Spectra Vulnerability – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks – Authenticated Cross-Site Scripting via Custom CSS – CVE-2023-6486 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2023-6486?

What is CVE-2023-6486? CVE-2023-6486 refers to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Spectra WordPress plugin. This security flaw allows authenticated users with contributor-level access to inject harmful scripts through the Custom CSS metabox.

Q: How does CVE-2023-6486 impact my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2023-6486 impact my WordPress site? If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized script execution when a user visits an affected page. This can compromise site integrity, steal user data, or perform actions on behalf of users without their consent.

Q: Which versions of Spectra are affected by this vulnerability?

Which versions of Spectra are affected by this vulnerability? Versions of the Spectra plugin up to and including 2.10.3 are vulnerable to this XSS attack. The issue has been resolved in version 2.10.4.

Q: How can I protect my site from CVE-2023-6486?

How can I protect my site from CVE-2023-6486? To safeguard your site, update the Spectra plugin to version 2.10.4 or later. Regularly updating all your WordPress components is crucial for security.

Q: Are there any signs that my site has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

Are there any signs that my site has been compromised due to this vulnerability? You should look for unusual or unexpected behaviors on your site, particularly related to the Custom CSS functionalities. Unauthorized script executions or content alterations might suggest exploitation.

Q: Should I consider switching to an alternative plugin?

Should I consider switching to an alternative plugin? While the vulnerability in Spectra has been patched, exploring alternative plugins with similar functionalities and strong security records can provide an additional layer of security.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? Regularly. Updates often contain patches for vulnerabilities and improvements in functionality. Staying current with updates is key to maintaining a secure website.

Q: What are the consequences of not updating the Spectra plugin?

What are the consequences of not updating the Spectra plugin? Failing to update can leave your site vulnerable to XSS attacks, risking data breaches, site defacement, and loss of user trust.

Q: How can I check if I'm using a vulnerable version of Spectra?

How can I check if I'm using a vulnerable version of Spectra? In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section and check the version number of the Spectra plugin. If it's 2.10.3 or below, you should update immediately.

Q: Why is it important to stay informed about plugin vulnerabilities?

Why is it important to stay informed about plugin vulnerabilities? Being aware of vulnerabilities and updating promptly is essential for website security. It helps protect your site from attacks that could compromise user data and your site's integrity. For small business owners, ensuring the security of your WordPress site is crucial for maintaining your online presence and customer trust.

By Your WP Guy | April 3, 2024

Plugin Name: Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks

Key Information

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: ultimate-addons-for-gutenberg
Software Status: Active
Software Author: brainstormforce
Software Downloads: 20,112,321
Active Installs: 600,000
Last Updated: April 3, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.10.4
Affected Versions: <= 2.10.3

Vulnerability Details

Name: Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks <= 2.10.3
Title: Authenticated(Contributor+) Cross-Site Scripting via Custom CSS
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2023-6486
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: April 3, 2024
Researcher: Akbar Kustirama
Description: The Spectra plugin, a popular enhancement for the Gutenberg editor, has been identified with a vulnerability allowing authenticated users with contributor access to inject harmful scripts through the Custom CSS metabox. This Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue, present in all versions up to 2.10.3, arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, posing risks of unauthorized script execution upon page visits.

Summary

The vulnerability in the Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks plugin highlights a significant risk in versions up to 2.10.3. Authenticated users with contributor-level permissions could exploit insufficiently secured Custom CSS metaboxes to perform XSS attacks. This flaw has been remedied in version 2.10.4, underlining the importance of keeping WordPress environments updated.

Detailed Overview

Akbar Kustirama discovered this XSS vulnerability, which underscores the persistent need for rigorous security measures in plugin development. Given the widespread usage of the Spectra plugin, the potential impact of this vulnerability could be extensive, affecting numerous WordPress sites. The update to version 2.10.4 addresses this concern, preventing the injection and execution of malicious scripts.

Advice for Users

Immediate Action: Update the Spectra plugin to version 2.10.4 immediately to close the security gap introduced by CVE-2023-6486.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Regularly review your site for indications of exploitation, particularly in relation to Custom CSS functionalities.
Alternate Plugins: While the vulnerability has been patched, exploring alternatives can provide an additional layer of security and functionality.
Stay Updated: Consistently updating all WordPress plugins and themes is crucial for maintaining a secure and functional website.

Conclusion

The swift resolution of CVE-2023-6486 by Spectra’s development team reinforces the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date plugins within the WordPress ecosystem. For website owners, particularly those managing small businesses, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant software management. In a digital landscape where vulnerabilities are inevitable, proactive security practices are key to safeguarding online assets.

References

Detailed Report:

Introduction

In the digital landscape where WordPress powers a significant portion of the web, plugin vulnerabilities pose substantial risks to site security. A recent discovery in the "Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks" plugin highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining secure environments. This report delves into CVE-2023-6486, a vulnerability that underscores the critical need for regular updates and vigilance in the WordPress ecosystem.

About Spectra Plugin

Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks, formerly known as WooLentor, is a popular plugin developed by Brainstorm Force. It extends the Gutenberg editor with additional blocks and features, empowering users to enhance their website's functionality and design. With over 20 million downloads and 600,000 active installs, its widespread use makes any vulnerability a concern for a broad user base.

Risks and Impacts

The vulnerability presents a clear risk to website integrity and user data security. Stored XSS attacks can result in unauthorized script execution, compromising both site functionality and the privacy of unsuspecting visitors. Given Spectra's extensive user base, the potential impact is significant.

Remediation

The developers have promptly addressed CVE-2023-6486 in version 2.10.4. Users are urged to update to this latest version to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for unusual site activities can help in identifying any potential exploitation attempts.

Historical Vulnerabilities

With 13 vulnerabilities recorded since March 30, 2020, Spectra's security history emphasizes the importance of continuous vigilance and timely updates to safeguard against emerging threats.

Conclusion

The quick resolution of the XSS vulnerability in the Spectra plugin by Brainstorm Force is commendable. However, it serves as a crucial reminder to WordPress site owners, especially small business owners juggling various responsibilities, of the importance of maintaining an updated and secure digital presence. In a realm where cyber threats are constantly evolving, the security of your WordPress site hinges on proactive practices and informed decisions. Staying atop plugin updates, exploring secure alternatives, and adhering to best security practices are indispensable steps in fortifying your online assets against potential vulnerabilities.

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.