Relevanssi Vulnerability – A Better Search – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-3213 & CVE-2024-3214 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: Relevanssi – A Better Search
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: relevanssi
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: msaari
- Software Downloads: 6,389,194
- Active Installs: 100,000
- Last Updated: April 4, 2024
- Patched Versions: 4.22.2
- Affected Versions: <= 4.22.1
Vulnerability Details:
Vulnerability 1: Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Count Option Update
- Type: Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR)
- CVE: CVE-2024-3213
- CVSS Score: 4.3
- Publicly Published: April 4, 2024
- Researcher: Thura Moe Myint (mgthuramoemyint)
- Description: The Relevanssi plugin is vulnerable to unauthorized data modification due to a lack of capability checks in the relevanssi_update_counts() function. Unauthenticated attackers can trigger costly database queries, potentially causing a Denial of Service (DoS).
Vulnerability 2: Unauthenticated Second Order CSV Injection
- Type: CSV Injection
- CVE: CVE-2024-3214
- CVSS Score: 5.8
- Publicly Published: April 4, 2024
- Researcher: Thura Moe Myint (mgthuramoemyint)
- Description: This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to perform CSV Injection by embedding malicious input in exported CSV files. This can lead to remote code execution when the file is opened in a susceptible environment.
Summary:
The Relevanssi – A Better Search plugin, widely utilized for enhancing search functionalities on WordPress sites, is currently facing two critical security vulnerabilities in versions up to and including 4.22.1. The issues, identified as CVE-2024-3213 and CVE-2024-3214, encompass an Insecure Direct Object Reference flaw allowing unauthorized data modification and a CSV Injection vulnerability that could lead to remote code execution. Both vulnerabilities have been resolved in the patched version 4.22.2.
Detailed Overview:
Discovered by security researcher Thura Moe Myint, these vulnerabilities highlight significant security gaps in the Relevanssi plugin’s data handling and export functionalities. The IDOR vulnerability could potentially be exploited to carry out Denial of Service attacks, impacting site availability, while the CSV Injection flaw poses a risk of remote code execution, threatening data integrity and user safety. The swift release of the patched version 4.22.2 is aimed at mitigating these risks.
Advice for Users:
- Immediate Action: It’s imperative for users to update the Relevanssi plugin to the latest version, 4.22.2, to protect against these vulnerabilities.
- Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should monitor their websites for any signs of exploitation, including unusual database activity or unexpected CSV file downloads.
- Alternate Plugins: While the patched version addresses these specific vulnerabilities, users might consider other search plugins that have demonstrated a strong commitment to security.
- Stay Updated: Keeping plugins updated is crucial for maintaining site security. Regular updates help to patch vulnerabilities, enhance functionality, and improve overall site performance.
Conclusion:
The resolution of CVE-2024-3213 and CVE-2024-3214 in the Relevanssi – A Better Search plugin underscores the ongoing importance of software maintenance in the digital security landscape. For WordPress site owners, particularly those managing sites for small businesses, these incidents serve as a potent reminder of the need for constant vigilance and prompt action in the face of emerging security threats. Maintaining up-to-date plugins and adopting proactive security measures are indispensable steps in safeguarding online assets against potential vulnerabilities.
References:
Detailed Report:
In the digital ecosystem where WordPress powers a significant portion of the web, plugin vulnerabilities pose a serious risk to website owners and users alike. The Relevanssi – A Better Search plugin, known for enhancing search functionalities on WordPress sites, has recently been spotlighted for security vulnerabilities, emphasizing the critical need for constant vigilance and timely updates.
Plugin Overview:
Relevanssi – A Better Search is a widely-used WordPress plugin developed by msaari, facilitating improved search experiences. With over 100,000 active installations and more than 6 million downloads, its impact is vast. The plugin’s recent versions up to 4.22.1 were found to contain significant security flaws, patched in the latest releases (4.22.2).
Vulnerability Details:
- CVE-2024-3213 – Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Count Option Update: This Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to perform unauthorized data modifications, potentially leading to Denial of Service (DoS) by executing costly database queries.
- CVE-2024-3214 – Unauthenticated Second Order CSV Injection: This vulnerability enables attackers to perform CSV Injection, embedding malicious scripts in exported CSV files. When opened in a susceptible environment, this could lead to remote code execution.
Both vulnerabilities were discovered by researcher Thura Moe Myint, underlining the plugin’s susceptibility to unauthorized data manipulation and potential remote code execution, posing significant security threats to affected WordPress sites.
Implications and Remediation:
The ramifications of these vulnerabilities are substantial, with the potential for compromised site integrity, data breaches, and unauthorized access. To mitigate these risks, users are urged to update their Relevanssi – A Better Search plugin to version 4.22.2 immediately. Regular monitoring for unusual site activities and exploring alternative plugins with strong security records are advisable preventive measures.
Historical Context:
These incidents are not isolated, with the plugin having encountered 9 previous vulnerabilities since its inception. This history underscores the necessity of continuous security assessments and updates.
Conclusion:
The swift resolution of CVE-2024-3213 and CVE-2024-3214 by the Relevanssi – A Better Search development team highlights the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins up-to-date. For small business owners utilizing WordPress, this scenario serves as a potent reminder of the essential nature of proactive security practices. In a landscape fraught with evolving threats, ensuring the security of digital assets through regular updates and vigilant monitoring is indispensable.
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.
Relevanssi Vulnerability – A Better Search – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-3213 & CVE-2024-3214 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs
What is an IDOR vulnerability?
What is an IDOR vulnerability?
An Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authorization and access resources directly, such as database records or files, by altering the value of a parameter used to directly point to an object. In the context of Relevanssi – A Better Search, this vulnerability enabled unauthorized access to other users’ order details, potentially leading to data breaches and unauthorized enrollments in paid courses.
How does the CSV Injection vulnerability work?
How does the CSV Injection vulnerability work?
CSV Injection involves embedding malicious commands in CSV files that, when opened in spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, can execute arbitrary code. In the case of Relevanssi, attackers could inject malicious payloads into exported CSV files. If an admin or user opens this compromised file, it could lead to remote code execution on their local machine, depending on their system’s configuration and security settings.
Are all users of the Relevanssi plugin affected by these vulnerabilities?
Are all users of the Relevanssi plugin affected by these vulnerabilities?
Not all users are directly affected. The IDOR vulnerability could be exploited by unauthenticated users, making it a broader risk. However, the Stored XSS and CSV Injection vulnerabilities require at least contributor-level access to exploit. Users with highly restricted access rights and those who do not utilize the affected functionalities might not be directly vulnerable but should still update the plugin as a precaution.
How can I tell if my site has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities?
How can I tell if my site has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities?
Check your site’s access logs for any unusual or unauthorized activities, especially related to the plugin’s functionalities. Look for unexpected database queries or downloads of CSV files that could indicate exploitation attempts. Regularly reviewing and monitoring your site’s activity can help detect potential security breaches early on.
What should I do if I find signs of exploitation on my site?
What should I do if I find signs of exploitation on my site?
If you suspect that your site has been compromised, immediately update the Relevanssi plugin to the patched version. Then, conduct a thorough security audit of your site, including checking for unauthorized user accounts, changes to user roles, and unexpected content alterations. Consider employing a security professional or service to ensure a comprehensive examination and remediation process.
Can I just disable the Relevanssi plugin to mitigate the risk?
Can I just disable the Relevanssi plugin to mitigate the risk?
Disabling the plugin would prevent exploitation of these specific vulnerabilities, but it is not a practical long-term solution, especially if your site relies on the functionality provided by Relevanssi. The best course of action is to update the plugin to the latest patched version to secure your site while retaining the plugin’s features.
What are the patched versions of the Relevanssi plugin?
What are the patched versions of the Relevanssi plugin?
The vulnerabilities discussed have been patched in versions 4.22.2 of the Relevanssi plugin. It is crucial to update to these versions or newer to ensure your WordPress site is protected against these security issues.
How can I update my Relevanssi plugin to a safe version?
How can I update my Relevanssi plugin to a safe version?
To update the plugin, log into your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the “Plugins” section, find Relevanssi in your list of installed plugins, and you should see an option to update if you’re running a vulnerable version. Always ensure you have backups before updating in case you need to restore your site.
Are there any alternative plugins to Relevanssi I can use?
Are there any alternative plugins to Relevanssi I can use?
There are several other search plugins available for WordPress, such as SearchWP, ElasticPress, and Ivory Search. When looking for alternatives, consider the plugin’s security history, update frequency, and feature set to ensure it meets your needs while maintaining a strong security posture.
Why is it important to stay on top of plugin updates?
Why is it important to stay on top of plugin updates?
Plugin vulnerabilities are a common attack vector for WordPress sites. Regularly updating plugins closes security gaps that could be exploited by attackers. Staying informed about updates and vulnerabilities in the plugins you use is crucial for maintaining your site’s security and protecting sensitive data.