Meta Tag Manager Vulnerability – Authenticated (Subscriber+) PHP Object Injection – CVE-2024-1770 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-1770?

What is CVE-2024-1770? CVE-2024-1770 is a security vulnerability identified in the Meta Tag Manager plugin for WordPress. It is classified as a PHP Object Injection vulnerability, affecting all versions of the plugin up to and including 3.0.2. This flaw allows authenticated users with at least contributor-level access to inject malicious PHP objects into the website via the plugin's functionalities. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can lead to unauthorized actions such as data theft, website defacement, or even complete control over the affected website. The issue was addressed in the plugin's version 3.1, where proper sanitization measures were implemented to prevent the injection of untrusted inputs.

Q: How can I check if my WordPress site is affected by CVE-2024-1770?

How can I check if my WordPress site is affected by CVE-2024-1770? To determine if your site is affected by CVE-2024-1770, you need to check the version of the Meta Tag Manager plugin you are using. You can do this by logging into your WordPress dashboard, navigating to the "Plugins" section, and finding the Meta Tag Manager plugin in your list of installed plugins. If your plugin version is 3.0.2 or below, your site is vulnerable to the CVE-2024-1770 vulnerability. It's crucial to update the plugin to version 3.1 or higher, which includes the necessary security patch to mitigate this vulnerability.

Q: What does PHP Object Injection mean?

What does PHP Object Injection mean? PHP Object Injection is a type of vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate a PHP application's processing of serialized objects. Serialized objects are strings that represent PHP variables, including objects, which can be manipulated to execute malicious actions when the application unserializes the data. This vulnerability arises when an application unserializes user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this to inject malicious object data, leading to unauthorized actions or access within the application. It's a serious security risk that can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system.

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

What should I do if my site is affected? If your site uses a vulnerable version of the Meta Tag Manager plugin, the first step is to update the plugin to the latest version, 3.1, which contains the patch for CVE-2024-1770. This update is crucial to secure your site against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. After updating the plugin, it's wise to audit your site for any unusual activity or signs of compromise that may have occurred before the update. This can include checking for unauthorized user accounts, unexpected changes to your site's content or settings, and reviewing your site's access logs for suspicious activity.

Q: Can CVE-2024-1770 affect other plugins or themes?

Can CVE-2024-1770 affect other plugins or themes? While CVE-2024-1770 specifically pertains to the Meta Tag Manager plugin, the nature of PHP Object Injection vulnerabilities means that other plugins or themes that deserialize user-supplied data without proper validation could also be at risk. It's important for all WordPress site owners to regularly update all their site's components, including plugins and themes, to protect against known vulnerabilities. Using reputable security tools and plugins can help monitor your site for vulnerabilities in other components and assist in maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

Q: What are the potential consequences of this vulnerability?

What are the potential consequences of this vulnerability? The potential consequences of the CVE-2024-1770 vulnerability range from data leaks to full site compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected site, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, website defacement, or even taking control of the site. The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of promptly addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1770. Keeping plugins and themes updated is crucial in preventing such security threats from impacting your WordPress site.

Q: How can small business owners manage WordPress security effectively?

How can small business owners manage WordPress security effectively? For small business owners, managing WordPress security effectively can seem daunting, but it's essential for protecting your online presence. A key strategy is to set all your plugins and themes to update automatically, ensuring you receive the latest security patches as soon as they're released. Additionally, using a reputable security plugin can help monitor your site for vulnerabilities and attempted attacks. Regular backups are also critical, ensuring you can restore your site in case of a security breach. By taking these proactive steps, small business owners can significantly reduce their vulnerability to security threats.

Q: What is the role of the website administrator in managing this vulnerability?

What is the role of the website administrator in managing this vulnerability? The website administrator plays a crucial role in managing vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1770. It's the administrator's responsibility to ensure that all components of the WordPress site, including plugins like Meta Tag Manager, are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches. Administrators should also regularly review user roles and permissions, limiting access to sensitive functionalities only to trusted users. Monitoring the site for signs of unauthorized access or changes is also part of maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

Q: Are there any recommended alternatives to the Meta Tag Manager plugin?

Are there any recommended alternatives to the Meta Tag Manager plugin? For those looking for alternatives to the Meta Tag Manager plugin, several options are available that offer similar functionality. Plugins such as Yoast SEO, All in One SEO Pack, and SEOPress provide comprehensive SEO tools, including meta tag management. When considering an alternative, it's essential to evaluate the plugin's compatibility with your WordPress theme, ease of use, and most importantly, its commitment to regular updates and security practices. Before switching to a new plugin, ensure that it adequately meets your SEO needs and has a strong track record for security and support. Transitioning to a new plugin should be done carefully, ensuring that all your SEO settings are correctly migrated to maintain your site's search engine rankings.

Q: How often should WordPress plugins be checked for updates?

How often should WordPress plugins be checked for updates? WordPress plugins should be checked for updates regularly, ideally on a weekly basis. Many WordPress site owners set their plugins to update automatically to ensure immediate application of security patches and new features. However, it's still important to manually check your site's plugins periodically, as some updates might require your review or specific configuration changes. Staying on top of plugin updates is a critical part of maintaining your WordPress site's security and functionality. Regular checks can help prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1770 from being exploited and ensure your site runs smoothly with the latest plugin features and improvements.

By Your WP Guy | March 27, 2024

Plugin Name: Meta Tag Manager

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: meta-tag-manager
Software Status: Active
Software Author: netweblogic
Software Downloads: 865,531
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: March 27, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.1
Affected Versions: <= 3.0.2

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Meta Tag Manager <= 3.0.2
Title: Authenticated (Subscriber+) PHP Object Injection
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVE: CVE-2024-1770
CVSS Score: 8.8
Publicly Published: March 27, 2024
Researcher: Francesco Carlucci
Description: The Meta Tag Manager plugin for WordPress is susceptible to PHP Object Injection via the deserialization of untrusted inputs within the get_post_data function in versions up to and including 3.0.2. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with at least contributor-level access to inject PHP Objects. Although the plugin itself does not contain a usable Property Oriented Programming (POP) chain, the presence of another vulnerable plugin or theme on the site could escalate this vulnerability, potentially leading to arbitrary file deletion, sensitive data exposure, or code execution.

Summary:

The Meta Tag Manager plugin for WordPress contains a critical vulnerability in all versions up to and including 3.0.2, which permits PHP Object Injection through the deserialization of untrusted inputs. This issue has been resolved in version 3.1.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by security researcher Francesco Carlucci, this vulnerability poses a significant threat due to the high impact of potential PHP Object Injection attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution, data leakage, or even complete site compromise. The absence of a direct POP chain within Meta Tag Manager itself somewhat mitigates the risk; however, the interconnected nature of WordPress plugins and themes means that the presence of other vulnerable software on the same site could provide the necessary conditions for exploit. Following the public disclosure, the developers promptly addressed the vulnerability, releasing an updated version that no longer accepts untrusted input for deserialization.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users should immediately upgrade the Meta Tag Manager plugin to version 3.1 or later to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Site administrators should review their user roles and access levels, ensuring only trusted users have the capability to modify Meta Tag Manager settings. Additionally, monitoring for unusual site behavior or unauthorized changes can help in early detection of exploitation attempts.
Alternate Plugins: Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, users may consider evaluating alternative SEO and meta tag management plugins, especially if the update cannot be applied immediately.
Stay Updated: It's crucial to keep all WordPress core software, themes, and plugins updated to their latest versions to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The rapid response by the Meta Tag Manager development team in patching this vulnerability highlights the critical role of ongoing software maintenance in web security. Users of the Meta Tag Manager plugin should ensure they have updated to version 3.1 or later to safeguard their WordPress sites from potential exploitation. The discovery of CVE-2024-1770 serves as a reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance in the digital domain, particularly for site administrators and small business owners who rely on WordPress for their online presence.

References:

Detailed Report:

In today's digital landscape, the security of your WordPress site is paramount. A stark illustration of this is the recent discovery of a critical vulnerability in the Meta Tag Manager plugin, a popular tool used by over 100,000 websites to manage SEO and meta tag information. Identified as CVE-2024-1770, this flaw opened the door to PHP Object Injection attacks, highlighting the ever-present need for vigilance and timely updates in safeguarding your digital presence.

Meta Tag Manager: A Vital Tool at Risk

The Meta Tag Manager plugin, developed by netweblogic, boasts over 865,531 downloads, underscoring its popularity and widespread use. However, its utility also made it a target. Versions up to and including 3.0.2 were found to be vulnerable, allowing attackers with as little as contributor-level access to execute potentially devastating PHP Object Injection attacks. This vulnerability was thoroughly addressed and patched in the subsequent release, version 3.1, on March 27, 2024.

Unpacking CVE-2024-1770

CVE-2024-1770 was brought to light by Francesco Carlucci, a security researcher who pinpointed the risk within the get_post_data function of the plugin. This function failed to adequately sanitize user-supplied inputs, creating a loophole for PHP Object Injection. While the plugin itself lacked a direct Property Oriented Programming (POP) chain, the exploitation risk escalated if other vulnerable plugins or themes were present, potentially enabling attackers to delete files, steal sensitive data, or execute unauthorized code.

Potential Impacts and Remediation Steps

The implications of CVE-2024-1770 are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate risk of website compromise, the vulnerability posed a threat to user privacy and data integrity, potentially eroding trust in affected websites. To mitigate these risks, users were urged to update to version 3.1 of the Meta Tag Manager promptly. This version eliminated the vulnerability by refusing untrusted input for deserialization. Site administrators were also advised to monitor their websites for unusual activities, restrict user permissions to the bare minimum necessary, and stay informed about security updates.

Historical Context and Proactive Security

This wasn't the first time Meta Tag Manager faced security scrutiny. With one previous vulnerability reported since July 18, 2023, the plugin's history reinforces the importance of ongoing security assessments and updates. For small business owners, who often juggle multiple responsibilities, understanding the history and potential vulnerabilities of the plugins they rely on can seem daunting.

The Importance of Diligence in Web Security

The discovery and swift resolution of CVE-2024-1770 serve as a critical reminder of the dynamic nature of web security. For small business owners, staying abreast of such vulnerabilities and updates might seem like a tall order amidst myriad other duties. However, the health of your online presence, the safeguarding of customer data, and the integrity of your digital infrastructure depend on this vigilance. Leveraging tools for automatic updates, subscribing to security advisories, and conducting regular site audits can streamline this process, ensuring that your WordPress site remains a secure and trustworthy platform for your business.

In conclusion, the CVE-2024-1770 vulnerability in the Meta Tag Manager plugin underscores a universal truth in the digital domain: security is an ongoing journey, not a one-time achievement. For small business owners, prioritizing this aspect of your website is not just about protecting your digital assets; it's about preserving the trust and confidence of your customers in an increasingly interconnected world.

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.

Meta Tag Manager Vulnerability – Authenticated (Subscriber+) PHP Object Injection – CVE-2024-1770 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-1770?

CVE-2024-1770 is a security vulnerability identified in the Meta Tag Manager plugin for WordPress. It is classified as a PHP Object Injection vulnerability, affecting all versions of the plugin up to and including 3.0.2. This flaw allows authenticated users with at least contributor-level access to inject malicious PHP objects into the website via the plugin's functionalities.

This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can lead to unauthorized actions such as data theft, website defacement, or even complete control over the affected website. The issue was addressed in the plugin's version 3.1, where proper sanitization measures were implemented to prevent the injection of untrusted inputs.

How can I check if my WordPress site is affected by CVE-2024-1770?

To determine if your site is affected by CVE-2024-1770, you need to check the version of the Meta Tag Manager plugin you are using. You can do this by logging into your WordPress dashboard, navigating to the "Plugins" section, and finding the Meta Tag Manager plugin in your list of installed plugins.

If your plugin version is 3.0.2 or below, your site is vulnerable to the CVE-2024-1770 vulnerability. It's crucial to update the plugin to version 3.1 or higher, which includes the necessary security patch to mitigate this vulnerability.

What does PHP Object Injection mean?

PHP Object Injection is a type of vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate a PHP application's processing of serialized objects. Serialized objects are strings that represent PHP variables, including objects, which can be manipulated to execute malicious actions when the application unserializes the data.

This vulnerability arises when an application unserializes user-supplied data without proper validation or sanitization. Attackers can exploit this to inject malicious object data, leading to unauthorized actions or access within the application. It's a serious security risk that can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system.

What should I do if my site is affected?

If your site uses a vulnerable version of the Meta Tag Manager plugin, the first step is to update the plugin to the latest version, 3.1, which contains the patch for CVE-2024-1770. This update is crucial to secure your site against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

After updating the plugin, it's wise to audit your site for any unusual activity or signs of compromise that may have occurred before the update. This can include checking for unauthorized user accounts, unexpected changes to your site's content or settings, and reviewing your site's access logs for suspicious activity.

Can CVE-2024-1770 affect other plugins or themes?

While CVE-2024-1770 specifically pertains to the Meta Tag Manager plugin, the nature of PHP Object Injection vulnerabilities means that other plugins or themes that deserialize user-supplied data without proper validation could also be at risk.

It's important for all WordPress site owners to regularly update all their site's components, including plugins and themes, to protect against known vulnerabilities. Using reputable security tools and plugins can help monitor your site for vulnerabilities in other components and assist in maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

What are the potential consequences of this vulnerability?

The potential consequences of the CVE-2024-1770 vulnerability range from data leaks to full site compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected site, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information, website defacement, or even taking control of the site.

The severity of these consequences underscores the importance of promptly addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1770. Keeping plugins and themes updated is crucial in preventing such security threats from impacting your WordPress site.

How can small business owners manage WordPress security effectively?

For small business owners, managing WordPress security effectively can seem daunting, but it's essential for protecting your online presence. A key strategy is to set all your plugins and themes to update automatically, ensuring you receive the latest security patches as soon as they're released.

Additionally, using a reputable security plugin can help monitor your site for vulnerabilities and attempted attacks. Regular backups are also critical, ensuring you can restore your site in case of a security breach. By taking these proactive steps, small business owners can significantly reduce their vulnerability to security threats.

What is the role of the website administrator in managing this vulnerability?

The website administrator plays a crucial role in managing vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1770. It's the administrator's responsibility to ensure that all components of the WordPress site, including plugins like Meta Tag Manager, are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches.

Administrators should also regularly review user roles and permissions, limiting access to sensitive functionalities only to trusted users. Monitoring the site for signs of unauthorized access or changes is also part of maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

Are there any recommended alternatives to the Meta Tag Manager plugin?

For those looking for alternatives to the Meta Tag Manager plugin, several options are available that offer similar functionality. Plugins such as Yoast SEO, All in One SEO Pack, and SEOPress provide comprehensive SEO tools, including meta tag management. When considering an alternative, it's essential to evaluate the plugin's compatibility with your WordPress theme, ease of use, and most importantly, its commitment to regular updates and security practices.

Before switching to a new plugin, ensure that it adequately meets your SEO needs and has a strong track record for security and support. Transitioning to a new plugin should be done carefully, ensuring that all your SEO settings are correctly migrated to maintain your site's search engine rankings.

How often should WordPress plugins be checked for updates?

WordPress plugins should be checked for updates regularly, ideally on a weekly basis. Many WordPress site owners set their plugins to update automatically to ensure immediate application of security patches and new features. However, it's still important to manually check your site's plugins periodically, as some updates might require your review or specific configuration changes.

Staying on top of plugin updates is a critical part of maintaining your WordPress site's security and functionality. Regular checks can help prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1770 from being exploited and ensure your site runs smoothly with the latest plugin features and improvements.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-1770, data protection, digital vigilance, Meta Tag Manager vulnerability, PHP object injection, Plugin Updates, Site Maintenance, small business cybersecurity, web security best practices, wordpress security

Plugin Name: Meta Tag Manager

Key Information:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Meta Tag Manager: A Vital Tool at Risk

Unpacking CVE-2024-1770

Potential Impacts and Remediation Steps

Historical Context and Proactive Security

The Importance of Diligence in Web Security

Staying Secure

Meta Tag Manager Vulnerability – Authenticated (Subscriber+) PHP Object Injection – CVE-2024-1770 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-1770?

How can I check if my WordPress site is affected by CVE-2024-1770?

What does PHP Object Injection mean?

What should I do if my site is affected?

Can CVE-2024-1770 affect other plugins or themes?

What are the potential consequences of this vulnerability?

How can small business owners manage WordPress security effectively?

What is the role of the website administrator in managing this vulnerability?

Are there any recommended alternatives to the Meta Tag Manager plugin?

How often should WordPress plugins be checked for updates?

How often should WordPress plugins be checked for updates?

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