ProfilePress Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via profilepress-edit-profile Shortcode – CVE-2024-1806 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-1806?

What is CVE-2024-1806? CVE-2024-1806 refers to a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the ProfilePress WordPress plugin. This flaw allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into web pages via the plugin's shortcode, potentially compromising site security and user safety.

Q: How does CVE-2024-1806 impact my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-1806 impact my WordPress site? This vulnerability can compromise your WordPress site by allowing attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts in the browsers of users visiting the affected pages. Such actions can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and manipulation of site content, posing significant security risks to both the site and its visitors.

Q: How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable? To determine if your site is vulnerable, check the version of the ProfilePress plugin installed on your WordPress site. If your site is running version 4.15.1 or below, it is vulnerable to CVE-2024-1806. It's advisable to update to the latest version immediately.

Q: What should I do if my site is using a vulnerable version?

What should I do if my site is using a vulnerable version? If your site is using a vulnerable version of ProfilePress, you should update the plugin to version 4.15.1 or higher as soon as possible. This patched version addresses the vulnerability and restores security to your site. Always ensure to back up your site before updating.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I can use?

Are there alternative plugins I can use? While the patched version of ProfilePress is secure, if you're looking for alternatives, several other plugins offer similar functionality for user registration, profiles, and content restriction. Ensure any alternative you choose is reputable and regularly updated to avoid security risks.

Q: What are the signs that my site might have been compromised?

What are the signs that my site might have been compromised? Signs of compromise can include unexpected changes to your site, unauthorized admin actions, or reports from users about suspicious behavior. Regular monitoring of site activity and access logs can help detect any anomalies that might indicate a breach.

Q: How can I prevent future vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1806?

How can I prevent future vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1806? To prevent future vulnerabilities, regularly update all WordPress components, including plugins and themes. Employ strong security measures, such as using security plugins, implementing strict user permissions, and educating yourself on common cybersecurity threats and how to mitigate them.

Q: Why is updating WordPress plugins important for security?

Why is updating WordPress plugins important for security? Updating WordPress plugins is crucial because updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities, improvements, and compatibility fixes. Regular updates help protect your site from known threats and ensure optimal performance.

Q: What steps are involved in updating a WordPress plugin?

What steps are involved in updating a WordPress plugin? To update a WordPress plugin, navigate to the 'Plugins' section in your WordPress dashboard, locate the plugin that needs updating, and click the 'Update Now' link. It's wise to perform a site backup before updating to prevent data loss in case of an update error.

Q: Where can I find more information about securing my WordPress site?

Where can I find more information about securing my WordPress site? For comprehensive information on securing your WordPress site, consider exploring the WordPress Codex, reputable WordPress security blogs, and forums. These resources offer valuable insights into best security practices, emerging threats, and effective strategies for protecting your site.

By Your WP Guy | February 23, 2024

Plugin Name: Paid Membership Plugin, Ecommerce, User Registration Form, Login Form, User Profile & Restrict Content – ProfilePress

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: wp-user-avatar
Software Status: Active
Software Author: collizo4sky
Software Downloads: 12,533,974
Active Installs: 200,000
Last Updated: February 27, 2024
Patched Versions: 4.15.1
Affected Versions: <= 4.15.1

Vulnerability Details:

Name: ProfilePress <= 4.15.1
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via profilepress-edit-profile Shortcode
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-1806
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: February 23, 2024
Researcher: wesley
Description: The ProfilePress plugin, a comprehensive solution for user registration, profiles, and content restriction, has been found to have a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This flaw is present in all versions up to 4.15.1 and stems from the plugin's handling of the profilepress-edit-profile shortcode, which lacks adequate input sanitization and output escaping for user-supplied attributes. As a result, authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit this vulnerability to inject harmful scripts into web pages, compromising site integrity and user security.

Summary:

The ProfilePress plugin, essential for WordPress sites requiring advanced user management and content restriction features, faces a significant security challenge with CVE-2024-1806. This vulnerability allows for stored XSS attacks through a commonly used shortcode, posing a risk to both site functionality and user safety. Thankfully, the developers have addressed this issue in the latest patch, version 4.15.1.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by the researcher wesley, this vulnerability highlights the critical need for stringent input validation and output encoding in plugin development. The ability for attackers to inject arbitrary scripts poses a myriad of risks, including unauthorized access, data theft, and disruption of site services. The release of patch 4.15.1 rectifies this vulnerability, reinforcing the plugin's defenses against XSS attacks.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update their ProfilePress plugin to version 4.15.1 immediately to protect against this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should monitor their sites for unusual activity or unauthorized content changes, especially in areas utilizing the affected shortcode.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version is secure, exploring alternative plugins with similar functionality might be prudent for users seeking additional security assurances.
Stay Updated: Regular updates are the cornerstone of website security. Ensure that all WordPress components, including themes and plugins, are kept up-to-date to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The rapid identification and patching of CVE-2024-1806 within the ProfilePress plugin underscore the ongoing importance of cybersecurity vigilance in the WordPress ecosystem. For small business owners managing WordPress sites, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity of maintaining up-to-date plugins and implementing comprehensive security strategies. By adopting proactive security measures, staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, and conducting regular site audits, website owners can significantly mitigate the risk of security breaches and ensure a safe online environment for their users.

References:

In an era where WordPress acts as the digital backbone for a myriad of websites, plugins like ProfilePress enhance functionality and enrich user experience, proving indispensable for site management. However, the discovery of CVE-2024-1806 within ProfilePress casts a spotlight on a crucial digital responsibility: the need for consistent vigilance and timely updates to ensure website security. This vulnerability serves as a stark reminder that, in the digital world, proactive measures are not just recommended but essential for safeguarding online assets.

Plugin Overview:

ProfilePress, developed by collizo4sky, is a robust WordPress plugin designed to streamline user registration, profile management, ecommerce, and content restriction. With over 12 million downloads and 200,000 active installations, its impact on the WordPress community is significant. Yet, its utility comes with the responsibility to maintain its security integrity, as evidenced by the recent vulnerability.

Vulnerability Insights:

CVE-2024-1806 exposes a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw in versions up to 4.15.1 of ProfilePress. Originating from inadequate input sanitization within the profilepress-edit-profile shortcode, this vulnerability enables authenticated users with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts, compromising both site integrity and user security. This risk underscores the critical need for stringent security practices in plugin development and maintenance.

Risks and Impacts:

The potential repercussions of CVE-2024-1806 are far-reaching, from unauthorized data access and theft to the manipulation of site content and functionality. For small business owners, the implications extend beyond technical disruptions to potentially eroding customer trust and damaging the business's digital reputation.

Remediation and Prevention:

In response to this vulnerability, the developers of ProfilePress have released a crucial update in version 4.15.1. Website administrators are urged to apply this patch promptly to mitigate risks. Furthermore, regular monitoring for unusual site activity and exploring alternative plugins with a strong security record can provide additional layers of protection.

Historical Context:

ProfilePress has encountered 25 vulnerabilities since June 28, 2021, highlighting the ongoing challenge of securing complex software in an evolving threat landscape. Each vulnerability addressed strengthens the plugin's security posture, contributing to a safer WordPress ecosystem.

Conclusion:

The swift resolution of CVE-2024-1806 by ProfilePress's development team exemplifies the critical nature of timely software updates in the realm of cybersecurity. For small business owners managing WordPress sites, this event underscores the importance of staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, regularly updating software components, and employing comprehensive security measures. In the digital age, safeguarding a website is not just about protecting data; it's about preserving the trust and confidence of every user who visits your site. Embracing a proactive security stance is indispensable in navigating the digital landscape securely and successfully.

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.