Minimal Coming Soon Vulnerability– Coming Soon Page – Unauthenticated Maintenance Mode Bypass – CVE-2024-1075 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: minimal-coming-soon-maintenance-mode
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: webfactory
- Software Downloads: 1,881,425
- Active Installs: 100,000
- Last Updated: February 8, 2024
- Patched Versions: 2.38
- Affected Versions: <= 2.37
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page <= 2.37
- Title: Unauthenticated Maintenance Mode Bypass
- Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
- CVE: CVE-2024-1075
- CVSS Score: 3.7
- Publicly Published: February 5, 2024
- Researcher: Lucio Sá
- Description: The Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to an unauthenticated maintenance mode bypass due to improper request path validation. This vulnerability allows attackers to access and view pages that should be restricted during maintenance mode, leading to potential information disclosure.
Summary:
The Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page plugin, widely used by WordPress site owners to display stylish coming soon or maintenance pages, has been identified to have a significant security flaw in versions up to and including 2.37. This flaw allows unauthenticated users to bypass the maintenance mode, exposing hidden content and potentially sensitive information. Fortunately, this issue has been addressed in the latest version, 2.38, providing a crucial fix to the vulnerability.
Detailed Overview:
Discovered by security researcher Lucio Sá, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized content access on websites employing the affected plugin versions. The core of the issue lies in the plugin's inadequate verification of incoming requests, which could be exploited by savvy attackers to navigate around the maintenance mode barrier. While the CVSS score of 3.7 indicates a lower severity, the potential for information leakage underscores the need for prompt remediation.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: It is imperative for users of the Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page plugin to update to version 2.38 immediately to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Website owners should review their site logs for any unusual access patterns during the maintenance periods, which might indicate exploitation attempts.
- Alternate Plugins: Considering the recurrence of vulnerabilities, users may evaluate other reputable coming soon or maintenance mode plugins as alternatives, ensuring they maintain a robust security posture.
- Stay Updated: Regularly updating plugins to their latest versions is crucial in protecting WordPress sites from known vulnerabilities. Site owners should establish a routine check for updates and apply them promptly to ensure ongoing security.
Conclusion:
The swift resolution of the vulnerability in the Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page plugin by the developers highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software on WordPress sites. By upgrading to version 2.38, users can safeguard their sites against this specific maintenance mode bypass risk. As the digital landscape evolves, staying vigilant and proactive in applying software updates is indispensable for securing online assets against emerging threats.
References:
In today's digital landscape, where your website serves as the front door to your business, security cannot be an afterthought. The recent identification of a vulnerability in the "Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page" WordPress plugin, known as CVE-2024-1075, serves as a stark reminder of the perpetual need for vigilance in maintaining the security of your online presence. This plugin, designed to elegantly bridge the gap during website updates or maintenance, was compromised by a flaw that allowed unauthenticated bypass of maintenance mode, potentially exposing sensitive information meant to be hidden.
Plugin Overview:
The "Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page" plugin by webfactory is a popular tool among WordPress users, with over 1.8 million downloads and 100,000 active installations. It allows website owners to set up stylish coming soon or maintenance pages with ease. However, its widespread use also makes it a significant point of interest for potential attackers.
Vulnerability Details:
CVE-2024-1075 highlights a security oversight in versions up to and including 2.37, where improper request path validation could let attackers circumvent the maintenance page, gaining access to the site's hidden content. This vulnerability, discovered by Lucio Sá and publicly disclosed on February 5, 2024, has been assigned a CVSS score of 3.7, indicating a lower severity but noteworthy risk of information disclosure.
Risks and Potential Impacts:
The primary risk associated with this vulnerability is unauthorized access to content that should be restricted during maintenance periods, which could lead to information leakage. While the requirement for unauthenticated access limits the scope of potential exploitation, the vulnerability serves as a critical lesson in the importance of comprehensive security measures, even in seemingly low-risk areas.
Remediation Steps:
To address this vulnerability, webfactory released version 2.38 of the plugin, which patches the flaw and restores secure functionality. Users are urged to update immediately to protect their sites. Additionally, reviewing access logs for unusual patterns during maintenance periods can help identify any past exploitation attempts.
Previous Vulnerabilities:
This is not the first time vulnerabilities have been discovered in the "Minimal Coming Soon – Coming Soon Page" plugin. With five vulnerabilities reported since December 18, 2019, there is a clear pattern that emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring and updating of this plugin.
Conclusion:
The quick response by the plugin's developers in patching CVE-2024-1075 is commendable, yet it underscores a broader imperative for all website owners: the necessity of staying proactive in updating and securing website components. For small business owners, who often juggle myriad responsibilities, understanding the importance of website security and implementing efficient processes for maintaining it is crucial. Leveraging tools for automatic updates, subscribing to security advisories, and occasionally consulting with cybersecurity professionals can significantly mitigate the risks posed by such vulnerabilities, ensuring that your website remains a safe and welcoming portal for your audience.
In the digital arena, where threats evolve as quickly as the technologies they target, staying informed and prepared is not just a best practice—it's a vital defense strategy that protects your business, your customers, and your reputation.
Staying Secure
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