Happy Addons for Elementor – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report 

Plugin Name: Happy Addons for Elementor

Key Information:

  • Software Type: Plugin
  • Software Slug: happy-elementor-addons
  • Software Status: Active
  • Software Author: thehappymonster
  • Software Downloads: 5,771,889
  • Active Installs: 400,000
  • Last Updated: January 9, 2024
  • Patched Versions: 3.10.1
  • Affected Versions: <= 3.10.0

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: Happy Elementor Addons <= 3.10.0
  • Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
  • Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
  • CVE: NA
  • CVSS Score: 6.4
  • Publicly Published: January 9, 2024
  • Researcher: NA
  • Description: The Happy Addons for Elementor plugin, in versions up to and including 3.10.0, is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via its Age Gate Widget. This issue arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on the user-supplied header URL value. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level or higher permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages.

Summary:

The Happy Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.10.0, enabling authenticated users with at least contributor-level access to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. This vulnerability, identified in the plugin's Age Gate Widget, has been resolved in the updated version 3.10.1.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability presents a significant risk, particularly in websites utilizing user-contributed content through Elementor. The flaw lies in the Age Gate Widget, where inadequate security measures in input sanitization and output escaping could allow attackers to embed harmful scripts. These scripts, once executed, can lead to unauthorized actions, data breaches, or manipulation of website content, posing a threat to both the website's integrity and its users' security.

Advice for Users:

  • Immediate Action: Update the Happy Addons for Elementor plugin to the patched version 3.10.1 without delay.
  • Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly monitor your site for unexpected script executions or content alterations.
  • Alternate Plugins: Consider exploring alternative plugins with similar functionalities as an added security measure.
  • Stay Updated: Consistently keep all WordPress plugins up-to-date to mitigate the risk of vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The prompt patching of this vulnerability by the developers of Happy Addons for Elementor underlines the critical importance of regular updates in maintaining web security. WordPress site owners, especially those managing substantial user-generated content, are advised to update to version 3.10.1 or later to ensure protection against this specific vulnerability. This incident serves as a crucial reminder for all WordPress site owners, including small businesses, of the ongoing need for diligent plugin maintenance and cybersecurity awareness.

References:

Introduction:

In today's fast-paced digital environment, the security of a WordPress website is crucial, especially for small business owners. The recent identification of a vulnerability in the Happy Addons for Elementor plugin, which has affected versions up to 3.10.0, highlights the critical importance of keeping website components up to date. This vulnerability, known for enabling Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks by authenticated users, underscores the ongoing challenges and necessity of vigilant cybersecurity maintenance.

About the Plugin:

Happy Addons for Elementor, developed by thehappymonster, is a popular WordPress plugin with over 5.7 million downloads and 400,000 active installs. Renowned for enhancing Elementor's capabilities, it's a key tool for many website owners. However, its recent vulnerability has raised concerns among its vast user base.

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: Happy Elementor Addons <= 3.10.0
  • Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
  • Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
  • CVE: NA
  • CVSS Score: 6.4
  • Publicly Published: January 9, 2024
  • Researcher: NA
  • Description: The vulnerability, identified in the plugin's Age Gate Widget, arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, allowing contributors or higher-level users to inject malicious scripts into web pages.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability poses significant risks, such as unauthorized data access, website defacement, and compromising user data security. For small businesses, such a breach could lead to severe reputational damage and erosion of customer trust, impacting both online presence and business operations.

Remediation Steps:

  • Immediate Action: Update to the patched version 3.10.1 promptly.
  • Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly monitor for unusual script executions or content changes.
  • Alternate Plugins: Consider similar plugins as a contingency plan.
  • Stay Updated: Consistently update all WordPress plugins to mitigate vulnerability risks.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

Happy Addons for Elementor has encountered six previous vulnerabilities since April 26, 2021. This history of security issues further emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and updating.

Conclusion:

The swift resolution of the vulnerability by the developers of Happy Addons for Elementor reiterates the vital role of timely software updates in web security. For WordPress site owners, particularly those managing small businesses, this incident is a crucial reminder of the importance of regular plugin maintenance. Employing automated update features, scheduling routine security checks, or partnering with managed WordPress hosting services are practical approaches to ensure the security of digital assets without overwhelming the business owner's schedule. Proactive cybersecurity is essential in today's digital landscape to protect not just data but also the integrity and trust of an online business.

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.

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Happy Addons for Elementor – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

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