Responsive Lightbox & Gallery Vulnerability – Authenticated (Author+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via File Upload – CVE-2024-6870 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin used for?

What is the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin used for? The Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin is designed to help WordPress users create responsive image galleries and lightboxes for their websites. It enhances the visual appeal and functionality of a site, making it easier to display images in a user-friendly way. This plugin is particularly popular among businesses that rely on showcasing visual content, such as photographers, artists, and e-commerce sites.

Q: What is the vulnerability discovered in the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin?

What is the vulnerability discovered in the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin? The vulnerability in the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue that affects versions up to and including 2.4.7. This flaw allows attackers with Author-level access to upload files that contain malicious scripts. When these files are accessed, the scripts can execute and lead to unauthorized actions, such as data theft or site defacement.

Q: Who is at risk from this vulnerability?

Who is at risk from this vulnerability? Websites using the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin in versions up to 2.4.7 are at risk, especially if they allow users with Author-level permissions. These users have the ability to upload files, which could be exploited to inject harmful scripts. Sites that haven’t updated to the latest version are particularly vulnerable to this kind of attack.

Q: What should I do if my website uses the affected version of the plugin?

What should I do if my website uses the affected version of the plugin? If your website is using an affected version of the plugin, you should immediately update to version 2.4.8, where the vulnerability has been patched. Updating the plugin is crucial to prevent potential exploitation. After updating, it’s a good idea to review your site for any signs of unauthorized changes or suspicious activity.

Q: How can I check if my website has been compromised?

How can I check if my website has been compromised? To check if your website has been compromised, look for any unusual behavior, such as unauthorized changes to content or unexpected script execution. Pay close attention to files that use the 3gp2 format, as these could be involved in an exploit. If you detect any irregularities, consider consulting a security expert to conduct a thorough site audit.

Q: What are the consequences if my site is compromised due to this vulnerability?

What are the consequences if my site is compromised due to this vulnerability? If your site is compromised, the consequences could include the theft of sensitive data, such as user credentials or personal information. Attackers might also hijack user sessions or deface your website, damaging your brand’s reputation. In severe cases, the presence of malicious scripts could lead to your site being blacklisted by search engines or security services.

Q: Is updating to the latest version enough to protect my site?

Is updating to the latest version enough to protect my site? Updating to the latest version of the plugin, 2.4.8, addresses the specific vulnerability discussed, significantly reducing the risk of an attack. However, maintaining overall site security requires continuous vigilance. Regularly updating all plugins and themes, using security plugins, and monitoring your site for suspicious activity are all essential practices for long-term protection.

Q: Should I consider switching to a different plugin?

Should I consider switching to a different plugin? While the patched version of Responsive Lightbox & Gallery resolves this issue, some users might prefer to switch to an alternative plugin, especially if they have concerns about the plugin's security history. There are other plugins available that offer similar functionality, and exploring these options might provide additional peace of mind. However, the decision to switch should consider the specific needs and configurations of your website.

Q: How can I prevent similar issues from affecting my site in the future?

How can I prevent similar issues from affecting my site in the future? Preventing similar issues requires a proactive approach to website security. This includes regularly updating all your plugins and themes, enabling automatic updates when possible, and using a reliable security plugin to monitor your site for vulnerabilities. Staying informed about security news and best practices is also crucial for keeping your site protected.

Q: What steps should I take if I need help managing my website’s security?

What steps should I take if I need help managing my website’s security? If you need help managing your website’s security, consider hiring a professional who specializes in WordPress security. They can help you set up robust defenses, conduct regular security audits, and respond quickly to any potential threats. Additionally, using managed WordPress hosting services that offer built-in security features can significantly ease the burden of managing security on your own.

By Your WP Guy | August 21, 2024

Plugin Name: Responsive Lightbox & Gallery

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: responsive-lightbox
Software Status: Active
Software Author: dfactory
Software Downloads: 5,285,709
Active Installs: 200,000
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.4.8
Affected Versions: <= 2.4.7

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Responsive Lightbox & Gallery <= 2.4.7
Title: Authenticated (Author+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via File Upload
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-6870
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: August 21, 2024
Researcher: wesley (wcraft)
Description: The Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via file uploads in all versions up to and including 2.4.7 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping affecting the rl_upload_image AJAX endpoint. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Author-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that will execute whenever a user accesses the affected 3gp2 file.

Summary:

The Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.4.7 that allows authenticated attackers with Author-level access to inject arbitrary web scripts via file uploads. This vulnerability has been patched in version 2.4.8.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability, identified by researcher wesley (wcraft), exposes websites using the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin to potential Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. The flaw is located in the rl_upload_image AJAX endpoint, which fails to properly sanitize inputs and escape outputs. As a result, attackers with Author-level privileges can upload files containing malicious scripts. These scripts execute when users interact with the uploaded file, posing risks such as unauthorized data access, session hijacking, and other harmful actions. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 2.4.7. Users are strongly advised to update to version 2.4.8 to secure their websites.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users should immediately update to version 2.4.8 of the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin to protect their websites from this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: It's important to check your site for any signs of unusual behavior or unauthorized script execution, particularly involving 3gp2 files, which could indicate a compromise.
Alternate Plugins: While the patch resolves this issue, users may want to consider alternative plugins that offer similar functionalities if they have concerns about the security history of Responsive Lightbox & Gallery.
Stay Updated: To prevent future vulnerabilities, regularly updating all your plugins and themes is crucial. Keeping your WordPress site up to date ensures that security patches are applied promptly.

Conclusion:

The quick response from the developers of the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are strongly encouraged to ensure they are running version 2.4.8 or later to secure their WordPress installations and protect their websites from potential threats.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the ever-evolving landscape of online security, keeping your WordPress website up to date is more than just a routine task—it’s a critical step in protecting your site from potential threats. For small business owners who may not have the time to monitor every security update, this can seem daunting. However, neglecting these updates can leave your website vulnerable to attacks that could compromise your data, your customers’ trust, and your business reputation. Recently, a significant security vulnerability was discovered in the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin, which is currently active on over 200,000 websites. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-6870, underscores the importance of timely updates and proactive security management.

Responsive Lightbox & Gallery is a popular WordPress plugin designed to help users create responsive image galleries and lightboxes on their websites. With over 5 million downloads and 200,000 active installs, it’s a widely used tool that enhances website functionality, particularly for businesses that rely on visual content. However, its popularity also makes it a target for potential security exploits.

Risks and Potential Impacts: Why This Matters

This vulnerability poses a significant risk to any site using the affected versions of the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin. The possible impacts include:

Data Theft: Attackers can steal sensitive information from your site, such as user credentials or personal data.
Session Hijacking: Malicious scripts could allow attackers to take over active user sessions, gaining unauthorized access to user accounts and potentially causing further damage.
Website Defacement: The ability to inject arbitrary scripts means that attackers could alter your website’s content or functionality, leading to loss of trust among your customers and damage to your brand’s reputation.

How to Remediate the Vulnerability

Immediate Action: The most crucial step is to update your Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin to version 2.4.8, which patches the vulnerability. Keeping your plugins updated is essential to prevent attackers from exploiting known security flaws.

Check for Signs of Vulnerability: After updating, thoroughly review your website for any signs of compromise, such as unauthorized changes to content or unusual behavior involving 3gp2 files. If you notice anything suspicious, take immediate action to secure your site.

Consider Alternative Plugins: While the update addresses this specific issue, you may want to explore alternative plugins with similar functionalities, especially if you have concerns about the security history of Responsive Lightbox & Gallery.

Stay Updated: Regular updates to your WordPress plugins and themes are crucial to maintaining a secure website. Consider enabling automatic updates or using a security plugin that can help monitor your site for vulnerabilities and apply patches as needed.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities

The Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin has had five previous vulnerabilities reported since August 1, 2014. While each of these vulnerabilities has been addressed, the pattern underscores the importance of staying vigilant and ensuring all software components of your website are kept up to date. Each of these incidents serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks associated with outdated plugins.

Conclusion: The Importance of Staying Ahead of Security Vulnerabilities

For small business owners, the time and expertise required to manage website security can be overwhelming. However, staying ahead of security vulnerabilities is not just about protecting your website—it’s about safeguarding your business, your customers, and your reputation. By keeping your plugins updated, using trusted security tools, and staying informed about potential threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack. Remember, a proactive approach to security is always better than reacting to an incident after it has occurred.

If you’re concerned about your website’s security or need assistance with updates, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your website is a critical asset—protect it accordingly.

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.

Responsive Lightbox & Gallery Vulnerability – Authenticated (Author+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via File Upload – CVE-2024-6870 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin used for?

The Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin is designed to help WordPress users create responsive image galleries and lightboxes for their websites. It enhances the visual appeal and functionality of a site, making it easier to display images in a user-friendly way. This plugin is particularly popular among businesses that rely on showcasing visual content, such as photographers, artists, and e-commerce sites.

What is the vulnerability discovered in the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin?

The vulnerability in the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue that affects versions up to and including 2.4.7. This flaw allows attackers with Author-level access to upload files that contain malicious scripts. When these files are accessed, the scripts can execute and lead to unauthorized actions, such as data theft or site defacement.

Who is at risk from this vulnerability?

Websites using the Responsive Lightbox & Gallery plugin in versions up to 2.4.7 are at risk, especially if they allow users with Author-level permissions. These users have the ability to upload files, which could be exploited to inject harmful scripts. Sites that haven’t updated to the latest version are particularly vulnerable to this kind of attack.

What should I do if my website uses the affected version of the plugin?

If your website is using an affected version of the plugin, you should immediately update to version 2.4.8, where the vulnerability has been patched. Updating the plugin is crucial to prevent potential exploitation. After updating, it’s a good idea to review your site for any signs of unauthorized changes or suspicious activity.

How can I check if my website has been compromised?

To check if your website has been compromised, look for any unusual behavior, such as unauthorized changes to content or unexpected script execution. Pay close attention to files that use the 3gp2 format, as these could be involved in an exploit. If you detect any irregularities, consider consulting a security expert to conduct a thorough site audit.

What are the consequences if my site is compromised due to this vulnerability?

If your site is compromised, the consequences could include the theft of sensitive data, such as user credentials or personal information. Attackers might also hijack user sessions or deface your website, damaging your brand’s reputation. In severe cases, the presence of malicious scripts could lead to your site being blacklisted by search engines or security services.

Is updating to the latest version enough to protect my site?

Updating to the latest version of the plugin, 2.4.8, addresses the specific vulnerability discussed, significantly reducing the risk of an attack. However, maintaining overall site security requires continuous vigilance. Regularly updating all plugins and themes, using security plugins, and monitoring your site for suspicious activity are all essential practices for long-term protection.

Should I consider switching to a different plugin?

While the patched version of Responsive Lightbox & Gallery resolves this issue, some users might prefer to switch to an alternative plugin, especially if they have concerns about the plugin's security history. There are other plugins available that offer similar functionality, and exploring these options might provide additional peace of mind. However, the decision to switch should consider the specific needs and configurations of your website.

How can I prevent similar issues from affecting my site in the future?

Preventing similar issues requires a proactive approach to website security. This includes regularly updating all your plugins and themes, enabling automatic updates when possible, and using a reliable security plugin to monitor your site for vulnerabilities. Staying informed about security news and best practices is also crucial for keeping your site protected.

What steps should I take if I need help managing my website’s security?

If you need help managing your website’s security, consider hiring a professional who specializes in WordPress security. They can help you set up robust defenses, conduct regular security audits, and respond quickly to any potential threats. Additionally, using managed WordPress hosting services that offer built-in security features can significantly ease the burden of managing security on your own.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-6870, Cybersecurity, dfactory, Plugin Update, Responsive Lightbox vulnerability, Small Business, Website Protection, Website Security, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, XSS Attack