MailerLite Vulnerability – Signup forms (official) – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-2797, CVE-2024-1386 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What does CVE stand for?

What does CVE stand for? CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures. It is a list of publicly disclosed computer security flaws. When someone refers to a CVE, they mean a security flaw that has been assigned a CVE ID number. Security researchers use this standard to quickly and accurately identify vulnerabilities without confusion.

Q: How do I know if my version of MailerLite – Signup forms is affected?

How do I know if my version of MailerLite – Signup forms is affected? Check the version of your MailerLite – Signup forms plugin in your WordPress dashboard under the Plugins section. If your version is 1.7.6 or older, your plugin is affected by the vulnerabilities and needs to be updated immediately. The safe versions start at 1.7.7, where the identified issues have been resolved.

Q: What is the risk of not updating the affected MailerLite plugin?

What is the risk of not updating the affected MailerLite plugin? Not updating the affected plugin can leave your WordPress site vulnerable to unauthorized changes and attacks that may compromise user data and the integrity of your site. Such vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to perform malicious actions such as altering your site’s content or stealing personal information of the users. It is crucial to update as soon as possible to close these security gaps.

Q: Can these vulnerabilities be exploited remotely?

Can these vulnerabilities be exploited remotely? Yes, both vulnerabilities in the MailerLite – Signup forms plugin can be exploited remotely. The Missing Authorization vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to make changes without needing to log in, and the Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability can be exploited by contributors or higher-level users remotely by injecting malicious scripts.

Q: What are "user supplied attributes" as mentioned in the XSS vulnerability description?

What are "user supplied attributes" as mentioned in the XSS vulnerability description? User-supplied attributes refer to any data or inputs that users can enter into the system, typically through forms or input fields on a website. In the context of the XSS vulnerability, it pertains to the data entered into the plugin’s shortcode(s) which were not properly sanitized, allowing attackers to embed malicious scripts.

Q: How can I update my plugin to the safe version?

How can I update my plugin to the safe version? To update your plugin, go to the Dashboard of your WordPress site, navigate to the 'Plugins' section, and you will see a list of plugins that have updates available. Click the 'update now' link under MailerLite – Signup forms to upgrade to the latest version. It is advisable to back up your site before updating.

Q: What should I do if I find suspicious activity on my website?

What should I do if I find suspicious activity on my website? If you detect suspicious activity or believe your site has been compromised, immediately update the plugin to the patched version if not already done. Additionally, review all site settings and user roles, and consider employing a security plugin that scans for malware and monitors ongoing activity. Consulting with a cybersecurity expert can also help in mitigating any damage and securing the site further.

Q: Are there any reliable alternatives to the MailerLite plugin?

Are there any reliable alternatives to the MailerLite plugin? Yes, there are several other plugins for managing sign-up forms and user interactions. Some popular alternatives include Gravity Forms, Ninja Forms, and WPForms. These plugins also offer extensive functionality and good security features but remember to review recent user feedback and update history before choosing an alternative.

Q: What general steps can I take to improve the overall security of my WordPress site?

What general steps can I take to improve the overall security of my WordPress site? To enhance the security of your WordPress site, keep all plugins and themes updated, use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, implement two-factor authentication, regularly back up your site, and employ security plugins that provide firewalls and malware scanning. Regularly reviewing user permissions and educating users about security best practices are also important.

Q: Why is regular monitoring and updating of WordPress plugins crucial for security?

Why is regular monitoring and updating of WordPress plugins crucial for security? Regular monitoring and updating of plugins are crucial because many vulnerabilities are quickly exploited once they become public. Updates often contain patches for security holes that could be used by attackers. Staying current with updates and monitoring your site’s activity helps prevent potential exploits and reduces the risk of data breaches, maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of your website.

By Your WP Guy | April 29, 2024

Plugin Name: MailerLite – Signup forms (official)

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: official-mailerlite-sign-up-forms
Software Status: Active
Software Author: mailerlite
Software Downloads: 1,634,637
Active Installs: 80,000
Last Updated: May 10, 2024
Patched Versions: 1.7.7
Affected Versions: <= 1.7.6

Vulnerability Details:

Name: MailerLite – Signup forms (official) <= 1.7.6
- Title: Missing Authorization
- Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
- CVE: CVE-2024-2797
- CVSS Score: 5.3
- Publicly Published: April 29, 2024
- Researcher: Krzysztof Zając - CERT PL
- Description: The plugin is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin setting changes due to a missing capability check on the toggleRolesAndPermissions and editAllowedRolesAndPermissions functions. This allows unauthenticated attackers to modify form settings, potentially enabling lower-level users to make unauthorized changes.
Name: MailerLite – Signup forms (official) 1.5.0 - 1.7.6
- 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-2024-1386
- CVSS Score: 6.4
- Publicly Published: April 29, 2024
- Researcher: Richard Telleng (stueotue)
- Description: Vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's shortcode(s) due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can inject arbitrary web scripts that execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The MailerLite – Signup forms (official) plugin for WordPress has significant vulnerabilities in versions up to and including 1.7.6. These include unauthorized setting changes and stored XSS attacks, both of which have been patched in version 1.7.7.

Detailed Overview:

These vulnerabilities present serious security risks. The first allows unauthenticated users to potentially escalate their privileges within WordPress, while the second exposes users to malicious scripts that could compromise their personal information. Both vulnerabilities were swiftly addressed by the plugin developers with the release of version 1.7.7, which corrects these issues by implementing stricter capability checks and enhancing input sanitization processes.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 1.7.7 immediately to mitigate these vulnerabilities.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly review your plugin settings and user roles for unauthorized changes and inspect your site's pages for unexpected scripts or content.
Alternate Plugins: While updates are available, maintaining an understanding of alternative plugins can provide backup options should vulnerabilities reoccur.
Stay Updated: Always keep your plugins and WordPress core up to date to protect against known exploits and vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The prompt response from the developers of MailerLite – Signup forms (official) to patch these vulnerabilities underscores the importance of maintaining current updates on all WordPress plugins. Users are encouraged to update to version 1.7.7 or later to secure their installations and ensure the continued safety of their sites and user data.

References:

Detailed Report:

Why Timely Plugin Updates Are a Cornerstone of Website Security

In the vast ecosystem of WordPress, plugins extend functionality and enhance user experience, making them indispensable tools for website owners. However, this reliance on third-party software introduces a spectrum of security risks, underscored by the recent discovery of critical vulnerabilities in the MailerLite – Signup forms (official) plugin. These vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2024-2797 and CVE-2024-1386, have exposed serious security lapses that could compromise the integrity of countless websites and the safety of user data.

Plugin Details and Vulnerability Insights:

The MailerLite – Signup forms (official) plugin, which has been downloaded over 1.6 million times and is actively used by approximately 80,000 websites, is designed to streamline user sign-up processes on WordPress sites. Despite its widespread usage, the plugin was recently found vulnerable in versions up to and including 1.7.6. Two major issues were identified:

Missing Authorization (CVE-2024-2797): This vulnerability allowed unauthenticated users to change plugin settings without proper permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized configuration changes.
Stored Cross-Site Scripting (CVE-2024-1386): This flaw permitted authenticated users at the contributor level and above to inject malicious scripts, which could be executed by any user accessing the affected pages.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

These vulnerabilities present significant risks, including unauthorized access and manipulation of website settings and data breaches through script injections. Such actions can compromise user information, degrade trust, and even lead to further exploitations of both users and system resources.

Steps for Remediation:

The developers of the MailerLite plugin acted swiftly to mitigate these issues by releasing version 1.7.7, which includes fixes for both vulnerabilities. Website owners are urged to:

Update immediately to the patched version to close off any exploitation opportunities.
Review user roles and permissions to ensure no unauthorized changes were made.
Scan the website for unusual activities that might indicate past exploitations.
Consider alternative plugins if consistent vulnerabilities are a concern.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Prior to these events, the plugin had recorded four other vulnerabilities since May 2020, signaling a pattern that necessitates vigilant updates and proactive security measures.

Conclusion:

The rapid resolution of these vulnerabilities by the MailerLite development team underscores the ongoing challenge of digital security in today's software-reliant business environments. For small business owners, particularly those managing their own WordPress sites, the importance of regular updates cannot be overstated. Keeping software up-to-date is a critical defense mechanism against potential threats, ensuring that your digital presence remains secure and trustworthy. Staying on top of updates, monitoring security news, and understanding the tools your website uses are crucial steps in maintaining a safe online environment for both you and your users.

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.

MailerLite Vulnerability – Signup forms (official) – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-2797, CVE-2024-1386 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

What does CVE stand for?

How do I know if my version of MailerLite – Signup forms is affected?

Check the version of your MailerLite – Signup forms plugin in your WordPress dashboard under the Plugins section. If your version is 1.7.6 or older, your plugin is affected by the vulnerabilities and needs to be updated immediately. The safe versions start at 1.7.7, where the identified issues have been resolved.

What is the risk of not updating the affected MailerLite plugin?

Not updating the affected plugin can leave your WordPress site vulnerable to unauthorized changes and attacks that may compromise user data and the integrity of your site. Such vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to perform malicious actions such as altering your site’s content or stealing personal information of the users. It is crucial to update as soon as possible to close these security gaps.

Can these vulnerabilities be exploited remotely?

Yes, both vulnerabilities in the MailerLite – Signup forms plugin can be exploited remotely. The Missing Authorization vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to make changes without needing to log in, and the Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability can be exploited by contributors or higher-level users remotely by injecting malicious scripts.

What are "user supplied attributes" as mentioned in the XSS vulnerability description?

User-supplied attributes refer to any data or inputs that users can enter into the system, typically through forms or input fields on a website. In the context of the XSS vulnerability, it pertains to the data entered into the plugin’s shortcode(s) which were not properly sanitized, allowing attackers to embed malicious scripts.

How can I update my plugin to the safe version?

What should I do if I find suspicious activity on my website?

If you detect suspicious activity or believe your site has been compromised, immediately update the plugin to the patched version if not already done. Additionally, review all site settings and user roles, and consider employing a security plugin that scans for malware and monitors ongoing activity. Consulting with a cybersecurity expert can also help in mitigating any damage and securing the site further.

Are there any reliable alternatives to the MailerLite plugin?

Yes, there are several other plugins for managing sign-up forms and user interactions. Some popular alternatives include Gravity Forms, Ninja Forms, and WPForms. These plugins also offer extensive functionality and good security features but remember to review recent user feedback and update history before choosing an alternative.

What general steps can I take to improve the overall security of my WordPress site?

To enhance the security of your WordPress site, keep all plugins and themes updated, use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, implement two-factor authentication, regularly back up your site, and employ security plugins that provide firewalls and malware scanning. Regularly reviewing user permissions and educating users about security best practices are also important.

Why is regular monitoring and updating of WordPress plugins crucial for security?

Regular monitoring and updating of plugins are crucial because many vulnerabilities are quickly exploited once they become public. Updates often contain patches for security holes that could be used by attackers. Staying current with updates and monitoring your site’s activity helps prevent potential exploits and reduces the risk of data breaches, maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of your website.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-1386, CVE-2024-2797, cybersecurity for small businesses, data protection, MailerLite vulnerability, Plugin Updates, secure online presence, Website Security, WordPress plugin security, wordpress security

Plugin Name: MailerLite – Signup forms (official)

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Why Timely Plugin Updates Are a Cornerstone of Website Security

Plugin Details and Vulnerability Insights:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Steps for Remediation:

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

MailerLite Vulnerability – Signup forms (official) – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-2797, CVE-2024-1386 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

What does CVE stand for?

How do I know if my version of MailerLite – Signup forms is affected?

What is the risk of not updating the affected MailerLite plugin?

Can these vulnerabilities be exploited remotely?

What are "user supplied attributes" as mentioned in the XSS vulnerability description?

How can I update my plugin to the safe version?

What should I do if I find suspicious activity on my website?

Are there any reliable alternatives to the MailerLite plugin?

What general steps can I take to improve the overall security of my WordPress site?

Why is regular monitoring and updating of WordPress plugins crucial for security?

Share this post:

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