Question 1

What is the identified vulnerability in the Media Library Assistant plugin?

Accepted Answer

What is the identified vulnerability in the Media Library Assistant plugin?

The identified vulnerability in the Media Library Assistant plugin for WordPress is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This issue stems from the 'mla_gallery' shortcode in versions up to and including 3.10. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, which allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. When another user accesses a compromised page, the injected script executes, leading to risks like data theft, unauthorized access, and further exploitation.

Question 2

Which versions of the Media Library Assistant plugin are affected?

Accepted Answer

Which versions of the Media Library Assistant plugin are affected?

Versions up to and including 3.10 of the Media Library Assistant plugin are affected by this vulnerability. The issue has been addressed and patched in version 3.11. It is crucial for users of the plugin to update to this version or later to ensure their WordPress sites remain secure and protected from the identified threat.

Question 3

How severe is the vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

How severe is the vulnerability?

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 6.4, which is categorized as medium severity. While it may not be the highest possible threat level, it still poses significant risks to websites. Specifically, if exploited, it can lead to consequences such as data theft, unauthorized site access, and further site exploitation. Hence, website owners and administrators should treat it with importance and address it promptly.

Question 4

How can users protect their websites from this vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

How can users protect their websites from this vulnerability?

Users are advised to take immediate action by updating their Media Library Assistant plugin to version 3.11, which contains the patch for this vulnerability. In addition, it's recommended to monitor website activity, user access logs, and regularly perform security scans to detect any unusual or unauthorized activities. As a precautionary measure, users can also consider using alternative plugins that offer similar functionality. Lastly, keeping plugins updated to their latest versions is a best practice that can help avoid potential vulnerabilities.

Question 5

Have there been any previous vulnerabilities reported for the Media Library Assistant plugin?

Accepted Answer

Have there been any previous vulnerabilities reported for the Media Library Assistant plugin?

Yes, there have been previous vulnerabilities reported for the Media Library Assistant plugin. Since May 2018, eight vulnerabilities have been identified and reported. This emphasizes the importance of staying updated with the latest versions and regularly monitoring for security advisories related to the plugins and themes used on a WordPress site.

Question 6

Who discovered the vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

Who discovered the vulnerability?

The vulnerability in the Media Library Assistant plugin was discovered by a researcher named Lana Codes. It's through the diligent work of such researchers that potential security threats are identified, making the online ecosystem safer for users.

Question 7

What is the 'mla_gallery' shortcode, and how is it related to the vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

What is the 'mla_gallery' shortcode, and how is it related to the vulnerability?

The 'mla_gallery' shortcode is a feature of the Media Library Assistant plugin. The vulnerability stems from this specific shortcode due to its failure in adequately sanitizing user input and escaping output. As a result, attackers with contributor-level access or higher can use this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts into web pages.

Question 8

What is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

What is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability?

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability is a type of security flaw where an attacker can inject malicious scripts into a web page. These scripts are stored on the server and are executed when a user accesses the compromised page. The scripts can steal information, manipulate site content, or perform any action the user can perform, leading to data theft, unauthorized site access, and other potential exploits.

Question 9

Why is it crucial for website owners to address this vulnerability immediately?

Accepted Answer

Why is it crucial for website owners to address this vulnerability immediately?

Addressing this vulnerability is crucial because it exposes websites to potential malicious activities. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could steal sensitive data, gain unauthorized access, or even control over the website. Given the medium severity rating of this vulnerability and the significant number of active installations, it poses a real threat to many websites. Acting immediately reduces the window of opportunity for potential attackers and ensures the site's safety and security.

CVE-2023-4716

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – Media Library Assistant – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode – CVE-2023-4716

Recent Blog Posts

LiteSpeed Cache Vulnerability – Unauthenticated Sensitive Information Exposure via Log Files – CVE-2024-44000 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Elementor Addon Elements Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Multiple Parameters – CVE-2024-4401, CVE-2024-7122 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

The Post Grid – Shortcode, Gutenberg Blocks and Elementor Addon for Post Grid Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Information Disclosure – CVE-2024-7418 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Additional Resources

About Your WP Guy