Ninja Forms – The Contact Form Builder That Grows With You Vulnerability – Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Shortcode Execution – CVE-2024-37934 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin name: Ninja Forms – The Contact Form Builder That Grows With You 

Key Information:

  • Software Type: Plugin
  • Software Slug: ninja-forms
  • Software Status: Active
  • Software Author: kstover
  • Software Downloads: 45,866,064
  • Active Installs: 800,000
  • Last Updated: July 27, 2024
  • Patched Versions: 3.8.5
  • Affected Versions: <= 3.8.4

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: Ninja Forms <= 3.8.4
  • Title: Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Shortcode Execution
  • Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
  • CVE: CVE-2024-37934
  • CVSS Score: 4.3
  • Publicly Published: July 4, 2024
  • Researcher: Rafie Muhammad - Patchstack
  • Description: The Ninja Forms plugin for WordPress, known for its user-friendly contact form building capabilities, has a vulnerability in versions up to 3.8.4. The issue arises from improper validation of inputs before executing the do_shortcode function, allowing authenticated users with subscriber-level access or higher to execute arbitrary shortcodes. This vulnerability could be exploited to inject malicious content or manipulate the site's functionality.

Summary:

The Ninja Forms plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.8.4 that allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access and above to execute arbitrary shortcodes. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.8.5.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability in the Ninja Forms plugin was discovered by Rafie Muhammad from Patchstack. It involves insufficient input validation before executing the do_shortcode function, which can be exploited by authenticated users to run arbitrary shortcodes. This can lead to unauthorized content injection or other unintended actions, affecting the integrity and functionality of the website. With a CVSS score of 4.3, the risk level is moderate, highlighting the importance of prompt action to secure affected installations.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update to the latest patched version, 3.8.5, to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor your site's shortcode usage and check for any unusual or unauthorized content, especially if you have users with subscriber-level access. Alternate Plugins: While the patch addresses the current issue, users may consider evaluating other form builder plugins with a focus on security features. Stay Updated: Always keep your plugins updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities and maintain site security.

Conclusion:

The swift response from the Ninja Forms development team in addressing this vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping plugins up to date. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 3.8.5 or later to protect their WordPress installations from potential security risks. Staying proactive in managing updates and security practices is essential for maintaining a safe and reliable website.

References:

Detailed Report: 

In the digital age, maintaining the security of your website is paramount, particularly for small business owners who rely on online interactions with customers. A recent vulnerability discovered in the widely used Ninja Forms plugin for WordPress, identified as CVE-2024-37934, highlights the critical importance of keeping your website and its plugins up to date. This vulnerability, affecting versions up to 3.8.4, allows authenticated users with subscriber-level access or higher to execute arbitrary shortcodes due to improper input validation. Such a flaw could potentially lead to unauthorized content injection or manipulation of site functionality, posing significant risks to the integrity and trustworthiness of your website.

Plugin Overview

Ninja Forms, known for its user-friendly contact form building capabilities, is a popular plugin developed by kstover, with over 45 million downloads and 800,000 active installs. The plugin is widely used by businesses to facilitate customer interactions through forms on their websites. However, the recent discovery of a security vulnerability in the plugin has raised concerns about data integrity and site security.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability, discovered by Rafie Muhammad from Patchstack, arises from insufficient input validation before executing the do_shortcode function. This allows users with lower-level access, such as subscribers, to execute arbitrary shortcodes, which can be exploited to inject malicious content or disrupt site operations. The issue is particularly concerning given its potential to affect a broad range of websites using the plugin, with a CVSS score of 4.3 indicating a moderate risk level.

Risks and Potential Impacts

For small business owners, the implications of such vulnerabilities can be severe. Unauthorized content injection could lead to misinformation, damage to the site's credibility, and even legal ramifications if sensitive user data is compromised. The risk extends beyond immediate site functionality, potentially affecting customer trust and brand reputation.

Remediation and Safety Measures

To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to update to the latest version, 3.8.5, which patches the issue. This update should be applied immediately to prevent potential exploitation. Additionally, website owners should monitor for unusual shortcode activity and review user permissions to limit unnecessary access. Considering alternative form builder plugins with a strong focus on security might also be beneficial for those seeking enhanced protection.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities

The Ninja Forms plugin has a history of vulnerabilities, with 55 previous issues reported since November 6, 2014. This track record underscores the necessity of regular updates and vigilant monitoring to maintain website security. Staying informed about vulnerabilities and promptly addressing them is critical to safeguarding your digital assets.

Conclusion

For small business owners who may not have the resources to continuously monitor for security threats, the key takeaway is the importance of staying proactive with updates and security practices. Regular plugin updates, security audits, and professional consultations are essential components of a robust security strategy. Protecting your website from vulnerabilities not only secures your business operations but also helps maintain the trust and confidence of your customers, which is invaluable for long-term success. If you're concerned about your website's security, don't hesitate to seek expert assistance to ensure your online presence remains safe and secure.

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 – The Contact Form Builder That Grows With You Vulnerability – Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary Shortcode Execution – CVE-2024-37934 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

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