Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle Vulnerability – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6781 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What kind of scripts could an attacker inject through this vulnerability?

What kind of scripts could an attacker inject through this vulnerability? An attacker able to exploit this could inject JavaScript, HTML, or other active content designed to trigger when other visitors view an affected post or page. Depending on the script's nature, this could enable nuisances like auto-playing audio/video, redirecting to other sites, or attempting drive-by malware downloads rather than directly stealing data or site control.

Q: Does this allow takeover of my entire site?

Does this allow takeover of my entire site? No, the vulnerability is limited in scope to injecting scripts only into specific pages, not granting an attacker administrative access or rights to modify other site areas. So while disruptive and risky content could appear, attackers cannot take control of databases, users, plugins, etc without further exploitation steps.

Q: Should I completely uninstall Orbit Fox as a precaution?

Should I completely uninstall Orbit Fox as a precaution? Likely not necessary given the limited nature of scripts injection itself. Developers have shipped a patch fixing the root cause by properly sanitizing data. Updating provides the necessary protection against this specific threat vector. However, temporarily disabling custom fields specifically could make sense while assessing wider impact.

Q: What other plugins offer similar functionality?

What other plugins offer similar functionality? Some alternatives with comparable site management and performance tools include SeedProd, Swift Performance, and Hummingbird Pro. Compare reviews and recent activity levels before replacing Orbit Fox temporarily to determine the best option catered for your site's needs.

Q: How can I check if my site was compromised?

How can I check if my site was compromised? Carefully review all custom fields, posts, and pages for unexpected scripts, especially involving JavaScript references. Monitor site behavior and traffic levels for anomalies indicating possible exploitation. Install security plugins like Wordfence to scan for known malicious code signatures. And ask a developer to audit files for infections.

Q: Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public?

Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public? The transparency of open source software like WordPress plugins enables faster community discoveries of flaws but lacks the internal vetting of private commercial options. Publicizing drives quicker resolutions by pressuring developers but also informs attackers. Responsible disclosure processes aim to balance both needs.

Q: What proactive security steps should I be taking?

What proactive security steps should I be taking? Consider managed WordPress hosting providers handling auto-updates for you rather than manual plugin maintenance. Minimize plugins only to highly-rated essentials on reputable recommendation lists. Perform regular malware scans using tools like Wordfence. And implement site-wide two-factor authentication to mitigate breach impacts.

Q: What resources offer WordPress security guidance?

What resources offer WordPress security guidance? The Codex provides exceptional hardening guides covering permissions, keys, file hardening, disallowing bad bots, and extensive plugin advice. WordPress.org's general security FAQ introduces foundational principles as well. Superior third-party learning resources exist through publishers like Apress.

Q: Who can I contact for professional WordPress security services?

Who can I contact for professional WordPress security services? My digital agency offers affordable website security packages including setup assistance, file and traffic audits, cleaning detected infections, extensive WordPress hardening, and tailored recommendations to suit small business needs and budgets. Schedule a free consultation anytime to discuss protecting your online presence!

Q: Should I disable the custom fields feature or other Orbit Fox modules?

Should I disable the custom fields feature or other Orbit Fox modules? Temporarily disabling custom fields specifically could make sense as a precaution if you don't need that functionality currently. However fully removing features visitors rely on could be premature given this patch. I suggest surgically isolating only probable attack vectors still allowing legitimate site use until assessing wider impact.

By Your WP Guy | January 5, 2024

Plugin Name: Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: themeisle-companion
Software Status: Active
Software Author: themeisle
Software Downloads: 10,910,881
Active Installs: 200,000
Last Updated: January 5, 2024
Patched Versions: <= 2.10.26
Affected Versions: 2.10.27

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Orbit Fox Companion <= 2.10.26
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via custom fields
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2023-6781
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: January 5, 2024
Researcher: Nex Team
Description: The Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's custom fields in all versions up to, and including, 2.10.26 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied values. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.10.26 that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's custom fields. This vulnerability has been patched in version 2.10.26.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied values in the plugin's custom fields. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions can exploit this weakness, injecting arbitrary web scripts in pages. The risk involves executing these scripts whenever a user accesses an injected page. To address this vulnerability, users are strongly advised to update to version 2.10.26.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle plugin to version 2.10.26 or later.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your website for any unexpected scripts or behaviors, particularly in custom fields.
Alternate Plugins: Consider using alternative plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Regularly update your WordPress plugins to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The quick response from the Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle developers to patch this vulnerability emphasizes the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 2.10.26 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Simplifying Website Security for Busy Owners

As a busy website owner without ample time to stay on top of every threat, keeping your site secure can feel impossible. But vulnerabilities like the one recently patched in the popular Orbit Fox plugin only reinforce why vigilance matters. In this post I’ll simplify security for you by clearly explaining the vulnerability, your risk level, and actionable ways to lock down your website in minutes.

Understanding the Orbit Fox Vulnerability

Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle aids over 200,000 WordPress users with site management and performance optimizations. This week a security researcher disclosed a vulnerability in versions up to 2.10.26 enabling some authenticated users to inject malicious scripts without authorization.

Specifically, the bug stems from insufficient input sanitization in custom fields. Users with contributor access and above could exploit this to introduce rogue JavaScript or HTML designed to trigger when other visitors load affected pages. Depending on the script’s nature, this could enable nuisances like auto-playing audio or video rather than directly stealing data.

The developers have now released version 2.10.27 to fully fix the vulnerability, scoring a moderate 6.4 CVSS severity rating due to limiting the affected user roles. Still, Orbit Fox users face unnecessary risk until updating.

Assessing Your Site’s Risk Level

While branded moderately severe rather than extremely critical, the vulnerability still poses unnecessary website exposure risks if contributors freely add content. Attackers could leverage scripts for everything from annoying visitors to attempting drive-by malware downloads or mining cryptocurrency using visitor hardware.

The good news is that sites fully restricting contributor permissions likely face minimal real-world risk even before patching. But everyone should still update regardless since the vector exists without good reason. Ending unnecessary vulnerabilities keeps your site safer regardless of the low current exploitation probability.

Updating to Eliminate the Vulnerability

If Orbit Fox is active on your WordPress site, you should:

Immediately update to v2.10.27, which specifically repairs this bug by sanitizing data.
Check all custom fields and scripts for anything suspicious or unintended.
Consider temporarily disabling custom fields until assessing the script risk.
Restrict contributor permissions to only legitimately needed powers.

Staying Secure Long-Term

Orbit Fox has faced 4 previous vulnerabilities over the past few years, indicating systemic issues around data validation. From arbitrary surveys to remote code execution, threats inevitably arise without diligent auditing and patching.

As tempting as neglecting security feels for overloaded owners, a well-hardened site takes little effort:

Enable automatic background updates for all plugins to remove the manual chore.
Minimize plugins and themes to only those reputable options essential for your needs.
Leverage managed WordPress hosts handling technical tasks like updates for you.

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.

Orbit Fox by ThemeIsle Vulnerability – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6781 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What kind of scripts could an attacker inject through this vulnerability?

An attacker able to exploit this could inject JavaScript, HTML, or other active content designed to trigger when other visitors view an affected post or page. Depending on the script's nature, this could enable nuisances like auto-playing audio/video, redirecting to other sites, or attempting drive-by malware downloads rather than directly stealing data or site control.

Does this allow takeover of my entire site?

Should I completely uninstall Orbit Fox as a precaution?

Likely not necessary given the limited nature of scripts injection itself. Developers have shipped a patch fixing the root cause by properly sanitizing data. Updating provides the necessary protection against this specific threat vector. However, temporarily disabling custom fields specifically could make sense while assessing wider impact.

What other plugins offer similar functionality?

How can I check if my site was compromised?

Carefully review all custom fields, posts, and pages for unexpected scripts, especially involving JavaScript references. Monitor site behavior and traffic levels for anomalies indicating possible exploitation. Install security plugins like Wordfence to scan for known malicious code signatures. And ask a developer to audit files for infections.

Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public?

The transparency of open source software like WordPress plugins enables faster community discoveries of flaws but lacks the internal vetting of private commercial options. Publicizing drives quicker resolutions by pressuring developers but also informs attackers. Responsible disclosure processes aim to balance both needs.

What proactive security steps should I be taking?

Consider managed WordPress hosting providers handling auto-updates for you rather than manual plugin maintenance. Minimize plugins only to highly-rated essentials on reputable recommendation lists. Perform regular malware scans using tools like Wordfence. And implement site-wide two-factor authentication to mitigate breach impacts.

What resources offer WordPress security guidance?

Who can I contact for professional WordPress security services?

My digital agency offers affordable website security packages including setup assistance, file and traffic audits, cleaning detected infections, extensive WordPress hardening, and tailored recommendations to suit small business needs and budgets. Schedule a free consultation anytime to discuss protecting your online presence!

Should I disable the custom fields feature or other Orbit Fox modules?

Temporarily disabling custom fields specifically could make sense as a precaution if you don't need that functionality currently. However fully removing features visitors rely on could be premature given this patch. I suggest surgically isolating only probable attack vectors still allowing legitimate site use until assessing wider impact.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2023-6781, orbit fox, Plugin Updates, Plugin Vulnerability, securing wordpress, stored XSS, themeisle, Website Security, WordPress, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, XSS