MetForm Vulnerability – Contact Form, Survey, Quiz, & Custom Form Builder for Elementor – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Widgets – CVE-2024-2791 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-2791?

What is CVE-2024-2791? CVE-2024-2791 is a security identifier for a vulnerability discovered in the MetForm plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.8.5. This vulnerability allows authenticated users, particularly those with contributor-level access, to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the plugin's widgets. The flaw originates from insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied inputs, presenting a significant security risk. The potential impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and the compromise of site integrity and user privacy. It underscores the importance of rigorous input validation in web applications to prevent such security lapses.

Q: How does CVE-2024-2791 affect my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-2791 affect my WordPress site? If your WordPress site uses an outdated version of the MetForm plugin, specifically version 3.8.5 or lower, it is vulnerable to the CVE-2024-2791 security flaw. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts into your website, which are then executed by users who view the compromised content. These scripts can perform unauthorized actions, steal sensitive information, or even redirect users to malicious sites. The consequences of such an exploit can be dire, potentially leading to a loss of trust among your site's users, damage to your site's reputation, and legal implications if personal data is compromised. Prompt action is needed to mitigate these risks.

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

How can I check if my site is vulnerable? To determine if your site is at risk from CVE-2024-2791, you need to verify the version of the MetForm plugin currently installed on your WordPress site. This can be done by accessing the 'Plugins' section of your WordPress dashboard and locating the MetForm plugin to check its version number. If your site is running MetForm version 3.8.5 or below, it is vulnerable to this security flaw. Upgrading to the latest version, 3.8.6, is essential to secure your site against this vulnerability.

Q: What should I do to fix CVE-2024-2791?

What should I do to fix CVE-2024-2791? The most effective way to address CVE-2024-2791 is by updating the MetForm plugin to version 3.8.6, which contains the necessary security patches to fix this vulnerability. Plugin updates are typically straightforward and can be executed directly from the WordPress dashboard under the 'Plugins' section. Before updating, it's prudent to back up your website to safeguard against potential data loss or compatibility issues that might arise during the update process. Keeping your plugins up to date is a critical component of maintaining website security.

Q: Can CVE-2024-2791 be exploited by unauthenticated users?

Can CVE-2024-2791 be exploited by unauthenticated users? CVE-2024-2791 specifically requires that the attacker has at least contributor-level access to the WordPress site to exploit the vulnerability. This means that unauthenticated users without proper permissions cannot directly exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts. However, it's crucial to remain vigilant, as attackers may use various methods, such as social engineering or exploiting other vulnerabilities, to gain the necessary access levels to exploit this vulnerability. Ensuring robust access controls and educating users about security best practices can help mitigate this risk.

Q: What are Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks?

What are Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks? Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks involve an attacker injecting malicious scripts into a web application, which then permanently stores these scripts. When other users access the compromised part of the application, the malicious script executes within their browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or exposure to malware. Unlike reflected XSS attacks, which require tricking a user into clicking a malicious link, stored XSS attacks can affect multiple users and do not require the victims to take any specific action, such as clicking on a malicious link, to trigger the attack. Preventing these types of attacks requires diligent input sanitization and validation practices.

Q: Will updating MetForm affect my website's functionality?

Will updating MetForm affect my website's functionality? Updating the MetForm plugin to address CVE-2024-2791 is designed to rectify the security flaw without impacting your website's functionality or content. Plugin updates generally focus on security enhancements, bug fixes, and occasionally, feature additions, but they aim to maintain compatibility with existing website setups. As a precaution, it's advisable to perform a backup of your website before applying updates. This ensures that you can restore your website to its previous state if any issues arise during the update process.

Q: Are there safer alternatives to MetForm?

Are there safer alternatives to MetForm? While MetForm is a popular form builder plugin for WordPress, there are numerous alternatives available, each with its own set of features and security considerations. Some notable alternatives include Contact Form 7, WPForms, and Gravity Forms. When considering a switch, it's important to evaluate the alternative plugin's compatibility with your site, its feature set, and its security track record. Regardless of the plugin you choose, staying informed about updates and applying them promptly is key to maintaining a secure WordPress site. No plugin is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, so a proactive approach to website security is essential.

Q: How can I stay updated on WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

How can I stay updated on WordPress plugin vulnerabilities? Staying informed about vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins involves actively monitoring trusted WordPress security resources, subscribing to security news feeds, and following updates from plugin developers. Websites like the WordPress Vulnerability Database, security blogs like Wordfence and Sucuri, and official plugin changelogs are valuable sources of information. Additionally, employing a security plugin that offers vulnerability scanning and notifications can provide timely alerts about potential threats, helping you stay one step ahead in securing your site.

Q: What are best practices for WordPress site security?

What are best practices for WordPress site security? Maintaining a secure WordPress site encompasses a range of best practices, including regularly updating the WordPress core, themes, and plugins to their latest versions. Implementing strong passwords, employing security plugins for continuous monitoring, setting up a web application firewall (WAF), and conducting regular backups are also crucial components of a robust security strategy. Educating yourself and any users with access to your site about security awareness, recognizing phishing attempts, and securing personal accounts can further enhance your site's defenses. Adopting a proactive and informed approach to website security is instrumental in mitigating the risk of vulnerabilities and attacks.

By Your WP Guy | April 1, 2024

Plugin Name: MetForm – Contact Form, Survey, Quiz, & Custom Form Builder for Elementor

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: metform
Software Status: Active
Software Author: XpeedStudio
Software Downloads: 3,334,058
Active Installs: 300,000
Last Updated: April 4, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.8.6
Affected Versions: <= 3.8.5

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Metform Elementor Contact Form Builder <= 3.8.5
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Widgets
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-2791
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: April 1, 2024
Researcher: Dau Hoang Tai - VCI
Description: The MetForm plugin, an advanced form builder for WordPress, has been identified with a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in its widgets. This flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied attributes, enabling authenticated users with contributor-level permissions to execute arbitrary scripts, compromising site security and user data.

Summary:

The widely utilized MetForm plugin harbors a critical vulnerability in versions up to 3.8.5, known as CVE-2024-2791. This security gap allows for Stored XSS attacks through the plugin's widgets, presenting significant risks to both website integrity and user privacy. Fortunately, this concern has been effectively addressed in the latest version, 3.8.6, emphasizing the necessity of timely updates.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by the vigilant researcher Dau Hoang Tai, this vulnerability exposes websites to potential unauthorized script executions, which could lead to data breaches, site defacement, or more sophisticated attacks such as phishing campaigns. The nature of Stored XSS means the malicious code persists within the website’s content, activating each time an affected page is accessed by users. The release of version 3.8.6 is a vital update that mitigates this vulnerability, ensuring better protection for WordPress sites employing MetForm.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users of the MetForm plugin are strongly advised to update to version 3.8.6 without delay to safeguard their sites against potential exploits stemming from CVE-2024-2791.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Website administrators should conduct thorough reviews for any unusual content changes or script injections, indicative of exploitation.
Alternate Plugins: Although the vulnerability has been patched, exploring alternative form builder plugins could serve as a prudent precautionary measure.
Stay Updated: Maintaining the latest versions of all WordPress plugins is essential in ensuring a secure and reliable website environment.

Conclusion:

The swift action taken by XpeedStudio to rectify the CVE-2024-2791 vulnerability in the MetForm plugin underscores the critical importance of software updates in maintaining website security. By ensuring that the MetForm plugin is updated to version 3.8.6 or later, users can enhance their defenses against this and other potential vulnerabilities, securing their WordPress installations in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the digital expanse where websites serve as the cornerstone of modern business and communication, the sanctity of your online presence is paramount. The recent identification of a significant vulnerability within the MetForm plugin, a widely utilized tool for creating forms and surveys on WordPress sites, highlights the relentless landscape of cyber threats and the critical need for vigilant website maintenance. The vulnerability, tagged as CVE-2024-2791, emphasizes a fundamental principle in cybersecurity: the indispensability of keeping your website's components, especially plugins, up to date to ward off potential threats.

About MetForm Plugin:

MetForm, crafted by XpeedStudio, stands as a versatile plugin in the WordPress ecosystem, enabling users to create advanced forms, quizzes, and surveys with ease. With its extensive functionality, the plugin has amassed over 300,000 active installations. Despite its popularity, MetForm was found vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks in versions up to 3.8.5, a stark reminder that no digital tool is immune to threats.

Vulnerability Details:

CVE-2024-2791: This security flaw within MetForm allows attackers with contributor-level access to execute Stored XSS via the plugin's widgets, stemming from insufficient input sanitization of user-supplied attributes.
Impact: The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized script executions, compromising site integrity, user data, and potentially leading to data breaches or phishing attacks.

Addressing the Vulnerability:

In response to this discovery, XpeedStudio promptly released version 3.8.6, effectively patching the vulnerability and bolstering the plugin's defenses. This swift action highlights the importance of immediate remediation in the face of security vulnerabilities.

Historical Context:

MetForm has encountered 19 vulnerabilities since April 23, 2022, underscoring the ongoing battle against cyber threats and the importance of continuous vigilance and updates.

Conclusion:

The resolution of CVE-2024-2791 by XpeedStudio underscores the critical role that timely software updates play in safeguarding digital assets. For small business owners, managing the intricacies of website security amidst myriad other responsibilities can be daunting. Yet, the repercussions of neglecting such vulnerabilities can be far-reaching, affecting not just the security but also the reputation and trustworthiness of your online presence. Leveraging automated update features, employing reputable security solutions, and staying informed about potential threats are key strategies to ensure your WordPress site remains secure in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. In the realm of digital security, proactive measures are not merely advisable; they are essential for the continued safety and integrity of your digital doorway.

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.

MetForm Vulnerability – Contact Form, Survey, Quiz, & Custom Form Builder for Elementor – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Widgets – CVE-2024-2791 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-2791?

CVE-2024-2791 is a security identifier for a vulnerability discovered in the MetForm plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.8.5. This vulnerability allows authenticated users, particularly those with contributor-level access, to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the plugin's widgets. The flaw originates from insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied inputs, presenting a significant security risk.

The potential impact of this vulnerability is substantial, as it can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and the compromise of site integrity and user privacy. It underscores the importance of rigorous input validation in web applications to prevent such security lapses.

How does CVE-2024-2791 affect my WordPress site?

If your WordPress site uses an outdated version of the MetForm plugin, specifically version 3.8.5 or lower, it is vulnerable to the CVE-2024-2791 security flaw. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts into your website, which are then executed by users who view the compromised content. These scripts can perform unauthorized actions, steal sensitive information, or even redirect users to malicious sites.

The consequences of such an exploit can be dire, potentially leading to a loss of trust among your site's users, damage to your site's reputation, and legal implications if personal data is compromised. Prompt action is needed to mitigate these risks.

How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

To determine if your site is at risk from CVE-2024-2791, you need to verify the version of the MetForm plugin currently installed on your WordPress site. This can be done by accessing the 'Plugins' section of your WordPress dashboard and locating the MetForm plugin to check its version number.

If your site is running MetForm version 3.8.5 or below, it is vulnerable to this security flaw. Upgrading to the latest version, 3.8.6, is essential to secure your site against this vulnerability.

What should I do to fix CVE-2024-2791?

The most effective way to address CVE-2024-2791 is by updating the MetForm plugin to version 3.8.6, which contains the necessary security patches to fix this vulnerability. Plugin updates are typically straightforward and can be executed directly from the WordPress dashboard under the 'Plugins' section.

Before updating, it's prudent to back up your website to safeguard against potential data loss or compatibility issues that might arise during the update process. Keeping your plugins up to date is a critical component of maintaining website security.

Can CVE-2024-2791 be exploited by unauthenticated users?

CVE-2024-2791 specifically requires that the attacker has at least contributor-level access to the WordPress site to exploit the vulnerability. This means that unauthenticated users without proper permissions cannot directly exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts.

However, it's crucial to remain vigilant, as attackers may use various methods, such as social engineering or exploiting other vulnerabilities, to gain the necessary access levels to exploit this vulnerability. Ensuring robust access controls and educating users about security best practices can help mitigate this risk.

What are Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks involve an attacker injecting malicious scripts into a web application, which then permanently stores these scripts. When other users access the compromised part of the application, the malicious script executes within their browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or exposure to malware.

Unlike reflected XSS attacks, which require tricking a user into clicking a malicious link, stored XSS attacks can affect multiple users and do not require the victims to take any specific action, such as clicking on a malicious link, to trigger the attack. Preventing these types of attacks requires diligent input sanitization and validation practices.

Will updating MetForm affect my website's functionality?

Updating the MetForm plugin to address CVE-2024-2791 is designed to rectify the security flaw without impacting your website's functionality or content. Plugin updates generally focus on security enhancements, bug fixes, and occasionally, feature additions, but they aim to maintain compatibility with existing website setups.

As a precaution, it's advisable to perform a backup of your website before applying updates. This ensures that you can restore your website to its previous state if any issues arise during the update process.

Are there safer alternatives to MetForm?

While MetForm is a popular form builder plugin for WordPress, there are numerous alternatives available, each with its own set of features and security considerations. Some notable alternatives include Contact Form 7, WPForms, and Gravity Forms. When considering a switch, it's important to evaluate the alternative plugin's compatibility with your site, its feature set, and its security track record.

Regardless of the plugin you choose, staying informed about updates and applying them promptly is key to maintaining a secure WordPress site. No plugin is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, so a proactive approach to website security is essential.

How can I stay updated on WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

Staying informed about vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins involves actively monitoring trusted WordPress security resources, subscribing to security news feeds, and following updates from plugin developers. Websites like the WordPress Vulnerability Database, security blogs like Wordfence and Sucuri, and official plugin changelogs are valuable sources of information.

Additionally, employing a security plugin that offers vulnerability scanning and notifications can provide timely alerts about potential threats, helping you stay one step ahead in securing your site.

What are best practices for WordPress site security?

Maintaining a secure WordPress site encompasses a range of best practices, including regularly updating the WordPress core, themes, and plugins to their latest versions. Implementing strong passwords, employing security plugins for continuous monitoring, setting up a web application firewall (WAF), and conducting regular backups are also crucial components of a robust security strategy.

Educating yourself and any users with access to your site about security awareness, recognizing phishing attempts, and securing personal accounts can further enhance your site's defenses. Adopting a proactive and informed approach to website security is instrumental in mitigating the risk of vulnerabilities and attacks.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-2791, Cybersecurity, digital security for small businesses, Metform vulnerability, Plugin Updates, proactive security measures, safeguarding WordPress, stored XSS, Website Maintenance, wordpress security

Plugin Name: MetForm – Contact Form, Survey, Quiz, & Custom Form Builder for Elementor

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

About MetForm Plugin:

Vulnerability Details:

Addressing the Vulnerability:

Historical Context:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

MetForm Vulnerability – Contact Form, Survey, Quiz, & Custom Form Builder for Elementor – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Widgets – CVE-2024-2791 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-2791?

How does CVE-2024-2791 affect my WordPress site?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

What should I do to fix CVE-2024-2791?

Can CVE-2024-2791 be exploited by unauthenticated users?

What are Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks?

Will updating MetForm affect my website's functionality?

Are there safer alternatives to MetForm?

How can I stay updated on WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

What are best practices for WordPress site security?

What are best practices for WordPress site security?

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