NextGEN Gallery Vulnerability – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-2744 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What exactly is CVE-2024-2744?

What exactly is CVE-2024-2744? CVE-2024-2744 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the NextGEN Gallery WordPress plugin. This flaw allows authenticated administrators to inject malicious scripts into the admin settings, which are then executed whenever another user accesses those settings. The vulnerability primarily affects multi-site installations or those where the unfiltered_html capability is disabled. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows the execution of arbitrary web scripts, which can alter the behavior of the website, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or manipulation. It underscores the importance of sanitizing and validating user inputs within plugins to prevent malicious data from being stored and executed.

Q: How can I tell if my site has been affected by this vulnerability?

How can I tell if my site has been affected by this vulnerability? To determine if your site has been affected by CVE-2024-2744, check the version of the NextGEN Gallery plugin installed on your WordPress site. If your site is running a version at or below 3.59, it is vulnerable and needs to be updated immediately. Checking the admin settings for any unusual or unauthorized scripts can also indicate whether the vulnerability has been exploited. If you suspect exploitation, it’s wise to conduct a thorough review of your website's logs for any suspicious activity. You should also audit the roles and permissions to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made by potentially malicious scripts.

Q: What should I do if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

What should I do if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability? If you believe your website has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2744, the first step is to update the NextGEN Gallery plugin to the latest version, which includes a patch for this vulnerability. Next, conduct a full security scan of your website using a reliable security tool to identify and remove any malicious scripts or alterations. Additionally, change all passwords and reissue keys where possible. It’s also a good practice to inform your users about potential data breaches, especially if sensitive information may have been accessed or manipulated. Consulting with a cybersecurity professional can provide further guidance and help mitigate any ongoing risks.

Q: Are there any reliable alternatives to the NextGEN Gallery plugin?

Are there any reliable alternatives to the NextGEN Gallery plugin? If you are considering switching from NextGEN Gallery due to security concerns or other reasons, several alternative WordPress gallery plugins offer robust security and functionality. Plugins like Envira Gallery, Modula, and FooGallery are popular among users looking for reliable and secure photo gallery solutions. When choosing an alternative, it's important to assess the plugin's update history, user reviews, and the responsiveness of the development team to security issues. Regular updates and active support are key indicators of a plugin's reliability and security.

Q: How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future?

How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future? Preventing similar vulnerabilities in the future requires a proactive approach to website security, including regularly updating all software, using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, and limiting administrator access only to those who need it. Implementing security best practices, such as using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) and running regular security audits, can also significantly reduce the risk of vulnerabilities. Educating yourself and any users with administrative access about the risks of XSS and other common security threats is also crucial. Awareness and understanding are powerful tools in maintaining website security.

Q: What does stored XSS mean?

What does stored XSS mean? Stored XSS, or persistent XSS, occurs when malicious scripts are injected directly into a website’s database. This type of XSS is particularly dangerous because the malicious scripts are then served to users directly from the website, without needing to trick users into clicking a malicious link (as in reflected XSS) or manipulating the DOM of the page (as in DOM-based XSS). Stored XSS can lead to long-term issues for a website as the malicious script will continue to execute until it is discovered and removed. It often affects more users than other types of XSS because the script is executed whenever the stored data is loaded.

Q: Why is it important to maintain regular updates for WordPress plugins?

Why is it important to maintain regular updates for WordPress plugins? Maintaining regular updates for WordPress plugins is critical because updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the last version. Developers continuously improve the security of their plugins as new threats are identified. Failing to update plugins can leave known vulnerabilities unpatched, making your site an easy target for attackers. Regular updates not only secure your site but also ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the latest WordPress core updates and other plugins.

Q: What are the risks associated with not updating a WordPress plugin?

What are the risks associated with not updating a WordPress plugin? Not updating a WordPress plugin can expose your website to significant risks, primarily from hackers who exploit known vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, insertion of malicious code, and even complete site takeover. Moreover, outdated plugins may cause compatibility issues with other plugins or the WordPress core itself, potentially leading to performance issues or website downtime. Staying updated is crucial to maintaining the security and functionality of your site.

Q: What steps should be taken immediately after updating a vulnerable plugin?

What steps should be taken immediately after updating a vulnerable plugin? Immediately after updating a vulnerable plugin, it's important to verify that the update has been applied correctly and that there are no residual issues from the vulnerability. This can include scanning your website for anomalies or remnants of exploitation and reviewing the website's functionality to ensure that the update has not affected the normal operations. It's also advisable to monitor your site closely for any signs of irregular behavior in the following days and weeks. Regularly updating your security tools and scanning your site can help catch any issues that were not initially apparent.

Q: How can a small business owner with limited time ensure their WordPress site remains secure?

How can a small business owner with limited time ensure their WordPress site remains secure? For small business owners with limited time, automating as many security processes as possible is key. Setting plugins and themes to update automatically can help keep the site secure. Utilizing managed WordPress hosting services, which often include regular updates and enhanced security measures, can also reduce the burden. Incorporating a reliable security plugin that actively monitors for threats and vulnerabilities can provide ongoing protection with minimal daily oversight. Lastly, establishing a routine check-up schedule, even if only monthly, to review all aspects of the website's security posture, can help catch potential issues before they become serious threats.

By Your WP Guy | April 26, 2024

Plugin Name: NextGEN Gallery – Create an Amazing Photo Gallery in Seconds

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: nextgen-gallery
Software Status: Active
Software Author: smub
Software Downloads: 40,372,789
Active Installs: 500,000
Last Updated: May 12, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.59.1
Affected Versions: <= 3.59

Vulnerability Details:

Name: NextGEN Gallery <= 3.59
Title: Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-2744
CVSS Score: 4.4
Publicly Published: April 26, 2024
Researcher: Dmitrii Ignatyev - CleanTalk Inc
Description: The NextGEN Gallery plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) through the admin settings in all versions up to, and including, 3.59. Insufficient input sanitization and output escaping allow authenticated attackers, with administrator-level permissions, to inject arbitrary web scripts that execute on user access. This vulnerability primarily affects multi-site installations or those where unfiltered_html is disabled.

Summary:

The NextGEN Gallery plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.59 that allows authenticated administrators to perform stored XSS attacks via admin settings. This security issue has been resolved in the recently released version 3.59.1.

Detailed Overview:

Stored XSS vulnerabilities like the one found in the NextGEN Gallery plugin pose a significant risk, especially in environments with multiple users having admin access. This specific flaw could enable attackers to embed malicious scripts into the admin settings that are executed when other users access the compromised settings page. The risk involves unauthorized code execution that can alter the behavior of the site, potentially leading to data leaks or manipulation.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 3.59.1 immediately to address this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Admins should review their site's settings and admin pages for unexpected scripts or behavior, which might suggest that the vulnerability has been exploited.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version is secure, users concerned about ongoing security might consider exploring other well-maintained gallery plugins as alternatives.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to prevent vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The swift update by the developers of NextGEN Gallery to patch this vulnerability demonstrates the ongoing need for vigilance and prompt action in software maintenance. Users, particularly those managing WordPress sites with multiple administrators, are urged to update to version 3.59.1 or later to secure their installations against this type of vulnerability. Maintaining up-to-date software is essential for protecting against potential security threats and ensuring the integrity of your digital content.

References:

Detailed Report:

Navigating the Security Landscape: The Imperative of Regular Updates in WordPress Plugins

In the dynamic world of website management, security is a paramount concern. The recent discovery of a significant vulnerability in the "NextGEN Gallery" plugin, popular among WordPress users for adding sophisticated photo gallery functionalities, underscores the ongoing risks associated with digital platforms. Known as CVE-2024-2744, this vulnerability highlights the necessity of vigilance and timely updates to safeguard online assets.

Impact and Risks

Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-2744 pose significant risks, particularly in environments with multiple administrators. Attackers could embed malicious scripts into the admin settings that execute when other administrators access the compromised settings page. These scripts could lead to data manipulation or theft, unauthorized changes to the site’s content, and other malicious activities, undermining the site's integrity and security.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities

NextGEN Gallery has faced 30 vulnerabilities since its inception, with each instance serving as a learning opportunity for enhancing security measures. These previous instances reinforce the need for constant monitoring and proactive updating as critical components of effective cybersecurity practices.

Conclusion

The prompt update provided by the developers of NextGEN Gallery to address CVE-2024-2744 exemplifies the ongoing challenges and the crucial importance of timely software updates in maintaining robust security defenses. For small business owners, especially those with limited time to oversee website operations, understanding the importance of these updates and implementing automated systems for regular maintenance can be a game-changer. Maintaining up-to-date software is essential, not only for protecting against potential security threats but also for ensuring the integrity and reliability of your digital presence.

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.

NextGEN Gallery Vulnerability – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-2744 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What exactly is CVE-2024-2744?

CVE-2024-2744 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the NextGEN Gallery WordPress plugin. This flaw allows authenticated administrators to inject malicious scripts into the admin settings, which are then executed whenever another user accesses those settings. The vulnerability primarily affects multi-site installations or those where the unfiltered_html capability is disabled.

This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows the execution of arbitrary web scripts, which can alter the behavior of the website, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or manipulation. It underscores the importance of sanitizing and validating user inputs within plugins to prevent malicious data from being stored and executed.

How can I tell if my site has been affected by this vulnerability?

To determine if your site has been affected by CVE-2024-2744, check the version of the NextGEN Gallery plugin installed on your WordPress site. If your site is running a version at or below 3.59, it is vulnerable and needs to be updated immediately. Checking the admin settings for any unusual or unauthorized scripts can also indicate whether the vulnerability has been exploited.

If you suspect exploitation, it’s wise to conduct a thorough review of your website's logs for any suspicious activity. You should also audit the roles and permissions to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made by potentially malicious scripts.

What should I do if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

If you believe your website has been compromised due to CVE-2024-2744, the first step is to update the NextGEN Gallery plugin to the latest version, which includes a patch for this vulnerability. Next, conduct a full security scan of your website using a reliable security tool to identify and remove any malicious scripts or alterations.

Additionally, change all passwords and reissue keys where possible. It’s also a good practice to inform your users about potential data breaches, especially if sensitive information may have been accessed or manipulated. Consulting with a cybersecurity professional can provide further guidance and help mitigate any ongoing risks.

Are there any reliable alternatives to the NextGEN Gallery plugin?

If you are considering switching from NextGEN Gallery due to security concerns or other reasons, several alternative WordPress gallery plugins offer robust security and functionality. Plugins like Envira Gallery, Modula, and FooGallery are popular among users looking for reliable and secure photo gallery solutions.

When choosing an alternative, it's important to assess the plugin's update history, user reviews, and the responsiveness of the development team to security issues. Regular updates and active support are key indicators of a plugin's reliability and security.

How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future?

Preventing similar vulnerabilities in the future requires a proactive approach to website security, including regularly updating all software, using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, and limiting administrator access only to those who need it. Implementing security best practices, such as using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) and running regular security audits, can also significantly reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.

Educating yourself and any users with administrative access about the risks of XSS and other common security threats is also crucial. Awareness and understanding are powerful tools in maintaining website security.

What does stored XSS mean?

Stored XSS, or persistent XSS, occurs when malicious scripts are injected directly into a website’s database. This type of XSS is particularly dangerous because the malicious scripts are then served to users directly from the website, without needing to trick users into clicking a malicious link (as in reflected XSS) or manipulating the DOM of the page (as in DOM-based XSS).

Stored XSS can lead to long-term issues for a website as the malicious script will continue to execute until it is discovered and removed. It often affects more users than other types of XSS because the script is executed whenever the stored data is loaded.

Why is it important to maintain regular updates for WordPress plugins?

Maintaining regular updates for WordPress plugins is critical because updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the last version. Developers continuously improve the security of their plugins as new threats are identified. Failing to update plugins can leave known vulnerabilities unpatched, making your site an easy target for attackers.

Regular updates not only secure your site but also ensure optimal performance and compatibility with the latest WordPress core updates and other plugins.

What are the risks associated with not updating a WordPress plugin?

Not updating a WordPress plugin can expose your website to significant risks, primarily from hackers who exploit known vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, insertion of malicious code, and even complete site takeover.

Moreover, outdated plugins may cause compatibility issues with other plugins or the WordPress core itself, potentially leading to performance issues or website downtime. Staying updated is crucial to maintaining the security and functionality of your site.

What steps should be taken immediately after updating a vulnerable plugin?

Immediately after updating a vulnerable plugin, it's important to verify that the update has been applied correctly and that there are no residual issues from the vulnerability. This can include scanning your website for anomalies or remnants of exploitation and reviewing the website's functionality to ensure that the update has not affected the normal operations.

It's also advisable to monitor your site closely for any signs of irregular behavior in the following days and weeks. Regularly updating your security tools and scanning your site can help catch any issues that were not initially apparent.

How can a small business owner with limited time ensure their WordPress site remains secure?

For small business owners with limited time, automating as many security processes as possible is key. Setting plugins and themes to update automatically can help keep the site secure. Utilizing managed WordPress hosting services, which often include regular updates and enhanced security measures, can also reduce the burden.

Incorporating a reliable security plugin that actively monitors for threats and vulnerabilities can provide ongoing protection with minimal daily oversight. Lastly, establishing a routine check-up schedule, even if only monthly, to review all aspects of the website's security posture, can help catch potential issues before they become serious threats.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-2744, Cybersecurity, NextGEN Gallery, photo gallery plugins, secure WordPress installations, Website Security, WordPress Maintenance, WordPress plugin updates, wordpress security, XSS vulnerability