Premium Addons for Elementor Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-4203 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability?

What is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability? A Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability allows attackers to insert malicious scripts into a web page, which are then saved on a server. When other users view the infected page, the malicious script executes, potentially allowing attackers to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information displayed on the user's browser. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because the malicious script can affect many users without needing to specifically target them.

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

How can I check if my site has been affected by this vulnerability? To check if your site has been compromised by this vulnerability, you should review the content on your site for unexpected changes or scripts. Check your website’s source code for any unusual or unfamiliar JavaScript or HTML that could indicate injected scripts. It's also advisable to review the user roles and permissions to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made, especially if you notice new users with administrative privileges.

Q: Are all versions of Premium Addons for Elementor vulnerable?

Are all versions of Premium Addons for Elementor vulnerable? Not all versions are vulnerable; only versions up to and including 4.10.30 of the Premium Addons for Elementor plugin are affected by this specific Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability. The developers have released an updated version, 4.10.31, which patches this vulnerability. Users should ensure they update to this version or any later version to mitigate the risk.

Q: What should I do if I can't update the plugin right away?

What should I do if I can't update the plugin right away? If you are unable to update the plugin immediately, it's critical to mitigate the risk by temporarily disabling the plugin until you can perform the update. While this action may impact the functionality of your site, it will protect against potential exploitation of the vulnerability. In the meantime, ensure other security measures are in place, such as firewalls and security plugins, to protect the site.

Q: Can someone exploit this vulnerability without having an account on my site?

Can someone exploit this vulnerability without having an account on my site? This vulnerability requires at least contributor-level access to be exploited. This means that an attacker needs to have a registered account with at least contributor privileges on your WordPress site. It’s crucial to limit user access and privileges and regularly monitor user activity to prevent unauthorized use.

Q: What are the potential consequences of ignoring this vulnerability?

What are the potential consequences of ignoring this vulnerability? Ignoring this vulnerability could lead to significant security breaches, including data theft, unauthorized access to user information, and distribution of malware to site visitors. The consequences can extend beyond the digital space, potentially harming your business’s reputation and customer trust. Addressing vulnerabilities promptly is essential to maintaining a secure and trusted digital presence.

Q: How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins? It's best practice to check for updates to your WordPress plugins at least once a week. Many security experts recommend setting your site to automatically apply updates for plugins, especially those that are critical for security. Keeping your plugins up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your site from vulnerabilities.

Q: Is there a way to automatically monitor for security threats on my WordPress site?

Is there a way to automatically monitor for security threats on my WordPress site? Yes, there are numerous security plugins and services available that can automatically monitor your WordPress site for potential threats. These tools typically offer features like regular scans, security hardening, and real-time alerts for suspicious activity. Automated security monitoring can help you stay ahead of threats and reduce the administrative burden of manually checking for issues.

Q: What should I do if I find out my site has already been exploited?

What should I do if I find out my site has already been exploited? If you discover that your site has been exploited, immediately update the plugin to the patched version to prevent further abuse. You should also thoroughly clean your site, which may involve restoring from a backup taken before the exploitation occurred and scanning for and removing any malicious content or scripts. It’s advisable to consult with a cybersecurity professional to ensure the site is fully secured and to prevent future incidents.

Q: Why is it crucial to maintain regular backups of my WordPress site?

Why is it crucial to maintain regular backups of my WordPress site? Maintaining regular backups is crucial because it allows you to restore your site to a previous state before any damage or exploitation occurred. Backups should be stored in a secure location and performed on a regular basis, ensuring you have recent copies of your site. In the event of a vulnerability exploitation or other issues, backups are often the quickest and most reliable method to recover your site and minimize downtime and data loss.

By Your WP Guy | April 29, 2024

Plugin Name: Premium Addons for Elementor

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: premium-addons-for-elementor
Software Status: Active
Software Author: leap13
Software Downloads: 31,890,759
Active Installs: 700,000
Last Updated: May 13, 2024
Patched Versions: 4.10.31
Affected Versions: <= 4.10.30

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Premium Addons for Elementor <= 4.10.30
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-4203
CVSS Score: 5.4
Publicly Published: April 29, 2024
Researcher: Ngô Thiên An (ancorn_) - VNPT-VCI
Description: The Premium Addons Pro for Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the maps widget in all versions up to, and including, 4.10.30. This vulnerability arises due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, allowing 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 specifically affects sites running the premium version of the plugin.

Summary:

The Premium Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 4.10.30 that allows authenticated contributors to inject malicious scripts via the maps widget. This vulnerability has been patched in version 4.10.31.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability discovered in the Premium Addons for Elementor, identified by Ngô Thiên An of VNPT-VCI, presents a significant security risk particularly through its maps widget. Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities like this allow attackers with at least contributor-level privileges to store harmful scripts on a website, which are then executed when other users access the affected pages. Such vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potentially severe breaches in website integrity. Thankfully, this issue has been addressed in the recently released patch, version 4.10.31, which ensures that user inputs are properly sanitized and escaped to prevent further exploitation.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 4.10.31 immediately to mitigate the vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should scan their sites for unexpected scripts or unusual user-generated content that could indicate exploitation.
Alternate Plugins: While the patch corrects this specific issue, users may wish to explore alternative plugins that offer similar functionality as an additional precaution.
Stay Updated: Maintaining plugins and all software at the latest versions is crucial to protecting against vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The quick response by the developers of Premium Addons for Elementor to patch the vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Website administrators are strongly advised to ensure they have updated to version 4.10.31 or later, as staying current with software versions is key to securing WordPress installations against potential threats.

References:

Detailed Report:

Navigating Web Security: The Importance of Regular Plugin Updates

In today’s digital landscape, WordPress powers a significant portion of the web, underscoring its popularity among site owners ranging from small businesses to large enterprises. This widespread use also brings with it an inherent risk—vulnerabilities in widely-used plugins can expose a vast number of websites to potential threats. A recent example is a serious security flaw discovered in the Premium Addons for Elementor plugin, a tool that enhances the capabilities of one of the most popular WordPress builders, Elementor.

Plugin Details and Vulnerability Insights:

The Premium Addons for Elementor plugin, which boasts over 31 million downloads and is active on 700,000 sites, is an integral component for many WordPress users. Developed by leap13, this plugin recently encountered a critical issue in versions up to and including 4.10.30. Researcher Ngô Thiên An from VNPT-VCI uncovered a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting the maps widget of the plugin. This flaw, identified under CVE-2024-4203 with a CVSS score of 5.4, allows authenticated users with at least contributor privileges to inject malicious scripts into web pages.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The implications of this vulnerability are severe, with potential risks including unauthorized data access, session hijacking, and the compromise of sensitive user information. Given the plugin's functionality and its widespread use, the impact can extend across thousands of sites, potentially affecting millions of users.

Steps for Remediation:

To address this vulnerability, the developers have released a patched version, 4.10.31, which all users are urged to install immediately. Website owners should also review their site for signs of exploitation, such as unexpected content modifications or unfamiliar scripts in the page source. As an additional precaution, exploring alternative plugins with similar functionalities that maintain a strong security track record can also be wise.

Historical Vulnerabilities:

This is not the first challenge for the Premium Addons for Elementor plugin—it has had 16 documented vulnerabilities since April 13, 2021. This history underscores the critical need for regular updates and active management of security practices.

Conclusion:

The rapid resolution of this vulnerability by the plugin developers highlights the ongoing battle between maintaining functionality and ensuring security in the digital tools we rely on. For small business owners, the task of keeping a website secure can seem daunting. Implementing automated updates, subscribing to security blogs or newsletters, and using managed WordPress hosting services can greatly reduce the burden. The safety of your digital presence is as crucial as the physical security of your store or office—neglecting it can have dire consequences.

By staying proactive about updates and informed about potential vulnerabilities, you can significantly mitigate risks and safeguard your business's online operations.

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.

Premium Addons for Elementor Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-4203 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability?

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability allows attackers to insert malicious scripts into a web page, which are then saved on a server. When other users view the infected page, the malicious script executes, potentially allowing attackers to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information displayed on the user's browser. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because the malicious script can affect many users without needing to specifically target them.

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

To check if your site has been compromised by this vulnerability, you should review the content on your site for unexpected changes or scripts. Check your website’s source code for any unusual or unfamiliar JavaScript or HTML that could indicate injected scripts. It's also advisable to review the user roles and permissions to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made, especially if you notice new users with administrative privileges.

Are all versions of Premium Addons for Elementor vulnerable?

Not all versions are vulnerable; only versions up to and including 4.10.30 of the Premium Addons for Elementor plugin are affected by this specific Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability. The developers have released an updated version, 4.10.31, which patches this vulnerability. Users should ensure they update to this version or any later version to mitigate the risk.

What should I do if I can't update the plugin right away?

If you are unable to update the plugin immediately, it's critical to mitigate the risk by temporarily disabling the plugin until you can perform the update. While this action may impact the functionality of your site, it will protect against potential exploitation of the vulnerability. In the meantime, ensure other security measures are in place, such as firewalls and security plugins, to protect the site.

Can someone exploit this vulnerability without having an account on my site?

This vulnerability requires at least contributor-level access to be exploited. This means that an attacker needs to have a registered account with at least contributor privileges on your WordPress site. It’s crucial to limit user access and privileges and regularly monitor user activity to prevent unauthorized use.

What are the potential consequences of ignoring this vulnerability?

Ignoring this vulnerability could lead to significant security breaches, including data theft, unauthorized access to user information, and distribution of malware to site visitors. The consequences can extend beyond the digital space, potentially harming your business’s reputation and customer trust. Addressing vulnerabilities promptly is essential to maintaining a secure and trusted digital presence.

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

It's best practice to check for updates to your WordPress plugins at least once a week. Many security experts recommend setting your site to automatically apply updates for plugins, especially those that are critical for security. Keeping your plugins up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your site from vulnerabilities.

Is there a way to automatically monitor for security threats on my WordPress site?

Yes, there are numerous security plugins and services available that can automatically monitor your WordPress site for potential threats. These tools typically offer features like regular scans, security hardening, and real-time alerts for suspicious activity. Automated security monitoring can help you stay ahead of threats and reduce the administrative burden of manually checking for issues.

What should I do if I find out my site has already been exploited?

If you discover that your site has been exploited, immediately update the plugin to the patched version to prevent further abuse. You should also thoroughly clean your site, which may involve restoring from a backup taken before the exploitation occurred and scanning for and removing any malicious content or scripts. It’s advisable to consult with a cybersecurity professional to ensure the site is fully secured and to prevent future incidents.

Why is it crucial to maintain regular backups of my WordPress site?

Maintaining regular backups is crucial because it allows you to restore your site to a previous state before any damage or exploitation occurred. Backups should be stored in a secure location and performed on a regular basis, ensuring you have recent copies of your site. In the event of a vulnerability exploitation or other issues, backups are often the quickest and most reliable method to recover your site and minimize downtime and data loss.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-4203, cybersecurity awareness, elementor security, Plugin Updates, Plugin Vulnerability, Premium Addons for Elementor, small business protection, Website Security, wordpress security, XSS Attack

Plugin Name: Premium Addons for Elementor

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Navigating Web Security: The Importance of Regular Plugin Updates

Plugin Details and Vulnerability Insights:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Steps for Remediation:

Historical Vulnerabilities:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

Premium Addons for Elementor Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-4203 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability?

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

Are all versions of Premium Addons for Elementor vulnerable?

What should I do if I can't update the plugin right away?

Can someone exploit this vulnerability without having an account on my site?

What are the potential consequences of ignoring this vulnerability?

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

Is there a way to automatically monitor for security threats on my WordPress site?

What should I do if I find out my site has already been exploited?

Why is it crucial to maintain regular backups of my WordPress site?

Share this post:

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