Happy Addons for Elementor Vulnerability- Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0438 |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: 5,986,507
  • Active Installs: 400,000
  • Last Updated: February 27, 2024
  • Patched Versions: 3.10.2
  • Affected Versions: <= 3.10.1

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: Happy Addons for Elementor <= 3.10.1
  • 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: CVE-2024-0438
  • CVSS Score: 6.4
  • Publicly Published: February 13, 2024
  • Researcher: wesley
  • Description: The Happy Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the wrapper link parameter in the Age Gate in all versions up to, and including, 3.10.1. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated attackers with contributor access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Happy Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.10.1 that allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the wrapper link parameter. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.10.2.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability was identified and reported by researcher Wesley. It resides within the wrapper link parameter of the Age Gate feature, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping leads to the risk of arbitrary web script injections. Authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit this vulnerability, posing significant risks including data theft, session hijacking, and other malicious activities facilitated by XSS attacks.

Advice for Users:

  • Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update to the patched version 3.10.2 immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
  • Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly monitor your website for unusual activities or unauthorized content changes which may indicate exploitation.
  • Alternate Plugins: While the patched version addresses this specific vulnerability, considering alternative plugins with similar functionality might be prudent as an additional precaution.
  • Stay Updated: Keeping your plugins updated to the latest versions is crucial in protecting your WordPress site from vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The swift action by the plugin developers to release a patch for this vulnerability highlights the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date installations. Users are advised to ensure that their installations of Happy Addons for Elementor are updated to version 3.10.2 or later to safeguard against this and potentially other vulnerabilities.

References:

In an era where digital presence is synonymous with business success, the security of online platforms is paramount. The discovery of a critical vulnerability in the Happy Addons for Elementor plugin, a tool integral to countless WordPress websites, casts a spotlight on the ever-present need for vigilance in website maintenance. This vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2024-0438, not only underscores the risks inherent in digital tools but also serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities website owners bear in safeguarding their digital domains.

About Happy Addons for Elementor:

Happy Addons for Elementor enhances the Elementor page-building experience, offering additional widgets and functionalities to WordPress users. With over 400,000 active installations and nearly 6 million downloads, its widespread use makes any vulnerability a significant concern. Developed by thehappymonster, this plugin is a staple in many WordPress toolkits due to its versatility and ease of use.

Vulnerability Details:

The vulnerability in question affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 3.10.1. It allows authenticated users with at least contributor-level permissions to inject malicious scripts through the plugin's wrapper link parameter, specifically within the Age Gate feature. This Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability, due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, was assigned a CVSS score of 6.4, indicating a substantial security risk.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to severe consequences, including data theft, session hijacking, and the unauthorized manipulation of website content. For small business owners, such breaches can result in irreparable damage to customer trust and brand reputation, not to mention potential legal ramifications.

Remediation and Previous Vulnerabilities:

To address this issue, the plugin developers released version 3.10.2, which patches the vulnerability. Users are urged to update immediately to protect their sites. This incident is not isolated; with 9 previous vulnerabilities reported since April 26, 2021, it highlights a pattern that necessitates ongoing vigilance and regular updates.

Conclusion:

The swift response to patch this vulnerability underscores the critical nature of keeping digital assets up to date. For small business owners, managing a WordPress website amidst countless other responsibilities can be daunting. However, the security of your website is integral to your business's online success and reputation. Leveraging tools and services that automate updates and security checks can alleviate some of this burden, ensuring your website remains secure against emerging threats.

In the digital world, complacency can be the biggest threat to security. Staying informed about potential vulnerabilities and adopting a proactive approach to website maintenance are non-negotiable aspects of modern business operations. Remember, safeguarding your digital presence is not just about protecting data; it's about preserving the trust and confidence of your customers.

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.

Happy Addons for Elementor Vulnerability- Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0438 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

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