Hustle Vulnerability – Sensitive Information Exposure via Exposed Hubspot API Keys – CVE-2024-0368 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-0368?

What is CVE-2024-0368? CVE-2024-0368 refers to a security vulnerability found in the Hustle plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to 7.8.3. This issue results from hardcoded Hubspot API Keys within the plugin, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthenticated attackers.

Q: How does CVE-2024-0368 affect my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-0368 affect my WordPress site? If your site uses an affected version of the Hustle plugin, attackers could potentially access and exploit sensitive data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), without needing authentication. This could lead to unauthorized data access and privacy breaches.

Q: How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable? Review your site's plugin list to see if you are using the Hustle plugin and check the version. If your Hustle plugin version is 7.8.3 or lower, your site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-0368. It's crucial to update to the patched version immediately.

Q: What should I do if my site is vulnerable?

What should I do if my site is vulnerable? Update the Hustle plugin to version 7.8.4 or later as soon as possible. This patched version addresses the vulnerability by securing the API keys and preventing unauthorized access.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I can use?

Are there alternative plugins I can use? While the updated version of Hustle is secure, exploring other email marketing and lead generation plugins might offer additional features or different security measures. It's essential to research and ensure any alternative you consider has a strong security track record.

Q: How do I stay updated on plugin vulnerabilities?

How do I stay updated on plugin vulnerabilities? Regularly check your WordPress dashboard for updates and subscribe to security blogs or services like Wordfence, which offer timely information on vulnerabilities and patches. Staying informed is key to maintaining site security.

Q: What are the risks of not updating the Hustle plugin?

What are the risks of not updating the Hustle plugin? Failing to update leaves your site open to data breaches, where attackers could exploit the exposed API keys to access sensitive information. This could result in significant privacy issues and potentially harm your users' trust.

Q: Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely? Yes, CVE-2024-0368 can be exploited remotely as it involves the plugin's 'get_posts' REST API Endpoint. Attackers do not need physical access to your site to exploit this vulnerability.

Q: Has there been any reported exploitation of CVE-2024-0368?

Has there been any reported exploitation of CVE-2024-0368? At the time of the vulnerability report, there was no specific mention of active exploitation in the wild. However, it's crucial to update vulnerable plugins promptly to prevent potential future exploits.

Q: Why is it important to keep plugins updated?

Why is it important to keep plugins updated? Keeping plugins updated is essential for security and functionality. Developers release updates to patch vulnerabilities, add features, and improve performance. Regular updates help protect your site from known security threats and ensure a smooth user experience.

By Your WP Guy | March 12, 2024

Plugin Name: Hustle – Email Marketing, Lead Generation, Optins, Popups

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: wordpress-popup
Software Status: Active
Software Author: wpmudev
Software Downloads: 3,659,904
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: March 13, 2024
Patched Versions: 7.8.4
Affected Versions: <= 7.8.3

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Hustle <= 7.8.3
Title: Sensitive Information Exposure via Exposed Hubspot API Keys
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-0368
CVSS Score: 8.6
Publicly Published: March 12, 2024
Researcher: Sean Murphy
Description: The Hustle plugin for WordPress has been found to expose sensitive information, specifically Hubspot API Keys, in all versions up to and including 7.8.3. This vulnerability arises from hardcoded API keys within the plugin, potentially allowing unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII).

Summary:

Hustle, a popular WordPress plugin for email marketing and lead generation, has encountered a significant security vulnerability in versions up to 7.8.3, which risks exposing sensitive information. Identified as CVE-2024-0368, this issue stems from exposed Hubspot API Keys within the plugin's code, posing a considerable threat to data privacy. The developers have addressed this concern in the updated version 7.8.4, thereby enhancing the plugin's security measures.

Detailed Overview:

Cybersecurity expert Sean Murphy discovered this critical vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of secure coding practices and the dangers of hardcoded API keys in software applications. The exposure of such sensitive information could lead to unauthorized data access, compromising user privacy and security. The update to version 7.8.4 rectifies this issue by securing the API keys and preventing unauthorized access.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users must upgrade to version 7.8.4 of the Hustle plugin immediately to prevent potential data breaches.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly monitor for any unusual activities or data breaches that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.
Alternate Plugins: Considering other email marketing and lead generation plugins with robust security features might be prudent, especially for those seeking additional functionalities or concerned about future vulnerabilities.
Stay Updated: Consistently updating all WordPress elements, including plugins, themes, and the core system, is vital for safeguarding against known vulnerabilities and ensuring optimal site performance.

Conclusion:

The resolution of CVE-2024-0368 within the Hustle plugin underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive security measures within the WordPress ecosystem. For small business owners and website administrators, particularly those with constrained technical resources, staying informed about software updates and adhering to security best practices is crucial for protecting digital assets against emerging threats. Emphasizing security in digital operations is indispensable in maintaining a secure and reliable online presence.

References:

Wordfence Vulnerability Report on Hustle
Additional Information on Hustle Vulnerabilities

In today's digital age, maintaining the security of your WordPress website is paramount, particularly with the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. A recent discovery has shed light on a significant vulnerability within the widely utilized Hustle plugin – a tool renowned for its email marketing, lead generation, optin forms, and popup functionalities. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for website owners to stay vigilant and ensure their digital platforms are up-to-date to protect against potential security breaches.

Vulnerability Details:

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-0368, stems from exposed Hubspot API Keys within the plugin's code in versions up to 7.8.3. The hardcoded API keys pose a risk of sensitive information exposure, potentially allowing unauthenticated attackers to access Personally Identifiable Information (PII). This issue was publicly disclosed on March 12, 2024, by researcher Sean Murphy, emphasizing the dangers of insufficient data protection measures in plugin development.

Risks and Impacts:

The exposure of sensitive API keys could lead to significant privacy breaches, unauthorized data access, and potentially compromise the security of user data. Such vulnerabilities underscore the importance of implementing secure coding practices and the potential consequences of overlooking critical aspects of data protection within software applications.

Remediation and User Advice:

In response to this vulnerability, the developers of Hustle have released an updated version, 7.8.4, which addresses and patches the identified security flaw. Users of the plugin are strongly advised to update to this latest version immediately to mitigate the risk of sensitive information exposure. Additionally, regular monitoring for unusual activities and consideration of alternate plugins with robust security features are prudent steps towards enhancing website security.

Importance of Vigilance:

The discovery and prompt resolution of CVE-2024-0368 within the Hustle plugin serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by cybersecurity threats. For small business owners and WordPress site administrators, the commitment to regular software updates, adherence to security best practices, and an informed approach to digital operations are essential for safeguarding online platforms. Staying ahead of potential vulnerabilities is not just a technical necessity but a fundamental aspect of maintaining trust and reliability in the digital realm.

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.