ProfilePress Vulnerability- Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode – CVE-2024-1535 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-1535?

What is CVE-2024-1535? CVE-2024-1535 refers to a security vulnerability identified in the ProfilePress WordPress plugin, versions up to 4.15.2. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to perform stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through insufficiently sanitized shortcodes, potentially compromising website security and user data.

Q: How does the CVE-2024-1535 vulnerability affect my WordPress site?

How does the CVE-2024-1535 vulnerability affect my WordPress site? If your site uses an affected version of the ProfilePress plugin, attackers could inject malicious scripts into your web pages via shortcodes. These scripts can execute various malicious activities when accessed by other users, including stealing user information, defacing your website, or spreading malware.

Q: How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-1535?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-1535? You can determine if your site is vulnerable by checking the version of the ProfilePress plugin you are currently using. If your version is at or below 4.15.2, your site is vulnerable. It's crucial to update to version 4.15.3 or higher, which contains the patch for this vulnerability.

Q: What immediate actions should I take to protect my site from CVE-2024-1535?

What immediate actions should I take to protect my site from CVE-2024-1535? To protect your site, immediately update the ProfilePress plugin to the latest patched version, 4.15.3. Regularly updating your WordPress plugins, themes, and core to their latest versions is key to maintaining site security.

Q: Can I use an alternative plugin to ProfilePress to avoid vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1535?

Can I use an alternative plugin to ProfilePress to avoid vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1535? While updating to the patched version of ProfilePress mitigates this specific vulnerability, exploring alternative plugins that offer similar functionalities might provide additional features or different security measures that better suit your needs.

Q: What are the signs that my WordPress site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1535?

What are the signs that my WordPress site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1535? Signs of compromise may include unusual content changes, unexpected pop-ups, redirected pages, or new unauthorized user accounts. Regularly monitoring your site for such anomalies can help detect potential exploits early.

Q: How can I ensure that my WordPress plugins don't pose a security risk in the future?

How can I ensure that my WordPress plugins don't pose a security risk in the future? Stay informed about the latest security updates and vulnerabilities related to your plugins. Regularly review and update all your WordPress components, including plugins, themes, and the core, to their latest versions. Consider using security plugins that offer vulnerability scanning and monitoring services.

Q: What should I do if I suspect that my site has already been exploited due to this vulnerability?

What should I do if I suspect that my site has already been exploited due to this vulnerability? If you suspect an exploitation, immediately update the affected plugin and scan your site for malware. You may also need to restore your site from a backup taken before the exploitation. Consult with a security professional if necessary to ensure thorough remediation.

Q: How does CVE-2024-1535 compare to other vulnerabilities in ProfilePress?

How does CVE-2024-1535 compare to other vulnerabilities in ProfilePress? CVE-2024-1535 is one of several vulnerabilities identified in ProfilePress over time. It is crucial to understand that each vulnerability has its own characteristics and potential impacts. Regularly updating your plugins ensures protection against known vulnerabilities.

Q: Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1535?

Why is it important to stay on top of security vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-1535? Staying informed and responsive to security vulnerabilities is crucial for protecting your WordPress site from potential threats. Regular updates, vigilant monitoring, and adopting best security practices safeguard your site's integrity, user data, and overall online presence.

By Your WP Guy | March 12, 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: 12,610,237
Active Installs: 200,000
Last Updated: March 14, 2024
Patched Versions: 4.15.3
Affected Versions: <= 4.15.2

Vulnerability Details:

Name: ProfilePress <= 4.15.2
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-1535
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: March 12, 2024
Researcher: Arkadiusz Hydzik
Description: ProfilePress, a versatile WordPress plugin designed for creating membership sites, user registration forms, and more, has been identified with a vulnerability in versions up to 4.15.2. This flaw, CVE-2024-1535, arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping within the plugin's shortcodes, allowing authenticated users with at least contributor-level permissions to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. These attacks can inject harmful scripts into web pages, which are executed when the pages are accessed by other users.

Summary:

ProfilePress, a widely used plugin that extends WordPress functionality for membership and user profile management, has encountered a significant security issue in versions up to and including 4.15.2. This vulnerability, attributed to inadequate sanitization of user-supplied attributes within the plugin's shortcodes, permits authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, jeopardizing site security and user data integrity. The issue has been rectified in the subsequent version, 4.15.3, ensuring the plugin's safe usage moving forward.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability was brought to light by cybersecurity researcher Arkadiusz Hydzik, highlighting the critical nature of thorough input sanitization in web development, especially in plugins that process user-generated content. The ability of contributors or higher-level users to exploit this vulnerability underscores the necessity of robust security protocols in plugin development and user role management within WordPress sites.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: It is crucial for users of the ProfilePress plugin to upgrade to version 4.15.3 promptly. This update addresses the XSS vulnerability, enhancing the security of WordPress sites utilizing the plugin.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Site administrators are advised to closely monitor their websites for any indications of unauthorized script injections or alterations, particularly in areas where shortcodes are utilized.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version mitigates the identified risk, users may explore alternative plugins offering similar functionalities with potentially different or additional security measures.
Stay Updated: The significance of maintaining up-to-date installations of all WordPress components cannot be overstated. Regular updates are pivotal in protecting against known vulnerabilities and ensuring optimal website functionality and security.

Conclusion:

The swift mitigation of CVE-2024-1535 in the ProfilePress plugin underscores the ever-present need for vigilance and proactive measures in digital security within the WordPress ecosystem. For small business owners and website administrators, particularly those with limited technical resources, the commitment to regular software updates and adherence to security best practices is paramount in safeguarding digital assets and sustaining user trust in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.

References:

In today's digital age, keeping a website secure is paramount, particularly for small business owners who may lack the time and resources to constantly monitor their online presence. The recent identification of a vulnerability in the ProfilePress plugin, an essential tool for WordPress sites used by over 200,000 users, brings to light the ongoing battle against digital threats and the critical importance of maintaining updated software.

Plugin Overview

ProfilePress is a versatile WordPress plugin designed to enhance website functionality with features like paid membership, user registration forms, login forms, user profiles, and content restriction. Developed by collizo4sky, the plugin has seen over 12 million downloads, underlining its popularity and widespread use within the WordPress community.

Vulnerability Details

The vulnerability, cataloged as CVE-2024-1535, affects all versions of ProfilePress up to 4.15.2. This flaw allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to exploit the plugin's shortcodes for Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, injecting malicious scripts that are executed when other users view the compromised pages. The critical nature of this vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 6.4, was brought to attention by cybersecurity researcher Arkadiusz Hydzik.

Risks and Impacts

This vulnerability poses significant risks to website integrity and user data privacy, enabling attackers to perform actions such as data theft, unauthorized access, and potentially even taking control of affected sites. The fact that these attacks can be perpetrated by users with relatively low-level permissions magnifies the threat, highlighting the necessity for stringent security protocols and user role management.

Remediation

In response to the discovery of CVE-2024-1535, the developers of ProfilePress promptly released a patched version, 4.15.3, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by this vulnerability. Users are urged to update their installations without delay to safeguard their sites from potential exploitation.

Previous Vulnerabilities

This is not the first time ProfilePress has faced security challenges; there have been 26 previous vulnerabilities reported since June 2021. This history emphasizes the importance of continuous vigilance and regular updates in the cybersecurity landscape.

Conclusion

The resolution of CVE-2024-1535 within ProfilePress is a crucial reminder for all WordPress site administrators, particularly those overseeing small business websites, of the importance of staying abreast of security vulnerabilities and ensuring timely updates. In an era where digital threats are increasingly sophisticated, the security of a WordPress site is an ongoing commitment that requires diligence, awareness, and proactive measures to maintain a secure and trustworthy online presence.

Final Note

For small business owners juggling numerous responsibilities, the task of constantly monitoring for vulnerabilities may seem daunting. However, adopting a routine of regular updates and leveraging trusted security resources can significantly mitigate risks, protecting your digital assets and the trust of your users.

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.