PowerPack Addons for Elementor (Free Widgets, Extensions and Templates) Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Link Effects Widget – CVE-2024-5787 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin?

What is the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin? The PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin is a widely used WordPress tool designed to enhance website functionality with free widgets, extensions, and templates. It integrates seamlessly with the Elementor page builder, providing additional design elements and customization options. With over 2.4 million downloads and 100,000 active installs, it is popular among WordPress users.

Q: What is the recent vulnerability found in the plugin?

What is the recent vulnerability found in the plugin? The recent vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-5787, is an Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting issue. This vulnerability allows attackers with Contributor-level access to exploit the 'url' attribute within the Link Effects widget. By doing so, they can inject arbitrary web scripts that execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page.

Q: How can this vulnerability impact my website?

How can this vulnerability impact my website? This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of users, such as altering website content or settings. Attackers may gain access to sensitive information, compromising user privacy and site security. Additionally, the integrity and functionality of your website could be jeopardized, leading to potential downtime and loss of user trust.

Q: What should I do to protect my website from this vulnerability?

What should I do to protect my website from this vulnerability? To protect your website, you should immediately update the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin to version 2.7.21, which patches the vulnerability. Regularly checking your website for unexpected scripts and reviewing user accounts for unauthorized changes can help detect potential issues. Using security plugins that automate updates and monitor for threats can further enhance your site's protection.

Q: How do I know if my website has been affected by this vulnerability?

How do I know if my website has been affected by this vulnerability? Signs that your website may be affected include unexpected changes to content or settings, unusual script behavior, and unauthorized user account activities. Regular monitoring of your site’s activities and conducting security audits can help identify if your site has been compromised. If you notice any anomalies, it’s crucial to update the plugin and review your security measures.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of PowerPack Addons for Elementor?

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of PowerPack Addons for Elementor? While the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin has been patched, users might consider using alternative plugins for additional peace of mind. Alternatives include other well-regarded Elementor add-on plugins that provide similar functionality. Researching and selecting plugins with a strong security track record is essential for maintaining a secure website.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? It’s recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions are available, especially when updates include security patches. Regularly checking for updates and enabling automatic updates for plugins can help ensure your website remains secure. Staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities through security advisories and the WordPress community is also beneficial.

Q: What steps can I take to improve my overall website security?

What steps can I take to improve my overall website security? Improving website security involves several steps, including keeping all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core updated. Implementing strong passwords, limiting user permissions, and using security plugins can further protect your site. Regular backups, security audits, and monitoring for suspicious activity are also critical components of a robust security strategy.

Q: Why is it important to stay informed about plugin vulnerabilities?

Why is it important to stay informed about plugin vulnerabilities? Staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities is crucial because it helps you take timely action to protect your website. Vulnerabilities can be exploited quickly, leading to potential data breaches, site defacement, or other malicious activities. Being proactive about updates and security measures can prevent these issues and maintain your website’s integrity and user trust.

Q: What resources are available for small business owners to manage website security?

What resources are available for small business owners to manage website security? Small business owners can utilize various resources to manage website security, including security plugins, online security guides, and professional security services. WordPress security plugins can automate many tasks, such as updates and malware scanning, making it easier to maintain a secure site. Additionally, seeking advice from web security experts and staying engaged with the WordPress community can provide valuable insights and support.

By Your WP Guy | June 12, 2024

Plugin Name:PowerPack Addons for Elementor (Free Widgets, Extensions and Templates)

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: powerpack-lite-for-elementor
Software Status: Active
Software Author: ideaboxcreations
Software Downloads: 2,434,102
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: July 2, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.7.21
Affected Versions: <= 2.7.20

Vulnerability Details:

Name: PowerPack Addons for Elementor (Free Widgets, Extensions and Templates) <= 2.7.20
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Link Effects Widget
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-5787
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: June 12, 2024
Researcher: wesley
Description: The PowerPack Addons for Elementor (Free Widgets, Extensions and Templates) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'url' attribute within the plugin's Link Effects widget in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.20 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.7.20 that allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This vulnerability has been patched in version 2.7.21.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability in the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin, identified by researcher wesley, is located in the 'url' attribute within the Link Effects widget. This flaw is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts. These scripts will execute whenever a user accesses a page containing the injected scripts. The risks of this vulnerability include the potential for attackers to perform actions on behalf of other users, access sensitive information, and compromise site integrity. The vulnerability has been addressed in version 2.7.21.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update to the patched version 2.7.21 immediately to mitigate the vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Users should check their websites for any unexpected or suspicious scripts and review user accounts for unauthorized changes.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might consider using alternate plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The prompt response from the plugin developers to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 2.7.21 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the ever-evolving landscape of website management, keeping your WordPress site secure is of utmost importance. Regularly updating your plugins is a fundamental part of maintaining this security. Recently, a significant security vulnerability was discovered in the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin, a popular tool used by many to enhance their WordPress sites with free widgets, extensions, and templates. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-5787, poses a considerable risk to websites using versions up to and including 2.7.20.

This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access to exploit the 'url' attribute within the Link Effects widget, injecting arbitrary web scripts that execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page. Due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, this flaw can lead to unauthorized actions, access to sensitive information, and compromised site integrity.

For website owners, particularly small business owners who may not have the resources to constantly monitor for such vulnerabilities, this highlights the necessity of staying updated and vigilant. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the vulnerability, its potential impacts, and actionable steps to safeguard your site. Ensuring your site is secure not only protects your business but also preserves the trust of your users.

Detailed Overview

The vulnerability in the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin, identified by researcher wesley, stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping in the 'url' attribute within the Link Effects widget. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access to inject arbitrary web scripts that execute when a user accesses the compromised page.

The potential risks of this vulnerability are significant. Attackers can perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, access sensitive information, and compromise the site's integrity. Unauthorized changes to content and settings pose serious security risks for website owners. This vulnerability has been addressed in version 2.7.21, which includes necessary security enhancements.

Risks and Potential Impacts

This vulnerability can result in unauthorized actions being performed by attackers, such as altering website content or settings. Attackers might also access sensitive information, compromising user privacy and site security. The overall integrity and functionality of your website could be at risk, potentially causing downtime or loss of user trust.

For small business owners, the impact could be more severe, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and a loss of customer trust. Addressing such vulnerabilities promptly is essential for protecting your business.

Previous Vulnerabilities

Since April 13, 2021, there have been 8 previous vulnerabilities identified in the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin. This history underscores the importance of regularly updating plugins and staying informed about potential security issues. Understanding past vulnerabilities can also help in better assessing the security measures needed for the future.

Conclusion

The prompt response from the plugin developers to patch this vulnerability highlights the importance of timely updates. For small business owners with WordPress websites, staying on top of security vulnerabilities can be challenging, but it is essential for protecting your site and your customers' data. Regularly updating your plugins and being aware of security advisories can significantly reduce your risk.

If you find it difficult to keep up with these updates, consider employing security plugins or services that can automate these tasks and provide peace of mind. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can ensure the security and reliability of your website, safeguarding your business and customer trust.

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.

PowerPack Addons for Elementor (Free Widgets, Extensions and Templates) Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Link Effects Widget – CVE-2024-5787 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin?

The PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin is a widely used WordPress tool designed to enhance website functionality with free widgets, extensions, and templates. It integrates seamlessly with the Elementor page builder, providing additional design elements and customization options. With over 2.4 million downloads and 100,000 active installs, it is popular among WordPress users.

What is the recent vulnerability found in the plugin?

The recent vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-5787, is an Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting issue. This vulnerability allows attackers with Contributor-level access to exploit the 'url' attribute within the Link Effects widget. By doing so, they can inject arbitrary web scripts that execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page.

How can this vulnerability impact my website?

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of users, such as altering website content or settings. Attackers may gain access to sensitive information, compromising user privacy and site security. Additionally, the integrity and functionality of your website could be jeopardized, leading to potential downtime and loss of user trust.

What should I do to protect my website from this vulnerability?

To protect your website, you should immediately update the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin to version 2.7.21, which patches the vulnerability. Regularly checking your website for unexpected scripts and reviewing user accounts for unauthorized changes can help detect potential issues. Using security plugins that automate updates and monitor for threats can further enhance your site's protection.

How do I know if my website has been affected by this vulnerability?

Signs that your website may be affected include unexpected changes to content or settings, unusual script behavior, and unauthorized user account activities. Regular monitoring of your site’s activities and conducting security audits can help identify if your site has been compromised. If you notice any anomalies, it’s crucial to update the plugin and review your security measures.

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of PowerPack Addons for Elementor?

While the PowerPack Addons for Elementor plugin has been patched, users might consider using alternative plugins for additional peace of mind. Alternatives include other well-regarded Elementor add-on plugins that provide similar functionality. Researching and selecting plugins with a strong security track record is essential for maintaining a secure website.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

It’s recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions are available, especially when updates include security patches. Regularly checking for updates and enabling automatic updates for plugins can help ensure your website remains secure. Staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities through security advisories and the WordPress community is also beneficial.

What steps can I take to improve my overall website security?

Improving website security involves several steps, including keeping all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core updated. Implementing strong passwords, limiting user permissions, and using security plugins can further protect your site. Regular backups, security audits, and monitoring for suspicious activity are also critical components of a robust security strategy.

Why is it important to stay informed about plugin vulnerabilities?

Staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities is crucial because it helps you take timely action to protect your website. Vulnerabilities can be exploited quickly, leading to potential data breaches, site defacement, or other malicious activities. Being proactive about updates and security measures can prevent these issues and maintain your website’s integrity and user trust.

What resources are available for small business owners to manage website security?

Small business owners can utilize various resources to manage website security, including security plugins, online security guides, and professional security services. WordPress security plugins can automate many tasks, such as updates and malware scanning, making it easier to maintain a secure site. Additionally, seeking advice from web security experts and staying engaged with the WordPress community can provide valuable insights and support.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-5787, Cybersecurity, Plugin Vulnerability, PowerPack Addons for Elementor, small business website, Web Development, web security tips, Website Maintenance, Website Security, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, WordPress Updates