Royal Elementor Addons and Templates Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Form Builder Widget – CVE-2024-3887 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability?

What is the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability? The Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) issue identified as CVE-2024-3887. It exists in the Form Builder widget and allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or above to inject malicious scripts into WordPress pages. These scripts can execute when users visit the affected pages, potentially leading to compromised website security, data theft, and other malicious activities.

Q: How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the plugin?

How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the plugin? To check if your website is using the vulnerable version of the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and click on "Plugins." Look for the "Royal Elementor Addons and Templates" plugin in the list and check its version number. If the version is lower than 1.3.975, your website is vulnerable. It's crucial to update the plugin to the latest patched version as soon as possible.

Q: What are the risks associated with this vulnerability?

What are the risks associated with this vulnerability? The risks associated with the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability include: Unauthorized access to your website Theft of sensitive information Distribution of malware to your website visitors Damage to your website's reputation and user trust Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to carry out various malicious activities, putting your website, business, and customers at risk.

Q: How can I update the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin?

How can I update the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin? To update the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin, follow these steps: Log in to your WordPress dashboard Navigate to "Plugins" Find the "Royal Elementor Addons and Templates" plugin and click "Update Now" If you don't see an update option, you may need to delete the plugin and reinstall it from the official WordPress plugin repository to ensure you have the latest patched version.

Q: What should I do if I suspect my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

What should I do if I suspect my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability? If you suspect your website has been compromised due to the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability, take the following steps: Immediately update the plugin to the latest patched version (1.3.975 or later) Thoroughly review your website's pages, especially those containing forms created with the Form Builder widget, for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications Change all WordPress user passwords, particularly those with contributor-level access or higher Consider hiring a professional security team to perform a comprehensive security audit of your website If you notice any signs of compromise, such as unauthorized changes or suspicious activity, it's essential to act quickly to minimize the potential damage.

Q: Are there any alternative plugins I can use instead of Royal Elementor Addons and Templates?

Are there any alternative plugins I can use instead of Royal Elementor Addons and Templates? Yes, there are several alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Royal Elementor Addons and Templates. Some popular options include: Essential Addons for Elementor Elementor Pro Elementor Extras Premium Addons for Elementor When choosing an alternative plugin, be sure to research its security track record, read user reviews, and keep the plugin updated to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? It's generally recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions become available. Plugin developers often release updates to address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce new features. To stay on top of plugin updates, regularly log in to your WordPress dashboard and check for available updates. You can also configure your WordPress site to automatically update plugins, but be cautious as automatic updates may sometimes cause compatibility issues.

Q: Can I continue using an older version of the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin if I don't use the Form Builder widget?

Can I continue using an older version of the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin if I don't use the Form Builder widget? No, it's not recommended to continue using an older, vulnerable version of the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin, even if you don't use the Form Builder widget. Other undiscovered vulnerabilities may exist in the plugin, putting your website at risk. Additionally, using outdated versions of plugins can cause compatibility issues with other plugins, themes, and WordPress core updates. Always use the latest version of the plugin to ensure the best security and performance.

Q: What other measures can I take to improve my WordPress website's security?

What other measures can I take to improve my WordPress website's security? In addition to keeping your plugins updated, there are several other measures you can take to improve your WordPress website's security: Use strong, unique passwords for all WordPress user accounts Enable two-factor authentication for added login security Regularly update your WordPress core and themes Use a reputable security plugin to monitor and protect your site from threats Implement SSL/HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between your website and users' browsers Regularly backup your website to ensure you can quickly recover from any security incidents Implementing these security best practices can help reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and protect your website from potential threats.

Q: How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins? To stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins, consider the following: Regularly visit reputable WordPress security blogs and websites, such as Wordfence, Sucuri, and WPScan Subscribe to security newsletters and update notifications from plugin developers Follow WordPress security experts and influencers on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn Participate in WordPress community forums and discussion groups to stay up-to-date on the latest security topics and trends By staying informed and proactive about WordPress security, you can quickly react to new vulnerabilities and take the necessary steps to protect your website.

By Your WP Guy | May 15, 2024

Plugin Name: Royal Elementor Addons and Templates

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: royal-elementor-addons
Software Status: Active
Software Author: wproyal
Software Downloads: 5,453,490
Active Installs: 300,000
Last Updated: May 15, 2024
Patched Versions: 1.3.975
Affected Versions: <= 1.3.974

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Royal Elementor Addons and Templates <= 1.3.974 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Form Builder Widget
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2024-3887
CVSS Score: 5.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: May 15, 2024
Researcher: Tim Coen and Ngô Thiên An
Description: The Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Form Builder widget in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.974 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for 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.

Summary:

The Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.3.974 that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts via the Form Builder widget due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This vulnerability has been patched in version 1.3.975.

Detailed Overview:

Researchers Tim Coen and Ngô Thiên An discovered a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability exists in the Form Builder widget and is caused by insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes. This allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages, which will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. The vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users should update the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin to version 1.3.975 or later to patch this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your site's pages, especially those containing forms created with the Form Builder widget, for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might still consider plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

The prompt response from the plugin developers to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 1.3.975 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/royal-elementor-addons

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/royal-elementor-addons/royal-elementor-addons-and-templates-13974-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting-via-form-builder-widget

Detailed Report:

As a website owner, you know that keeping your site secure is of utmost importance. You invest time and resources into creating valuable content, building your brand, and engaging with your audience. However, a single vulnerability in your website's plugins can put all of that hard work at risk. In this blog post, we'll discuss a recently discovered vulnerability in the popular Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin for WordPress and why it's crucial to keep your plugins up to date.

The Vulnerable Plugin: Royal Elementor Addons and Templates

The Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin is a popular WordPress plugin that enhances the functionality of the Elementor page builder. It has been downloaded over 5,453,490 times and is currently active on more than 300,000 websites. The plugin was last updated on May 15, 2024.

The Vulnerability: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Form Builder Widget

Researchers Tim Coen and Ngô Thiên An discovered a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-3887, exists in the Form Builder widget and is caused by insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes. This allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages, which will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Risks and Potential Impacts

If your website is running a version of the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin lower than 1.3.975, you are at risk. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to compromise your website, steal sensitive information, or even use your site to distribute malware to your unsuspecting visitors. This not only puts your website and data at risk but also jeopardizes your reputation and the trust your users place in you.

How to Remediate the Vulnerability

To protect your website from this vulnerability, follow these steps:

Immediate Action: Update the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin to version 1.3.975 or later to patch this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your site's pages, especially those containing forms created with the Form Builder widget, for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might still consider plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Previous Vulnerabilities in Royal Elementor Addons and Templates

It's important to note that this is not the first vulnerability discovered in the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin. Since March 2022, there have been 36 previous vulnerabilities reported. This highlights the importance of staying vigilant and keeping your plugins updated regularly.

The Importance of Staying on Top of Security Vulnerabilities

As a small business owner, managing a website can be overwhelming, and staying on top of security updates may not always be your top priority. However, neglecting these updates can put your website, your business, and your customers at risk. By regularly updating your plugins and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber attacks.

If you're concerned about the security of your WordPress site or need assistance ensuring that your plugins are up to date, consider reaching out to a professional web development or security team. They can help you create a plan to keep your site secure and provide ongoing support to ensure that you're always protected against the latest threats.

As a business owner, you don't have time to constantly monitor for WordPress vulnerabilities like this. At Your WP Guy, we become your outsourced IT team to handle security, updates, maintenance and support. Let us fully audit your site and plugins to assess any impact from this issue. We'll update everything to patched versions so you can rest easy knowing your site is locked down.

Focus on your business goals while we focus on your WordPress site's security. Chat with us anytime during business hours, schedule a call or call 678-995-5169 for a free consultation on securing your online presence.

Royal Elementor Addons and Templates Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Form Builder Widget – CVE-2024-3887 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability?

The Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) issue identified as CVE-2024-3887. It exists in the Form Builder widget and allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or above to inject malicious scripts into WordPress pages.

These scripts can execute when users visit the affected pages, potentially leading to compromised website security, data theft, and other malicious activities.

How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the plugin?

To check if your website is using the vulnerable version of the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and click on "Plugins." Look for the "Royal Elementor Addons and Templates" plugin in the list and check its version number.

If the version is lower than 1.3.975, your website is vulnerable. It's crucial to update the plugin to the latest patched version as soon as possible.

What are the risks associated with this vulnerability?

The risks associated with the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability include:

Unauthorized access to your website
Theft of sensitive information
Distribution of malware to your website visitors
Damage to your website's reputation and user trust

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to carry out various malicious activities, putting your website, business, and customers at risk.

How can I update the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin?

To update the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin, follow these steps:

Log in to your WordPress dashboard
Navigate to "Plugins"
Find the "Royal Elementor Addons and Templates" plugin and click "Update Now"

If you don't see an update option, you may need to delete the plugin and reinstall it from the official WordPress plugin repository to ensure you have the latest patched version.

What should I do if I suspect my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

If you suspect your website has been compromised due to the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin vulnerability, take the following steps:

Immediately update the plugin to the latest patched version (1.3.975 or later)
Thoroughly review your website's pages, especially those containing forms created with the Form Builder widget, for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications
Change all WordPress user passwords, particularly those with contributor-level access or higher
Consider hiring a professional security team to perform a comprehensive security audit of your website

If you notice any signs of compromise, such as unauthorized changes or suspicious activity, it's essential to act quickly to minimize the potential damage.

Are there any alternative plugins I can use instead of Royal Elementor Addons and Templates?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Royal Elementor Addons and Templates. Some popular options include:

Essential Addons for Elementor
Elementor Pro
Elementor Extras
Premium Addons for Elementor

When choosing an alternative plugin, be sure to research its security track record, read user reviews, and keep the plugin updated to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

It's generally recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions become available. Plugin developers often release updates to address security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce new features.

To stay on top of plugin updates, regularly log in to your WordPress dashboard and check for available updates. You can also configure your WordPress site to automatically update plugins, but be cautious as automatic updates may sometimes cause compatibility issues.

Can I continue using an older version of the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin if I don't use the Form Builder widget?

No, it's not recommended to continue using an older, vulnerable version of the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin, even if you don't use the Form Builder widget. Other undiscovered vulnerabilities may exist in the plugin, putting your website at risk.

Additionally, using outdated versions of plugins can cause compatibility issues with other plugins, themes, and WordPress core updates. Always use the latest version of the plugin to ensure the best security and performance.

What other measures can I take to improve my WordPress website's security?

In addition to keeping your plugins updated, there are several other measures you can take to improve your WordPress website's security:

Use strong, unique passwords for all WordPress user accounts
Enable two-factor authentication for added login security
Regularly update your WordPress core and themes
Use a reputable security plugin to monitor and protect your site from threats
Implement SSL/HTTPS to encrypt data transmitted between your website and users' browsers
Regularly backup your website to ensure you can quickly recover from any security incidents

Implementing these security best practices can help reduce the risk of vulnerabilities and protect your website from potential threats.

How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

To stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins, consider the following:

Regularly visit reputable WordPress security blogs and websites, such as Wordfence, Sucuri, and WPScan
Subscribe to security newsletters and update notifications from plugin developers
Follow WordPress security experts and influencers on social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn
Participate in WordPress community forums and discussion groups to stay up-to-date on the latest security topics and trends

By staying informed and proactive about WordPress security, you can quickly react to new vulnerabilities and take the necessary steps to protect your website.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-3887, cyber threats, plugin vulnerabilities, Royal Elementor Addons and Templates, Small Business Website Security, Website Maintenance, Website Security, wordpress security, XSS