HT Mega Vulnerability – Absolute Addons For Elementor – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Post Carousel Widget – CVE-2024-1421 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin Name: HT Mega – Absolute Addons For Elementor

Key Information:

  • Software Type: Plugin
  • Software Slug: ht-mega-for-elementor
  • Software Status: Active
  • Software Author: devitemsllc
  • Software Downloads: 3,603,212
  • Active Installs: 100,000
  • Last Updated: March 13, 2024
  • Patched Versions: 2.4.5
  • Affected Versions: <= 2.4.4

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: HT Mega – Absolute Addons For Elementor <= 2.4.4
  • Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Post Carousel Widget
  • Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
  • CVE: CVE-2024-1421
  • CVSS Score: 6.4
  • Publicly Published: March 12, 2024
  • Researcher: wesley
  • Description: The HT Mega – Absolute Addons For Elementor plugin is exposed to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) through the ‘border_type’ attribute in the Post Carousel widget, present in all versions up to and including 2.4.4. Due to the lack of adequate input sanitization and output escaping, authenticated users with at least contributor-level permissions can implement arbitrary scripts, which are then executed when the page is viewed by others.

Summary:

The HT Mega – Absolute Addons For Elementor plugin, renowned for enhancing Elementor with a vast range of widgets and features, has a significant vulnerability in versions up to 2.4.4, threatening WordPress site security. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-1421, allows for Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks through the Post Carousel widget, compromising both website integrity and user data privacy. Fortunately, the developers have remedied this issue in the subsequent release, version 2.4.5, ensuring the plugin’s safe use moving forward.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability was unearthed by the researcher Wesley, drawing attention to the essential need for stringent input validation and output encoding in web development, especially in plugins that offer dynamic content insertion capabilities like HT Mega. The potential exploitation of this vulnerability by authenticated users emphasizes the necessity of strict security protocols in plugin development and user role management within WordPress sites.

Advice for Users:

  • Immediate Action: Users should urgently update the HT Mega plugin to the patched version 2.4.5 through the WordPress dashboard to neutralize this security risk.
  • Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Site administrators should scrutinize their websites for any unexpected script executions or content modifications, particularly in sections where the Post Carousel widget is utilized, as these could be indicators of the exploitation of this vulnerability.
  • Alternate Plugins: While the updated version is considered secure, users might explore other Elementor addons that may provide similar functionalities with different or additional security assurances.
  • Stay Updated: The importance of keeping all WordPress components, including plugins, themes, and the core system, up to date cannot be overstated. Frequent updates are pivotal in defending against known vulnerabilities and maintaining optimal site functionality and security.

Conclusion:

The timely rectification of CVE-2024-1421 in the HT Mega plugin underscores the continuous challenge of cybersecurity within the WordPress ecosystem. For WordPress site administrators, particularly those managing sites for small businesses with limited IT resources, acknowledging the vital role of consistent software updates and a strong commitment to security best practices is fundamental in safeguarding digital assets against evolving threats.

References:

In today’s digital age, maintaining the security and integrity of WordPress websites is paramount for small business owners. A recent vulnerability discovered in the popular HT Mega – Absolute Addons For Elementor plugin, known as CVE-2024-1421, has highlighted the continuous need for vigilance in the realm of website management.

Plugin Overview:

HT Mega – Absolute Addons For Elementor is a widely used WordPress plugin developed by devitemsllc. It enhances the Elementor page builder with additional widgets and features, boasting over 3.6 million downloads and 100,000 active installations. Despite its popularity, the plugin was found to be vulnerable in versions up to and including 2.4.4.

Vulnerability Details:

The vulnerability, CVE-2024-1421, exposes websites to Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the Post Carousel widget’s ‘border_type’ attribute. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, enabling authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject harmful scripts. These scripts can then be executed unknowingly by other users, compromising site security and user privacy.

Risks and Impacts:

The potential exploitation of this vulnerability poses significant risks, including unauthorized data access, website defacement, and the spread of malicious scripts. For small business owners, such breaches can lead to a loss of customer trust, revenue, and potentially irreversible damage to their brand reputation.

Remediation:

To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to update the HT Mega plugin to the latest patched version, 2.4.5, immediately. Additionally, website administrators should review their sites for any unusual activities or content changes, particularly in areas where the Post Carousel widget is used.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

It’s worth noting that this is not the first vulnerability identified in the HT Mega plugin. There have been five previous vulnerabilities reported since April 13, 2021, underscoring the importance of ongoing security assessments and updates.

Conclusion:

The quick response by the plugin developers to patch CVE-2024-1421 is commendable. However, this incident serves as a critical reminder to all WordPress site owners, especially those operating small businesses with limited IT resources, of the importance of staying informed about security vulnerabilities. Regularly updating plugins, themes, and the WordPress core, along with implementing robust security practices, are essential steps in safeguarding digital assets and maintaining the trust of website users. In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, proactive measures are the key to navigating potential threats and ensuring the longevity and success of online businesses.

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.

HT Mega Vulnerability – Absolute Addons For Elementor – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Post Carousel Widget – CVE-2024-1421 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-1421?

What is CVE-2024-1421?

CVE-2024-1421 is a security vulnerability identified in the HT Mega – Absolute Addons For Elementor plugin for WordPress. It pertains to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting issue through the ‘border_type’ attribute in the Post Carousel widget, affecting all versions up to and including 2.4.4. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject harmful scripts that get executed when other users access the compromised pages.

How does CVE-2024-1421 impact my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-1421 impact my WordPress site?

The impact of CVE-2024-1421 on your WordPress site includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of web page content, and the execution of malicious scripts in the browsers of your site’s visitors. These scripts can compromise user privacy and security, potentially leading to data breaches and loss of trust among your website’s users.

How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

To determine if your site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-1421, verify the version of the HT Mega – Absolute Addons For Elementor plugin you are using. If your plugin version is 2.4.4 or lower, your site is vulnerable. It’s crucial to regularly check your WordPress admin dashboard for updates and vulnerabilities notifications.

What immediate steps should I take to secure my site?

What immediate steps should I take to secure my site?

If your site uses a vulnerable version of the HT Mega plugin, update it immediately to the patched version, 2.4.5, to secure your site. After updating, review your site for any unusual content or behavior that might indicate the vulnerability was exploited. Regularly updating your plugins, themes, and WordPress core is essential to maintain site security.

Are there alternative plugins I can use?

Are there alternative plugins I can use?

While the patched version 2.4.5 of HT Mega addresses this specific vulnerability, exploring alternative Elementor addons might suit your needs better or offer additional functionalities. When choosing alternatives, consider the plugin’s security history, update frequency, and user reviews to ensure you select a reliable option.

How can I identify if my site has been compromised?

How can I identify if my site has been compromised?

Check for unexpected changes in your website’s content, new or unfamiliar user accounts, suspicious user activity, and unauthorized posts or comments. Utilizing security plugins that monitor and log user activities can also help identify potential compromises. If any anomalies are detected, conduct a thorough security audit of your site.

What long-term strategies should I implement for website security?

What long-term strategies should I implement for website security?

Adopting a proactive approach to website security involves regularly updating all software components, using strong passwords, limiting user permissions, and employing reputable security plugins. Consider implementing a website firewall and conducting regular security audits to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Can updating the plugin cause compatibility issues?

Can updating the plugin cause compatibility issues?

While updating plugins is crucial for security, it may occasionally lead to compatibility issues with other plugins or themes. To minimize this risk, test updates on a staging site before applying them to your live site. Regularly backing up your website ensures you can restore a previous state if compatibility issues arise.

What should I do if I don’t have access to update the plugin?

What should I do if I don’t have access to update the plugin?

If you’re unable to update the plugin due to hosting restrictions or administrative access limitations, contact your web host or the site administrator for assistance. Highlight the security risks of the vulnerable plugin version and the importance of updating it to safeguard the site.

How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities?

How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities?

Staying informed about future vulnerabilities involves subscribing to security blogs, following plugin developers’ updates, and participating in WordPress security forums. Consider using security plugins that offer real-time alerts for vulnerabilities and ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in your WordPress account to receive notifications.

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