Login Lockdown Vulnerability– Protect Login Form – Missing Authorization – CVE-2024-1340 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: Login Lockdown – Protect Login Form
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: login-lockdown
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: webfactory
- Software Downloads: 1,556,229
- Active Installs: 100,000
- Last Updated: February 16, 2024
- Patched Versions: 2.09
- Affected Versions: <= 2.08
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: Login Lockdown – Protect Login Form <= 2.08
- Title: Missing Authorization
- Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N
- CVE: CVE-2024-1340
- CVSS Score: 5.4
- Publicly Published: February 9, 2024
- Researcher: Lucio Sà
- Description: The Login Lockdown plugin for WordPress is compromised by a vulnerability that allows unauthorized data access through a missing capability check in the 'generate_export_file' function. This issue affects all versions up to and including 2.08, enabling authenticated attackers with subscriber access or higher to export sensitive plugin settings. These settings include whitelisted IP addresses and a global unlock key, which could potentially allow attackers to whitelist their own IP addresses.
Summary:
The Login Lockdown plugin for WordPress exhibits a critical vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.08, where attackers can gain unauthorized access to export plugin settings due to missing capability checks. This vulnerability has been addressed and resolved in the newly released version 2.09.
Detailed Overview:
Discovered by security researcher Lucio Sà, this vulnerability was made public on February 9, 2024. The crux of the vulnerability lies in the inadequate security measures within the plugin's 'generate_export_file' function, allowing users with minimal permissions to access and export significant plugin configurations. This not only compromises the security settings of the plugin itself but also poses a risk to the entire WordPress site by potentially allowing attackers to bypass login restrictions.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: It is crucial for users of the Login Lockdown plugin to immediately update to the latest version, 2.09, to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Admins should review their site's user roles and access logs to detect any unusual activities or unauthorized access attempts.
- Alternate Plugins: While the current vulnerability has been patched, users may still consider exploring other security plugins that offer similar or enhanced functionalities as a precautionary measure.
- Stay Updated: Maintaining the latest versions of all WordPress plugins is vital to ensure the security and integrity of your site.
Conclusion:
The swift response by the developers of the Login Lockdown plugin in releasing a patch underscores the critical importance of keeping all WordPress plugins up to date. To safeguard your WordPress site against potential threats, it is advisable to upgrade to version 2.09 or later of the Login Lockdown plugin.
References:
- Wordfence Vulnerability Report on Login Lockdown
- Wordfence Vulnerability Database for Login Lockdown
In the digital realm where websites act as the front doors to businesses, security cannot be taken lightly. A recent discovery within the WordPress community serves as a stark reminder of this reality. The widely utilized Login Lockdown – Protect Login Form plugin has been identified to contain a critical vulnerability, CVE-2024-1340, putting countless websites at risk. For small business owners, understanding and mitigating such vulnerabilities is not just about maintaining a website; it's about protecting your business's digital heartbeat.
About the Plugin:
Login Lockdown is a pivotal security plugin designed to mitigate brute force attacks on WordPress login forms, safeguarding website access by restricting login attempts from IP addresses after a certain number of failed attempts. Developed by webfactory, the plugin boasts over 1.5 million downloads and sustains 100,000 active installations, underscoring its significance in the WordPress ecosystem.
Vulnerability Insights:
CVE-2024-1340, publicly disclosed by researcher Lucio Sà on February 9, 2024, unveils a missing capability check within the plugin's 'generate_export_file' function. This flaw, present in versions up to 2.08, potentially allows users with minimal permissions to export sensitive settings, including whitelisted IP addresses and a global unlock key. The implications of such unauthorized access are severe, ranging from data exposure to the undermining of website security protocols.
Risks and Implications:
The vulnerability not only compromises the integrity of the Login Lockdown plugin but also poses broader risks to the WordPress site at large. With the ability to whitelist arbitrary IP addresses, attackers could bypass established login protections, leading to unauthorized access and control over website content and functionality. For small businesses, this could translate to operational disruptions, data breaches, and significant reputational damage.
Remediation and Proactive Measures:
To address this vulnerability, the plugin developers promptly released an updated version, 2.09, which patches the security flaw. Users are urged to update their installations without delay to this latest version. Additionally, monitoring access logs and user roles for any unusual activities can further fortify a website's defense mechanisms. In light of ongoing threats, exploring alternative security plugins and maintaining a regime of regular updates across all website components are prudent strategies.
Historical Context:
This is not the plugin's first encounter with security issues; there have been two previous vulnerabilities reported since November 21, 2023. This history accentuates the ongoing battle against digital threats and the critical need for continuous vigilance in the cybersecurity domain.
Conclusion:
For small business owners, the digital landscape presents a multitude of challenges, with security vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1340 standing as formidable obstacles. The incident with the Login Lockdown plugin reinforces the paramount importance of regular software updates and proactive security measures. Balancing business operations with website maintenance may seem daunting, but the consequences of neglecting such responsibilities can be far more severe. Leveraging automated update features, subscribing to security advisories, and engaging professional support can alleviate these burdens, ensuring that your digital presence remains secure and resilient against evolving threats.