugin vulnerability, website owners should take immediate action. The first and most crucial step is to update the Gutenberg Blocks plugin to version 3.2.38 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the vulnerabilities.

After updating the plugin, website owners should review their WordPress pages for any suspicious or unexpected content, particularly in pages that utilize the affected blocks and attributes. If any signs of compromise are found, website owners should take steps to remove the malicious content and secure their website.

Are there any alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Gutenberg Blocks?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Gutenberg Blocks. While the patched version of the Gutenberg Blocks plugin is now available, some website owners may prefer to explore other options as a precautionary measure.

Some popular alternatives include Elementor, Divi Builder, and Beaver Builder. These plugins provide a wide range of blocks, templates, and design options to help create visually appealing and functional pages without the need for coding skills. However, it's essential to research and compare these alternatives thoroughly before making a switch to ensure they meet your specific needs and have a good security track record.

How often should website owners update their WordPress plugins, themes, and core?

Website owners should make it a priority to keep their WordPress plugins, themes, and core up to date at all times. Plugin and theme developers often release updates that include security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements. Failing to update these components can leave your website vulnerable to known security threats.

As a general rule, website owners should check for updates at least once a week and apply them as soon as they become available. For critical security updates, it's essential to act promptly to minimize the risk of exploitation. Enabling automatic updates for WordPress core, plugins, and themes can help ensure that your website remains up to date without requiring manual intervention.

What other measures can website owners take to enhance the security of their WordPress websites?

In addition to keeping WordPress components up to date, website owners can take several other measures to enhance the security of their websites. Implementing strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and enabling two-factor authentication can help prevent unauthorized access.

Regularly backing up your website's files and database is crucial in case of a security breach or other issues, allowing you to quickly restore your site to a previous state. Using a reputable security plugin like Wordfence or Sucuri can help monitor your site for potential threats, block malicious traffic, and provide additional security features.

What are the common signs that a website has been compromised due to a vulnerability like the one found in Gutenberg Blocks?

Common signs that a website has been compromised due to a vulnerability like the one found in Gutenberg Blocks include unexpected changes to website content, such as the appearance of unfamiliar links, images, or text. Injected content may contain spam, malicious links, or inappropriate material.

Other indications of a compromise may include a sudden drop in website traffic, as search engines may blacklist compromised sites, or an increase in bounce rates, as users quickly leave the site due to suspicious content. Website owners may also receive reports from users about strange behavior or warnings from their browser when accessing the site.

How can website owners stay informed about the latest security vulnerabilities and updates for their WordPress plugins and themes?

To stay informed about the latest security vulnerabilities and updates for WordPress plugins and themes, website owners can subscribe to security newsletters and blogs from reputable sources, such as the official WordPress security blog, Wordfence, or Sucuri. These resources often provide timely information about newly discovered vulnerabilities, along with advice on how to mitigate the risks.

Regularly checking the changelog and update notes for installed plugins and themes can also help website owners stay aware of any security fixes or improvements. Participating in WordPress community forums and social media groups can provide valuable insights and alerts from other website owners and developers.

What should website owners do if they suspect their site has been compromised due to a vulnerability like the one found in Gutenberg Blocks?

If website owners suspect their site has been compromised due to a vulnerability like the one found in Gutenberg Blocks, they should take immediate action to minimize the damage and restore the site's security. The first step is to backup the current state of the website, which can help in investigating the issue and restoring the site if needed.

Next, update all WordPress components, including plugins and themes, to the latest versions to ensure any known vulnerabilities are patched. Scan the website files and database for any malicious code or unauthorized changes using a reliable security plugin or service. If malicious code is found, remove it carefully or restore the website from a clean backup.

After cleaning the site, change all user passwords and review user accounts for any suspicious activity. Implementing additional security measures, such as a web application firewall (WAF) or security monitoring service, can help prevent future attacks. If the website owner is unsure about how to proceed or the extent of the damage, it's recommended to seek professional assistance from a web security expert.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-3189, CVE-2024-4057, CVE-2024-4208, Cybersecurity, data protection, Gutenberg blocks, Online Presence, Plugin Vulnerability, Security Monitoring, Security Updates, Small Business, user trust, Vulnerability Remediation, website backups, Website Maintenance, Website Management, Website Security, wordpress security, XSS