SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting in Image Grid Widget – CVE-2024-5901 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report
Plugin Name: SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle
Key Information:
- Software Type: Plugin
- Software Slug: so-widgets-bundle
- Software Status: Active
- Software Author: gpriday
- Software Downloads: 40,680,217
- Active Installs: 600,000
- Last Updated: August 12, 2024
- Patched Versions: 1.62.3
- Affected Versions: <= 1.62.2
Vulnerability Details:
- Name: SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle <= 1.62.2
- Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting in Image Grid Widget
- Type: Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
- CVE: CVE-2024-5901
- CVSS Score: 6.4
- Publicly Published: July 30, 2024
- Researcher: Ngô Thiên An (ancorn_) - VNPT-VCI
- Description: The SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Image Grid widget in all versions up to, and including, 1.62.2 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages, which execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page.
Summary:
The SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.62.2 that allows authenticated (Contributor+) stored cross-site scripting via the Image Grid widget. This vulnerability has been patched in version 1.62.3.
Detailed Overview:
The SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle is a popular WordPress plugin that provides a wide array of widgets for enhancing website functionality. However, a critical vulnerability was discovered in the plugin's Image Grid widget, identified as CVE-2024-5901. This vulnerability, discovered by researcher Ngô Thiên An (ancorn_) from VNPT-VCI, is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. These scripts execute whenever an unsuspecting user accesses the compromised page, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data breaches.
The vulnerability, which has a CVSS score of 6.4, was publicly disclosed on July 30, 2024. It affects all versions of the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle up to and including 1.62.2. The developers at gpriday responded promptly by releasing a patched version, 1.62.3, on August 12, 2024.
Advice for Users:
Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update to version 1.62.3 immediately to mitigate the risk of stored cross-site scripting attacks.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Users should inspect their sites for any unexpected scripts or behaviors, particularly if they have been using the Image Grid widget.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might consider exploring alternative plugins that offer similar functionality as an extra precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities and protect your website’s integrity.
Conclusion:
The prompt response from the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle development team to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 1.62.3 or later to secure their WordPress installations. For small business owners, staying on top of security vulnerabilities might seem overwhelming, but it is essential for protecting your online presence. Regular maintenance, including updates and vulnerability checks, is critical in safeguarding your site against potential threats. If you need assistance or have concerns about your website's security, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining a secure and trustworthy website.
References:
Detailed Report:
Keeping your WordPress site secure is more important than ever, especially with the increasing number of vulnerabilities that can put your online presence at risk. One of the most effective ways to protect your site is to ensure that all your plugins are regularly updated. Recently, a significant vulnerability was discovered in the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle, a popular plugin that enhances WordPress sites with a wide range of widgets. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-5901, poses a serious security risk, allowing attackers with Contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts into your site through the Image Grid widget. These scripts can execute when an unsuspecting user visits the compromised page, leading to potential unauthorized actions and data breaches.
Summary:
The SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.62.2 that allows authenticated (Contributor+) stored cross-site scripting via the Image Grid widget. This vulnerability has been patched in version 1.62.3.
Detailed Overview:
The SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle is widely used by WordPress site owners to add versatile widgets that enhance the functionality and design of their websites. However, a critical vulnerability was identified in the plugin's Image Grid widget. This vulnerability, discovered by Ngô Thiên An (ancorn_) from VNPT-VCI, stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes. It allows authenticated users with Contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts into web pages. These scripts can execute when the page is accessed, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data breaches, and other security issues.
With a CVSS score of 6.4, this vulnerability is considered moderately severe, posing significant risks to any site using affected versions of the plugin. The issue was publicly disclosed on July 30, 2024, and impacts all versions of the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle up to and including 1.62.2. Recognizing the seriousness of this flaw, the developers at gpriday swiftly released a patched version, 1.62.3, on August 12, 2024.
Risks and Potential Impacts:
This vulnerability primarily affects websites that use the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle's Image Grid widget. An attacker with Contributor-level access could exploit the flaw to inject harmful scripts into a page. These scripts can execute whenever a user visits the compromised page, leading to possible unauthorized actions, data breaches, or further exploitation. This could severely impact a website’s integrity, especially if sensitive information is accessed or manipulated.
Remediation:
To protect your site, it is crucial to update the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle to the latest version, 1.62.3, immediately. This update patches the vulnerability, mitigating the risk of cross-site scripting attacks. Additionally, site owners should inspect their websites for any unexpected scripts or unusual behavior, especially if they have been using the Image Grid widget. While the patch addresses the current issue, considering alternative plugins with similar functionality might be a wise precaution. Regularly updating all plugins and performing security audits are essential practices for maintaining a secure WordPress site.
Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:
Since November 27, 2023, the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle has had seven previous vulnerabilities reported. This history highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and regular updates to keep your website secure. Although the plugin’s developers have been responsive in addressing these issues, it underscores the importance of being proactive about site security.
Conclusion:
The prompt response from the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle development team to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. For small business owners, staying on top of security vulnerabilities might seem overwhelming, but it is critical for protecting your online presence. Regular maintenance, including updates and vulnerability checks, is crucial in safeguarding your site against potential threats. If you need assistance or have concerns about your website's security, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining a secure and trustworthy website.
Staying Secure
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