Ninja Forms Contact Form Vulnerability– The Drag and Drop Form Builder for WordPress – Unauthenticated Second Order SQL Injection – CVE-2024-0685 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin Name: Ninja Forms Contact Form – The Drag and Drop Form Builder for WordPress

Key Information:

  • Software Type: Plugin
  • Software Slug: ninja-forms
  • Software Status: Active
  • Software Author: kstover
  • Software Downloads: 42,568,387
  • Active Installs: 800,000
  • Last Updated: February 12, 2024
  • Patched Versions: 3.7.2
  • Affected Versions: <= 3.7.1

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: Ninja Forms Contact Form <= 3.7.1
  • Title: Unauthenticated Second Order SQL Injection
  • Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
  • CVE: CVE-2024-0685
  • CVSS Score: 5.9
  • Publicly Published: February 1, 2024
  • Researcher: stealthcopter
  • Description: The Ninja Forms Contact Form plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Second Order SQL Injection via the email address value submitted through forms in versions up to and including 3.7.1. This vulnerability arises from insufficient escaping of user-supplied parameters and inadequate preparation of SQL queries, allowing unauthenticated attackers to manipulate the database via crafted email addresses, particularly when an admin initiates a personal data export.

Summary:

The Ninja Forms Contact Form plugin for WordPress exhibits a critical vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.7.1, characterized by an Unauthenticated Second Order SQL Injection risk. This flaw has been effectively addressed in the version 3.7.2 update.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability, identified by the researcher stealthcopter, pertains to the potential for unauthenticated attackers to exploit the email address field in form submissions. The core of the issue lies in the plugin's handling of SQL queries related to personal data exports by administrators, where maliciously crafted email inputs can lead to unintended SQL command execution. This exposes the site to data integrity and privacy breaches, albeit the attack complexity is high, as reflected in the CVSS score of 5.9.

Advice for Users:

  • Immediate Action: Update your Ninja Forms plugin to version 3.7.2 without delay.
  • Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor form submissions and export activities for unusual patterns or errors.
  • Alternate Plugins: Consider alternative form builders as an interim measure, even though a patch is available.
  • Stay Updated: Regularly update all plugins to their latest versions to minimize security risks.

Conclusion:

The swift action by the Ninja Forms development team in releasing patch 3.7.2 highlights the critical nature of maintaining current plugin versions. Users must upgrade to version 3.7.2 or later to safeguard their WordPress installations against this specific vulnerability.

References:

In today's digital age, where websites serve as the cornerstone of businesses large and small, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. A recent security vulnerability discovered in the Ninja Forms Contact Form plugin for WordPress, a tool used by over 800,000 websites worldwide, serves as a stark reminder of the risks lurking in outdated software. Known as CVE-2024-0685, this vulnerability exposes sites to Unauthenticated Second Order SQL Injection attacks, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted email addresses submitted via forms. This incident underscores the critical need for website owners, especially those managing their businesses with limited time and resources, to prioritize regular software updates and cybersecurity measures.

About the Plugin:

Ninja Forms Contact Form, developed by kstover, is a widely adopted drag-and-drop form builder for WordPress. Boasting over 42 million downloads, it's a popular choice for creating contact forms due to its ease of use and flexibility. However, its popularity also makes it a significant target for cyberattacks.

Vulnerability Details:

The vulnerability, present in versions up to and including 3.7.1, arises from insufficient input sanitization and preparation of SQL queries. This flaw, identified by the researcher stealthcopter, was made public on February 1, 2024, and carries a CVSS score of 5.9, indicating a moderate level of risk. The specific threat involves unauthenticated attackers exploiting the email address field in forms, leading to unauthorized database manipulation when an admin initiates a personal data export.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The implications of such a vulnerability are significant, with potential risks including data breaches, loss of sensitive information, and compromised website integrity. For small business owners, the fallout could extend beyond the digital realm, affecting customer trust and business reputation.

Remediation:

The immediate step for mitigation is updating the Ninja Forms plugin to version 3.7.2, which addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, website owners should conduct regular audits of form submissions and export activities for any unusual patterns or errors that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

This isn't the first time Ninja Forms has faced security issues; there have been 49 previous vulnerabilities since its inception in November 2014. This history further emphasizes the necessity for ongoing vigilance and the implementation of robust security protocols.

Importance of Staying on Top of Security Vulnerabilities:

For small business owners juggling numerous responsibilities, keeping abreast of every security update can be daunting. Yet, the cost of neglecting this aspect of your digital presence can be far greater. Implementing a routine for regular updates, employing security plugins, and considering managed hosting services that handle security for you can significantly reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, the discovery of CVE-2024-0685 in the Ninja Forms plugin is a critical reminder of the ever-present threat of cyber vulnerabilities. For small business owners, the incident highlights the need to view website security as an integral part of business operations, not just an IT concern. By taking proactive steps towards regular updates and security best practices, businesses can protect their digital assets, maintain customer trust, and ensure the continuity of their online presence in the face of evolving cyber threats.

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.

Ninja Forms Contact Form Vulnerability– The Drag and Drop Form Builder for WordPress – Unauthenticated Second Order SQL Injection – CVE-2024-0685 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

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