What is CVE-2024-1585?

What is CVE-2024-1585? CVE-2024-1585 is a security vulnerability identified in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts through the plugin's shortcodes, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. These attacks can compromise the security of WordPress sites using affected versions of the plugin.

How does CVE-2024-1585 affect my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-1585 affect my WordPress site? CVE-2024-1585 poses a significant security risk to your WordPress site by allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts. This can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potentially distributing malware to your site's visitors. The vulnerability compromises both the site's integrity and the privacy of its users.

Which versions of Metform are vulnerable to CVE-2024-1585?

Which versions of Metform are vulnerable to CVE-2024-1585? Versions of the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin up to and including 3.8.3 are vulnerable to CVE-2024-1585. If your WordPress site is using any of these versions, it is at risk, and you should update the plugin immediately to ensure your site's security.

How can I protect my site from CVE-2024-1585?

How can I protect my site from CVE-2024-1585? To protect your site from CVE-2024-1585, update the Metform plugin to version 3.8.4 or higher, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerability. Always download updates from reputable sources, such as the official WordPress plugin repository, to avoid installing compromised software.

Where can I find the updated version of Metform?

Where can I find the updated version of Metform? The updated version of the Metform plugin that addresses CVE-2024-1585 can be found on the official WordPress plugin repository. Access your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section, find Metform, and you should see an option to update if you're using a vulnerable version.

What are the potential consequences of ignoring this vulnerability?

What are the potential consequences of ignoring this vulnerability? Ignoring CVE-2024-1585 can lead to severe consequences, including unauthorized access to your site, theft of sensitive information, and loss of data integrity. Additionally, it can damage your site's reputation and erode user trust if they become victims of malware or phishing attacks originating from your site.

Are there any signs that my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1585?

Are there any signs that my site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1585? Signs that your site may have been compromised include unexpected changes to your website's content, the creation of unauthorized user accounts, and unusual site behavior. It's crucial to regularly monitor your site for such anomalies and take immediate action if any are detected.

Can I use an alternative plugin that provides similar functionality to Metform?

Can I use an alternative plugin that provides similar functionality to Metform? Yes, numerous alternative plugins offer similar contact form building functionalities for WordPress. When considering an alternative, research its security history, user reviews, and update frequency to ensure you're choosing a reliable and well-maintained option.

Why is it important to keep WordPress plugins updated?

Why is it important to keep WordPress plugins updated? Keeping WordPress plugins updated is vital for securing your site against known vulnerabilities. Developers regularly release updates to patch security issues, improve functionality, and add new features. Staying updated minimizes the risk of cyber attacks and ensures your site runs smoothly.

What should I do if my site has already been compromised?

What should I do if my site has already been compromised? If you suspect your site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1585 or any other vulnerability, immediately update the affected plugin and scan your site for malware using a reputable security plugin. Consider consulting a cybersecurity professional to assess the damage, clean the site, and implement stronger security measures to prevent future incidents.

Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder Vulnerability - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode - CVE-2024-1585 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin Name: Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: metform
Software Status: Active
Software Author: xpeedstudio
Software Downloads: 3,185,155
Active Installs: 300,000
Last Updated: March 12, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.8.4
Affected Versions: <= 3.8.3

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder <= 3.8.3
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-1585
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: March 7, 2024
Researcher: Bassem Essam
Description: A significant vulnerability has been discovered in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in shortcode processing could enable authenticated users with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts. These scripts can execute whenever an affected page is accessed, posing a risk to site security and user safety.

Summary:

The Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder, a widely utilized plugin for creating contact forms in WordPress, harbors a critical security flaw in versions up to 3.8.3. This vulnerability enables the injection and execution of arbitrary web scripts through the plugin's shortcodes, jeopardizing the integrity of WordPress sites and the privacy of their users. The plugin developers have addressed this issue in the updated version 3.8.4, ensuring the plugin's continued safe use.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability was identified by researcher Bassem Essam and made public on March 7, 2024. It highlights a concerning lack of input sanitization and output escaping within the plugin's shortcode processing mechanism. This oversight provides an avenue for attackers with sufficient permissions to compromise WordPress sites by embedding harmful scripts that are executed by unsuspecting visitors, leading to potential unauthorized access and data breaches.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users of the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin are strongly urged to update to version 3.8.4 immediately to mitigate the vulnerability. This can be done through the WordPress dashboard under the 'Plugins' section.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Website administrators should monitor their sites for unexpected content changes or unusual user activities, which may indicate exploitation.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version resolves this specific vulnerability, users may consider alternative contact form plugins to diversify their security measures and functionalities.
Stay Updated: Keeping all WordPress plugins, themes, and the core up-to-date is crucial in defending against known vulnerabilities and ensuring the overall security and performance of your website.

Conclusion:

The discovery of CVE-2024-1585 within the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin serves as a vital reminder of the constant need for vigilance in the digital landscape. For small business owners and website administrators, especially those without extensive technical resources, recognizing the importance of timely plugin updates is crucial for safeguarding digital assets. Maintaining updated software is not merely a best practice but a fundamental aspect of responsible digital ownership, ensuring the security and reliability of online platforms for all users.

References:

In the vast digital expanse that WordPress encompasses, plugins like Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder empower users with the tools to enhance interactivity and user engagement through customizable contact forms. Yet, the discovery of CVE-2024-1585 within this widely celebrated plugin sends a clear message to all digital denizens: vigilance in cybersecurity is non-negotiable.

Plugin Overview:

Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder, developed by xpeedstudio, is a cornerstone for many WordPress sites, offering a drag-and-drop interface for creating contact forms. Boasting over 3 million downloads and 300,000 active installations, its popularity is a testament to its utility. However, the recent identification of a critical vulnerability in versions up to 3.8.3 has cast a shadow over its impeccable reputation.

Vulnerability Details:

CVE-2024-1585 unveils a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw stemming from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin's shortcode processing. This loophole allows attackers with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts, which can be executed by any user accessing the compromised pages, leading to potential unauthorized access and data breaches.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The implications of CVE-2024-1585 extend beyond mere technical glitches, posing significant risks to site integrity, user privacy, and data security. The ability for malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts opens the floodgates to a myriad of cyber threats, from identity theft to the distribution of malware, thereby eroding the trust that users place in digital platforms.

Remediation and Prevention:

In response to this critical issue, xpeedstudio promptly released version 3.8.4, which addresses and patches the vulnerability. Site owners utilizing the plugin are urged to update to this latest version immediately to safeguard their digital assets. Moreover, regular monitoring of site activities and updates is crucial in preempting potential exploits.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

It's noteworthy that this isn't the first instance of vulnerability within the Metform plugin, with 18 previous vulnerabilities reported since April 23, 2022. Each reported vulnerability serves as a reminder of the dynamic and evolving nature of cybersecurity threats.

The revelation of CVE-2024-1585 in the Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder plugin underscores a critical axiom in the realm of digital stewardship: complacency is the enemy of cybersecurity. For small business owners, whose ventures thrive on the reliability and security of their online presence, the task of keeping plugins and themes updated transcends routine maintenance—it's a fundamental safeguard against the multifaceted threats that pervade the digital landscape. In an era where digital footprints are as significant as physical ones, ensuring the security of your WordPress site is not just a technical task, but a pivotal aspect of protecting your business's integrity and the trust of those who interact with it.

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.

Plugin Name: Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Plugin Overview:

Vulnerability Details:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Remediation and Prevention:

Previous Vulnerabilities:

Staying Secure