SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SiteOrigin Blog Widget – CVE-2024-5090 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: How does the TablePress plugin vulnerability CVE-2024-4354 affect my WordPress site?

How does the TablePress plugin vulnerability CVE-2024-4354 affect my WordPress site? The CVE-2024-4354 vulnerability in TablePress allows authenticated users with author-level access or higher to exploit a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) flaw. This means attackers can manipulate the plugin to send HTTP requests to external or internal servers, potentially accessing sensitive data or modifying server-side configurations. It poses a significant risk to the security and integrity of affected WordPress installations.

Q: What actions should I take immediately upon learning about the TablePress vulnerability?

What actions should I take immediately upon learning about the TablePress vulnerability? Immediate action involves updating the TablePress plugin to version 2.3.2 or later, which patches the vulnerability. By doing so, you prevent potential exploitation of the SSRF issue and secure your WordPress site against unauthorized access or data breaches. Regularly monitoring for unusual HTTP requests and server logs is also recommended to detect any signs of exploitation.

Q: Can the TablePress vulnerability lead to data loss or compromise of sensitive information?

Can the TablePress vulnerability lead to data loss or compromise of sensitive information? Yes, the TablePress vulnerability can lead to data loss or compromise sensitive information if exploited. Attackers could use SSRF to manipulate the plugin into accessing or modifying internal data or configurations, potentially affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your website's data. Updating the plugin to the patched version is crucial to mitigate this risk effectively.

Q: Are there alternative plugins available for table management in WordPress?

Are there alternative plugins available for table management in WordPress? Considering alternative plugins for table management is advisable if immediate updating of TablePress is not feasible. Look for plugins with similar functionalities that are actively maintained and regularly updated to ensure they are secure and free from vulnerabilities. This provides a temporary solution while ensuring your website's security is not compromised.

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

Why is it important to keep WordPress plugins updated? Keeping WordPress plugins updated is critical to maintaining the security of your website. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-4354 in TablePress. Regular updates ensure your plugins are equipped with the latest defenses against potential exploits, reducing the risk of security breaches and safeguarding your site and its data.

Q: What measures can I take to enhance the overall security of my WordPress site?

What measures can I take to enhance the overall security of my WordPress site? In addition to updating plugins promptly, implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, using secure hosting services, and regularly backing up your site are essential security practices. These measures collectively strengthen your site's defenses against various cyber threats, including vulnerabilities in plugins like TablePress.

Q: How frequently do vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-4354 occur in WordPress plugins?

How frequently do vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-4354 occur in WordPress plugins? Vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins can occur periodically due to factors such as coding errors, complex functionalities, or inadequate security testing. Monitoring security advisories, subscribing to reputable sources for updates, and staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities help mitigate risks and ensure timely mitigation.

Q: Can the TablePress vulnerability affect the performance of my WordPress site?

Can the TablePress vulnerability affect the performance of my WordPress site? While the primary risk of the TablePress vulnerability CVE-2024-4354 is unauthorized access and data compromise, exploitation could potentially impact site performance. Depending on how attackers manipulate the plugin, excessive HTTP requests or server-side changes may lead to degraded performance. Updating TablePress mitigates this risk and maintains optimal site functionality.

Q: How can I verify if my WordPress site has been compromised due to the TablePress vulnerability?

How can I verify if my WordPress site has been compromised due to the TablePress vulnerability? Verifying potential compromises involves monitoring server logs and site activity for unusual or unauthorized HTTP requests. Look for any signs of unauthorized access attempts or changes to sensitive data that indicate exploitation of the SSRF vulnerability. Promptly addressing any suspicious activity and implementing the plugin update are crucial steps in response.

Q: What should I do if I suspect my WordPress site has been compromised?

What should I do if I suspect my WordPress site has been compromised? If you suspect your WordPress site has been compromised due to the TablePress vulnerability or any other security issue, take immediate action. Isolate the affected site, restore it from a recent backup if available, and conduct a thorough security audit to identify and remediate any vulnerabilities. Inform your hosting provider and consider consulting a security professional for assistance in recovery and securing your site.

By Your WP Guy | June 10, 2024

Plugin Name: SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: so-widgets-bundle
Software Status: Active
Software Author: gpriday
Software Downloads: 40,018,306
Active Installs: 600,000
Last Updated: June 19, 2024
Patched Versions: 1.62.0
Affected Versions: <= 1.61.1

Vulnerability Details:

Name: SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle <= 1.61.1
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SiteOrigin Blog Widget
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-5090
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: June 10, 2024
Researcher: Ngô Thiên An (ancorn_) - VNPT-VCI
Description: The SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via its SiteOrigin Blog Widget in versions up to and including 1.61.1. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary scripts. These scripts execute whenever a user accesses an affected page.

Summary:

The SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.61.1 that enables authenticated attackers (contributor level and above) to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks via the SiteOrigin Blog Widget. This vulnerability has been patched in version 1.62.0.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper input sanitization and output escaping within the SiteOrigin Blog Widget, specifically affecting user-supplied attributes. This oversight permits contributors and higher-level users to embed malicious scripts into pages that are executed when viewed by other users. The potential impact includes compromised user sessions, unauthorized content modifications, and other malicious activities initiated through manipulated pages.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly advised to update the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin to version 1.62.0 or newer immediately to mitigate the risk of stored cross-site scripting attacks. Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor website activity logs for unexpected script executions or unusual content alterations, which may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Alternate Plugins: Consider temporarily disabling the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin until it has been updated to the patched version, or explore alternative plugins offering similar functionalities with enhanced security measures. Stay Updated: Regularly check for and apply updates to all WordPress plugins to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities and maintain overall website security.

Conclusion:

The swift release of version 1.62.0 by SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle developers underscores the critical importance of timely updates in safeguarding WordPress websites. Users should verify they are running version 1.62.0 or later to protect their installations from potential XSS exploits.

References:

Detailed Report:

Introduction

In today's interconnected digital landscape, the security of your WordPress website is paramount. One such critical concern arises with the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin, recently identified with a vulnerability affecting versions up to and including 1.61.1. This vulnerability, CVE-2024-5090, enables authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to execute stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via the SiteOrigin Blog Widget. This blog post delves into the specifics of this security issue, its potential ramifications, and actionable steps to safeguard your WordPress site.

Plugin Details

The SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle, developed by gpriday, is a widely used plugin in the WordPress community. With over 600,000 active installations and frequent updates, it provides a variety of widgets for enhancing site functionality, including the SiteOrigin Blog Widget.

Vulnerability Details

Named CVE-2024-5090, this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping within the SiteOrigin Blog Widget. It affects versions up to 1.61.1, allowing attackers to embed malicious scripts that execute whenever a user accesses affected pages, compromising site integrity and potentially exposing user data.

Risks and Potential Impacts

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to compromised user sessions, unauthorized content modifications, and even site-wide security breaches. Attackers could manipulate pages to deceive users or redirect traffic to malicious sites, posing significant risks to website integrity and user trust.

Remediation Steps

Immediate Action: Website owners should promptly update the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin to version 1.62.0 or newer to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks through the SiteOrigin Blog Widget.

Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor website logs for unexpected script executions or unauthorized changes, which may indicate active exploitation of this vulnerability.

Alternate Plugins: Consider temporarily disabling the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin until it's updated, or explore alternative plugins with similar functionalities but robust security measures.

Stay Updated: Regularly update all WordPress plugins to their latest versions to protect against known vulnerabilities and ensure ongoing site security.

Previous Vulnerabilities

Since November 27, 2023, there have been six previous vulnerabilities reported in the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin. These instances underscore the plugin's active development and the community's proactive approach to addressing security issues.

Conclusion

The swift response from SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle developers in releasing version 1.62.0 highlights the critical importance of staying vigilant against evolving cybersecurity threats. Small business owners managing WordPress sites should prioritize regular updates and security checks to safeguard their online presence. By staying informed and proactive, you can mitigate risks, protect user data, and maintain trust in your website's security.

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.

SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SiteOrigin Blog Widget – CVE-2024-5090 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

How does the TablePress plugin vulnerability CVE-2024-4354 affect my WordPress site?

The CVE-2024-4354 vulnerability in TablePress allows authenticated users with author-level access or higher to exploit a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) flaw. This means attackers can manipulate the plugin to send HTTP requests to external or internal servers, potentially accessing sensitive data or modifying server-side configurations. It poses a significant risk to the security and integrity of affected WordPress installations.

What actions should I take immediately upon learning about the TablePress vulnerability?

Immediate action involves updating the TablePress plugin to version 2.3.2 or later, which patches the vulnerability. By doing so, you prevent potential exploitation of the SSRF issue and secure your WordPress site against unauthorized access or data breaches. Regularly monitoring for unusual HTTP requests and server logs is also recommended to detect any signs of exploitation.

Can the TablePress vulnerability lead to data loss or compromise of sensitive information?

Yes, the TablePress vulnerability can lead to data loss or compromise sensitive information if exploited. Attackers could use SSRF to manipulate the plugin into accessing or modifying internal data or configurations, potentially affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your website's data. Updating the plugin to the patched version is crucial to mitigate this risk effectively.

Are there alternative plugins available for table management in WordPress?

Considering alternative plugins for table management is advisable if immediate updating of TablePress is not feasible. Look for plugins with similar functionalities that are actively maintained and regularly updated to ensure they are secure and free from vulnerabilities. This provides a temporary solution while ensuring your website's security is not compromised.

Why is it important to keep WordPress plugins updated?

Keeping WordPress plugins updated is critical to maintaining the security of your website. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-4354 in TablePress. Regular updates ensure your plugins are equipped with the latest defenses against potential exploits, reducing the risk of security breaches and safeguarding your site and its data.

What measures can I take to enhance the overall security of my WordPress site?

In addition to updating plugins promptly, implementing strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, using secure hosting services, and regularly backing up your site are essential security practices. These measures collectively strengthen your site's defenses against various cyber threats, including vulnerabilities in plugins like TablePress.

How frequently do vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-4354 occur in WordPress plugins?

Vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins can occur periodically due to factors such as coding errors, complex functionalities, or inadequate security testing. Monitoring security advisories, subscribing to reputable sources for updates, and staying informed about plugin vulnerabilities help mitigate risks and ensure timely mitigation.

Can the TablePress vulnerability affect the performance of my WordPress site?

While the primary risk of the TablePress vulnerability CVE-2024-4354 is unauthorized access and data compromise, exploitation could potentially impact site performance. Depending on how attackers manipulate the plugin, excessive HTTP requests or server-side changes may lead to degraded performance. Updating TablePress mitigates this risk and maintains optimal site functionality.

How can I verify if my WordPress site has been compromised due to the TablePress vulnerability?

Verifying potential compromises involves monitoring server logs and site activity for unusual or unauthorized HTTP requests. Look for any signs of unauthorized access attempts or changes to sensitive data that indicate exploitation of the SSRF vulnerability. Promptly addressing any suspicious activity and implementing the plugin update are crucial steps in response.

What should I do if I suspect my WordPress site has been compromised?

If you suspect your WordPress site has been compromised due to the TablePress vulnerability or any other security issue, take immediate action. Isolate the affected site, restore it from a recent backup if available, and conduct a thorough security audit to identify and remediate any vulnerabilities. Inform your hosting provider and consider consulting a security professional for assistance in recovery and securing your site.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-5090, Plugin Updates, siteorigin widgets bundle, Website Security, WordPress plugin vulnerability, wordpress security, XSS vulnerability