Sina Extension for Elementor (Slider, Gallery, Form, Modal, Data Table, Tab, Particle, Free Elementor Widgets & Elementor Templates) Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Sina Fancy Text Widget – CVE-2024-3988 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? Cross-Site Scripting, commonly known as XSS, is a type of security vulnerability typically found in web applications. XSS allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. A script injected in this manner can access any cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information retained by the browser and used with that site.

Q: How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the Sina Extension for Elementor?

How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the Sina Extension for Elementor? To determine if your site is running a vulnerable version of the Sina Extension for Elementor, access your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the 'Plugins' section. Look for the Sina Extension for Elementor in the list of installed plugins and check the version number listed next to the plugin name. If it shows version 3.5.2 or lower, your site is at risk and needs to be updated immediately.

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

What should I do if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability? If you suspect that your website has been compromised, the first step is to update the plugin to the latest version, which includes a security patch for the vulnerability. Following the update, scan your website for any anomalies or malicious scripts that may have been injected. Consider using a security plugin that can detect and remove malware. It’s also advisable to change all passwords and inform your users to do the same, especially if personal data may have been accessed.

Q: Are there alternative plugins to the Sina Extension for Elementor that are safer?

Are there alternative plugins to the Sina Extension for Elementor that are safer? Yes, there are multiple alternatives to the Sina Extension for Elementor that provide similar functionalities with potentially better security records. When searching for alternatives, look for plugins that are regularly updated and have good reviews regarding their security. Before installing any new plugin, ensure it is from a reputable source and check the change log for security updates.

Q: Why is it important to keep all WordPress plugins updated?

Why is it important to keep all WordPress plugins updated? Keeping your WordPress plugins updated is crucial because updates often contain patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered. Hackers frequently target outdated software with known vulnerabilities, so staying updated is one of the best defenses against cyber attacks. Furthermore, updates can also bring new features and improvements in performance that can enhance the overall functionality of your website.

Q: How does XSS affect my website's visitors?

How does XSS affect my website's visitors? An XSS attack on your website can have serious implications for your visitors. Malicious scripts executed through XSS can be used to hijack user sessions, redirect users to malicious websites, steal personal information, or even deploy phishing attempts. Such actions can severely damage trust in your website and potentially lead to financial losses for affected users.

Q: What are some signs that my website might be vulnerable to XSS?

What are some signs that my website might be vulnerable to XSS? Common signs that your website may be vulnerable to XSS include unusual functionality such as unexpected pop-ups, altered site content, or unauthorized forms asking for personal information. If your website starts behaving in a way that you didn’t explicitly program, especially after user inputs, it may be indicative of an XSS vulnerability.

Q: Can updating a plugin cause issues with my website?

Can updating a plugin cause issues with my website? While most updates are beneficial and occur without incident, occasionally, an update might conflict with other plugins, themes, or custom code within your WordPress environment. To mitigate risks, it’s a good practice to test updates on a staging version of your website before applying them to your live site. This ensures that any potential issues are resolved without affecting your website’s operation or user experience.

Q: What measures can I take to protect my site from future vulnerabilities?

What measures can I take to protect my site from future vulnerabilities? To protect your website from future vulnerabilities, regularly update all software, use security plugins, and conduct periodic security audits. Educating yourself and your website administrators about common security threats and best practices is also beneficial. Implementing strict security policies and limiting user access based on roles can further safeguard your site.

Q: Is there a way to automatically update plugins to close security gaps faster?

Is there a way to automatically update plugins to close security gaps faster? WordPress allows you to enable automatic updates for plugins, which can be a useful feature to ensure your site always has the latest security patches. You can enable automatic updates individually for each plugin through the WordPress dashboard or set up site-wide policies if you manage multiple websites. However, remember to monitor your site for any issues post-update, especially if you rely on a wide range of plugins.

By Your WP Guy | April 24, 2024

Plugin Name: Sina Extension for Elementor (Slider, Gallery, Form, Modal, Data Table, Tab, Particle, Free Elementor Widgets & Elementor Templates)

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: sina-extension-for-elementor
Software Status: Active
Software Author: shaonsina
Software Downloads: 529,922
Active Installs: 50,000
Last Updated: May 9, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.5.3
Affected Versions: <= 3.5.2

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Sina Extension for Elementor (Slider, Gallery, Form, Modal, Data Table, Tab, Particle, Free Elementor Widgets & Elementor Templates) <= 3.5.2
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Sina Fancy Text Widget
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-3988
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: April 24, 2024
Researcher: wesley
Description: The Sina Extension for Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's Sina Fancy Text Widget in all versions up to, and including, 3.5.2 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 Sina Extension for Elementor for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.5.2 that allows for stored cross-site scripting via the plugin's Sina Fancy Text Widget. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.5.3.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability discovered in the Sina Extension for Elementor affects the Sina Fancy Text Widget, where the input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms are inadequate. As a result, authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this to inject malicious scripts. These scripts could potentially execute malicious actions such as stealing cookies, hijacking sessions, or redirecting visitors to harmful websites. The patch in version 3.5.3 addresses these security flaws and prevents further exploitation.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are encouraged to update to the patched version 3.5.3 immediately to mitigate the vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Admins should review their site for unusual scripts or behavior, especially in parts of the site where the Sina Fancy Text Widget has been used.
Alternate Plugins: While the vulnerability has been patched, considering other plugins that offer similar functionalities can be a precautionary measure against future vulnerabilities.
Stay Updated: Keeping plugins updated to the latest versions is essential to avoid potential vulnerabilities and ensure the security of your WordPress site.

Conclusion:

The quick response by the developers of the Sina Extension for Elementor to release a patch highlights the critical importance of timely software updates in maintaining site security. Users should ensure that they are running version 3.5.3 or later to protect their installations from this vulnerability.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the security of your WordPress website hinges on your vigilance and promptness in updating software. The recent discovery of a significant security vulnerability in the Sina Extension for Elementor, a widely-used plugin, underscores the critical need for regular maintenance and security awareness. Identified as CVE-2024-3988, this vulnerability poses serious risks to websites using the plugin, making it a prime target for cyber-attacks that can compromise both user and site data.

Vulnerability Overview:

The CVE-2024-3988 vulnerability impacts the Sina Fancy Text Widget within the Sina Extension for Elementor, where inadequate input sanitization and output escaping allow authenticated users with contributor-level or higher access to inject malicious scripts. These scripts can execute unauthorized actions such as data theft, session hijacking, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 3.5.2 and has been patched in version 3.5.3.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

This Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability exposes websites to a range of cyber threats. Malicious scripts injected through this vulnerability can compromise user privacy, site integrity, and data security. For businesses, the fallout from such breaches can include loss of customer trust, financial damage, and potential legal consequences.

Remediation Steps:

To address this vulnerability:

Update your plugin immediately to the latest version, 3.5.3, which resolves the security flaw.
Inspect your website for any unusual or unauthorized changes in the website content or behavior, especially where the Sina Fancy Text Widget is used.
Consider alternative solutions if maintaining regular updates is challenging, ensuring that any new plugin choices also prioritize security.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Since June 19, 2019, the Sina Extension for Elementor has encountered four previous vulnerabilities, highlighting an ongoing need for rigorous security practices and regular monitoring of the software used on your site.

Conclusion:

The quick remediation of CVE-2024-3988 by the Sina Extension developers highlights the importance of swift action in the face of security threats. For small business owners managing WordPress sites, this incident is a critical reminder of the necessity to stay proactive in monitoring and updating website components. Regular updates, vigilant security practices, and a responsive approach to potential threats are essential to safeguard your digital assets in today's cyber environment.

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.

Sina Extension for Elementor (Slider, Gallery, Form, Modal, Data Table, Tab, Particle, Free Elementor Widgets & Elementor Templates) Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Sina Fancy Text Widget – CVE-2024-3988 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

Cross-Site Scripting, commonly known as XSS, is a type of security vulnerability typically found in web applications. XSS allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. A script injected in this manner can access any cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information retained by the browser and used with that site.

How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the Sina Extension for Elementor?

To determine if your site is running a vulnerable version of the Sina Extension for Elementor, access your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the 'Plugins' section. Look for the Sina Extension for Elementor in the list of installed plugins and check the version number listed next to the plugin name. If it shows version 3.5.2 or lower, your site is at risk and needs to be updated immediately.

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

If you suspect that your website has been compromised, the first step is to update the plugin to the latest version, which includes a security patch for the vulnerability. Following the update, scan your website for any anomalies or malicious scripts that may have been injected. Consider using a security plugin that can detect and remove malware. It’s also advisable to change all passwords and inform your users to do the same, especially if personal data may have been accessed.

Are there alternative plugins to the Sina Extension for Elementor that are safer?

Yes, there are multiple alternatives to the Sina Extension for Elementor that provide similar functionalities with potentially better security records. When searching for alternatives, look for plugins that are regularly updated and have good reviews regarding their security. Before installing any new plugin, ensure it is from a reputable source and check the change log for security updates.

Why is it important to keep all WordPress plugins updated?

Keeping your WordPress plugins updated is crucial because updates often contain patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered. Hackers frequently target outdated software with known vulnerabilities, so staying updated is one of the best defenses against cyber attacks. Furthermore, updates can also bring new features and improvements in performance that can enhance the overall functionality of your website.

How does XSS affect my website's visitors?

An XSS attack on your website can have serious implications for your visitors. Malicious scripts executed through XSS can be used to hijack user sessions, redirect users to malicious websites, steal personal information, or even deploy phishing attempts. Such actions can severely damage trust in your website and potentially lead to financial losses for affected users.

What are some signs that my website might be vulnerable to XSS?

Common signs that your website may be vulnerable to XSS include unusual functionality such as unexpected pop-ups, altered site content, or unauthorized forms asking for personal information. If your website starts behaving in a way that you didn’t explicitly program, especially after user inputs, it may be indicative of an XSS vulnerability.

Can updating a plugin cause issues with my website?

While most updates are beneficial and occur without incident, occasionally, an update might conflict with other plugins, themes, or custom code within your WordPress environment. To mitigate risks, it’s a good practice to test updates on a staging version of your website before applying them to your live site. This ensures that any potential issues are resolved without affecting your website’s operation or user experience.

What measures can I take to protect my site from future vulnerabilities?

To protect your website from future vulnerabilities, regularly update all software, use security plugins, and conduct periodic security audits. Educating yourself and your website administrators about common security threats and best practices is also beneficial. Implementing strict security policies and limiting user access based on roles can further safeguard your site.

Is there a way to automatically update plugins to close security gaps faster?

WordPress allows you to enable automatic updates for plugins, which can be a useful feature to ensure your site always has the latest security patches. You can enable automatic updates individually for each plugin through the WordPress dashboard or set up site-wide policies if you manage multiple websites. However, remember to monitor your site for any issues post-update, especially if you rely on a wide range of plugins.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-3988, cyber threats, elementor security, Plugin Updates, Secure WordPress Plugins, Sina Extension for Elementor, Website Management, website safety, wordpress security, XSS vulnerability

Plugin Name: Sina Extension for Elementor (Slider, Gallery, Form, Modal, Data Table, Tab, Particle, Free Elementor Widgets & Elementor Templates)

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Vulnerability Overview:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Remediation Steps:

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

Sina Extension for Elementor (Slider, Gallery, Form, Modal, Data Table, Tab, Particle, Free Elementor Widgets & Elementor Templates) Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Sina Fancy Text Widget – CVE-2024-3988 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the Sina Extension for Elementor?

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

Are there alternative plugins to the Sina Extension for Elementor that are safer?

Why is it important to keep all WordPress plugins updated?

How does XSS affect my website's visitors?

What are some signs that my website might be vulnerable to XSS?

Can updating a plugin cause issues with my website?

What measures can I take to protect my site from future vulnerabilities?

Is there a way to automatically update plugins to close security gaps faster?

Share this post:

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