Starter Templates Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-4630 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Starter Templates vulnerability (CVE-2024-4630)?

What is the Starter Templates vulnerability (CVE-2024-4630)? The Starter Templates vulnerability (CVE-2024-4630) is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability discovered in the Starter Templates plugin for WordPress. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts into WordPress pages, which execute when users access the affected pages. This vulnerability was found in versions up to and including 4.2.1 of the plugin and was caused by insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the 'custom_upload_mimes' function

Q: How can the Starter Templates vulnerability be exploited?

How can the Starter Templates vulnerability be exploited? To exploit the Starter Templates vulnerability, an attacker must have contributor-level permissions or higher on the affected WordPress site. With these permissions, the attacker can inject malicious scripts into the website's pages through the vulnerable 'custom_upload_mimes' function. When a user visits a page containing the injected script, the script executes in the user's browser, potentially allowing the attacker to steal sensitive information, hijack user sessions, or perform other malicious activities.

Q: What are the risks associated with the Starter Templates vulnerability?

What are the risks associated with the Starter Templates vulnerability? The Starter Templates vulnerability poses several risks to affected websites and their users: Sensitive information disclosure: Attackers can steal users' personal data, login credentials, and other confidential information. Session hijacking: Attackers can gain unauthorized access to user sessions and perform actions on behalf of the victim. Malware distribution: Injected scripts can redirect users to malicious websites or trick them into downloading malware. Additionally, if a website is compromised due to this vulnerability, it can damage the brand's reputation and erode user trust, potentially leading to financial losses for the business.

Q: How can I check if my website is affected by the Starter Templates vulnerability?

How can I check if my website is affected by the Starter Templates vulnerability? To determine if your website is affected by the Starter Templates vulnerability, follow these steps: Check if you are using the Starter Templates plugin on your WordPress site. If you are using the plugin, verify that you are using a version older than 4.2.2. Versions up to and including 4.2.1 are vulnerable. Review your WordPress pages for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications that may indicate a potential exploitation of this vulnerability. If you are unsure about the status of your website or need assistance with the assessment, consider reaching out to a professional website security service provider.

Q: How do I fix the Starter Templates vulnerability on my WordPress site?

How do I fix the Starter Templates vulnerability on my WordPress site? To fix the Starter Templates vulnerability on your WordPress site, follow these steps: Update the Starter Templates plugin to version 4.2.2 or later, which includes a patch for this vulnerability. If you are unable to update the plugin, consider disabling or removing it until a patched version is available. Review your WordPress pages for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications and remove them if found. Regularly updating your WordPress plugins is crucial to maintain website security and protect against known vulnerabilities.

Q: Are there any alternative plugins to Starter Templates?

Are there any alternative plugins to Starter Templates? Yes, there are several alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Starter Templates. Some popular options include: Elementor Page Builder: A powerful page builder plugin that allows you to create custom page layouts and designs. Beaver Builder: A drag-and-drop page builder plugin that offers a wide range of pre-designed templates and modules. Divi Builder: A comprehensive page builder plugin with a visual editor and a large library of pre-designed layouts and elements. When choosing an alternative plugin, ensure that it is regularly updated, has a good security track record, and meets your specific website requirements.

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 check the WordPress Vulnerability Database ( https://wpvulndb.com/ ) for updates on plugin vulnerabilities. Subscribe to security newsletters and blogs from reputable sources, such as WordFence, Sucuri, and WPScan. Follow the official WordPress security blog ( https://wordpress.org/news/category/security/ ) for updates and announcements. By staying informed about the latest security threats, you can take prompt action to address them and minimize the risks to your website.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? It is recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions become available, especially if they include security patches or bug fixes. Regularly updating your plugins helps maintain website security, stability, and functionality. To ensure timely updates, consider the following: Enable automatic updates for your WordPress plugins, if available. Set aside dedicated time to manually check for and install plugin updates on a regular basis (e.g., weekly or monthly). Use a website management service or plugin that notifies you of available updates and simplifies the update process. By keeping your WordPress plugins up to date, you can protect your website from known vulnerabilities and ensure optimal performance.

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

What should I do if my website has been compromised due to the Starter Templates vulnerability? If you suspect that your website has been compromised due to the Starter Templates vulnerability, take the following steps: Immediately update the Starter Templates plugin to version 4.2.2 or later, or disable the plugin if an update is not available. Scan your website for malware and unauthorized modifications using a reputable security plugin or service. Remove any malicious scripts or files found during the scan. Change all user passwords, especially for administrator and contributor-level accounts. Notify your users about the potential data breach and advise them to change their passwords if they have an account on your website. Consider hiring a professional website security service to assist with the cleanup process and to implement additional security measures to prevent future breaches.

Q: How can I improve the overall security of my WordPress website?

How can I improve the overall security of my WordPress website? To improve the overall security of your WordPress website, consider implementing the following best practices: Keep your WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date with the latest versions. Use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and enable two-factor authentication when possible. Limit the number of user accounts with administrator or contributor-level permissions. Regularly back up your website files and database to ensure you can quickly restore your site in case of a breach or other issues. Install a reputable security plugin to monitor your site for vulnerabilities, malware, and suspicious activity. Additionally, consider using a web application firewall (WAF) to filter out malicious traffic and protect your site from common attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). By implementing these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your WordPress site being compromised and ensure the safety of your users' data.

By Your WP Guy | May 10, 2024

Plugin Name: Starter Templates

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: astra-sites
Software Status: Active
Software Author: brainstormforce
Software Downloads: 57,202,843
Active Installs: 1,000,000
Last Updated: May 10, 2024
Patched Versions: 4.2.2
Affected Versions: <= 4.2.1

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Starter Templates — Elementor, WordPress & Beaver Builder Templates <= 4.2.1 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2024-4630
CVSS Score: 6.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: May 10, 2024
Researcher: wesley (wcraft)
Description: The Starter Templates — Elementor, WordPress & Beaver Builder Templates plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'custom_upload_mimes' function in versions up to, and including, 4.2.0 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level permissions and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Starter Templates for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 4.2.1 that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions and above to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This vulnerability has been patched in version 4.2.2.

Detailed Overview:

The Starter Templates — Elementor, WordPress & Beaver Builder Templates plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'custom_upload_mimes' function in versions up to, and including, 4.2.0 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This vulnerability was discovered by security researcher wesley (wcraft) and publicly disclosed on May 10, 2024. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions and above to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, session hijacking, or other malicious activities.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update the Starter Templates plugin to version 4.2.2 or later to protect their WordPress installations from this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your WordPress pages for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications that may indicate a potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
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 4.2.2 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/astra-sites

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/astra-sites/starter-templates-elementor-wordpress-beaver-builder-templates-421-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting

Detailed Report:

As a website owner, keeping your WordPress site secure should always be a top priority. With the ever-evolving landscape of online threats, staying vigilant and keeping your plugins up to date is crucial to maintain the integrity of your site and protect your users' sensitive information.

Recently, a significant vulnerability was discovered in the popular Starter Templates plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to and including 4.2.1. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-4630, allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions and above to inject malicious scripts into your website's pages, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure, session hijacking, and other harmful activities.

About the Starter Templates Plugin

Starter Templates is a popular WordPress plugin that provides users with a wide range of pre-designed templates for Elementor, WordPress, and Beaver Builder. With over 1 million active installations and more than 57 million downloads, this plugin is widely used by website owners to quickly create professional-looking pages.

The Vulnerability: CVE-2024-4630

The vulnerability, discovered by security researcher wesley (wcraft), is classified as an Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, also known as Cross-site Scripting (XSS). It was found in the 'custom_upload_mimes' function of the plugin, which lacks sufficient input sanitization and output escaping. Attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit this vulnerability to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages, which will execute whenever a user accesses an affected page.

Risks and Potential Impacts

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to various malicious activities, such as:

Sensitive information disclosure: Attackers may steal users' personal data, login credentials, or other confidential information.
Session hijacking: Attackers can gain unauthorized access to user sessions, allowing them to perform actions on behalf of the victim.
Malware distribution: Injected scripts can redirect users to malicious websites or trick them into downloading malware.
Reputation damage: If your website is compromised, it can harm your brand's reputation and erode user trust.

How to Fix the Vulnerability

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

Update the Starter Templates plugin to version 4.2.2 or later, which includes a patch for this vulnerability.
Review your WordPress pages for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications that may indicate a potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Consider using alternative plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Regularly update all your WordPress plugins to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.

Previous Vulnerabilities

It is worth noting that the Starter Templates plugin has had five previous vulnerabilities since October 2021. This highlights the importance of staying informed about the plugins you use and maintaining a proactive approach to website security.

The Importance of Staying on Top of Security Vulnerabilities

As a small business owner, managing website security can be challenging, especially when you have limited time and resources. However, neglecting security vulnerabilities can have severe consequences for your business, including data breaches, financial losses, and damage to your reputation.

By staying informed about the latest security threats and taking prompt action to address them, you can minimize the risks to your website and protect your users' data. Consider partnering with a reliable website security service provider who can help you monitor your site for vulnerabilities, apply updates, and implement best practices for website security.

Remember, investing in website security is not just about protecting your business; it's also about maintaining the trust of your customers and ensuring the long-term success of your online presence.

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.

Starter Templates Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-4630 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Starter Templates vulnerability (CVE-2024-4630)?

The Starter Templates vulnerability (CVE-2024-4630) is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability discovered in the Starter Templates plugin for WordPress. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts into WordPress pages, which execute when users access the affected pages.

This vulnerability was found in versions up to and including 4.2.1 of the plugin and was caused by insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the 'custom_upload_mimes' function

How can the Starter Templates vulnerability be exploited?

To exploit the Starter Templates vulnerability, an attacker must have contributor-level permissions or higher on the affected WordPress site. With these permissions, the attacker can inject malicious scripts into the website's pages through the vulnerable 'custom_upload_mimes' function.

When a user visits a page containing the injected script, the script executes in the user's browser, potentially allowing the attacker to steal sensitive information, hijack user sessions, or perform other malicious activities.

What are the risks associated with the Starter Templates vulnerability?

The Starter Templates vulnerability poses several risks to affected websites and their users:

Sensitive information disclosure: Attackers can steal users' personal data, login credentials, and other confidential information.
Session hijacking: Attackers can gain unauthorized access to user sessions and perform actions on behalf of the victim.
Malware distribution: Injected scripts can redirect users to malicious websites or trick them into downloading malware.

Additionally, if a website is compromised due to this vulnerability, it can damage the brand's reputation and erode user trust, potentially leading to financial losses for the business.

How can I check if my website is affected by the Starter Templates vulnerability?

To determine if your website is affected by the Starter Templates vulnerability, follow these steps:

Check if you are using the Starter Templates plugin on your WordPress site.
If you are using the plugin, verify that you are using a version older than 4.2.2. Versions up to and including 4.2.1 are vulnerable.
Review your WordPress pages for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications that may indicate a potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

If you are unsure about the status of your website or need assistance with the assessment, consider reaching out to a professional website security service provider.

How do I fix the Starter Templates vulnerability on my WordPress site?

To fix the Starter Templates vulnerability on your WordPress site, follow these steps:

Update the Starter Templates plugin to version 4.2.2 or later, which includes a patch for this vulnerability.
If you are unable to update the plugin, consider disabling or removing it until a patched version is available.
Review your WordPress pages for any suspicious scripts or unauthorized modifications and remove them if found.

Regularly updating your WordPress plugins is crucial to maintain website security and protect against known vulnerabilities.

Are there any alternative plugins to Starter Templates?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Starter Templates. Some popular options include:

Elementor Page Builder: A powerful page builder plugin that allows you to create custom page layouts and designs.
Beaver Builder: A drag-and-drop page builder plugin that offers a wide range of pre-designed templates and modules.
Divi Builder: A comprehensive page builder plugin with a visual editor and a large library of pre-designed layouts and elements.

When choosing an alternative plugin, ensure that it is regularly updated, has a good security track record, and meets your specific website requirements.

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

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

Regularly check the WordPress Vulnerability Database (https://wpvulndb.com/) for updates on plugin vulnerabilities.
Subscribe to security newsletters and blogs from reputable sources, such as WordFence, Sucuri, and WPScan.
Follow the official WordPress security blog (https://wordpress.org/news/category/security/) for updates and announcements.

By staying informed about the latest security threats, you can take prompt action to address them and minimize the risks to your website.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

It is recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions become available, especially if they include security patches or bug fixes. Regularly updating your plugins helps maintain website security, stability, and functionality.

To ensure timely updates, consider the following:

Enable automatic updates for your WordPress plugins, if available.
Set aside dedicated time to manually check for and install plugin updates on a regular basis (e.g., weekly or monthly).
Use a website management service or plugin that notifies you of available updates and simplifies the update process.

By keeping your WordPress plugins up to date, you can protect your website from known vulnerabilities and ensure optimal performance.

What should I do if my website has been compromised due to the Starter Templates vulnerability?

If you suspect that your website has been compromised due to the Starter Templates vulnerability, take the following steps:

Immediately update the Starter Templates plugin to version 4.2.2 or later, or disable the plugin if an update is not available.
Scan your website for malware and unauthorized modifications using a reputable security plugin or service.
Remove any malicious scripts or files found during the scan.
Change all user passwords, especially for administrator and contributor-level accounts.
Notify your users about the potential data breach and advise them to change their passwords if they have an account on your website.

Consider hiring a professional website security service to assist with the cleanup process and to implement additional security measures to prevent future breaches.

How can I improve the overall security of my WordPress website?

To improve the overall security of your WordPress website, consider implementing the following best practices:

Keep your WordPress core, plugins, and themes up to date with the latest versions.
Use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and enable two-factor authentication when possible.
Limit the number of user accounts with administrator or contributor-level permissions.
Regularly back up your website files and database to ensure you can quickly restore your site in case of a breach or other issues.
Install a reputable security plugin to monitor your site for vulnerabilities, malware, and suspicious activity.

Additionally, consider using a web application firewall (WAF) to filter out malicious traffic and protect your site from common attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

By implementing these security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your WordPress site being compromised and ensure the safety of your users' data.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Beaver Builder, Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-4630, Cybersecurity, data protection, Elementor, malware, patch management, Plugin Vulnerability, reputation management, Security Updates, session hijacking, Small Business, Starter Templates, Website Maintenance, Website Security, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, XSS