Question 1

What is CVE-2024-0689?

Accepted Answer

What is CVE-2024-0689?

CVE-2024-0689 is a vulnerability identifier for a specific security issue found in the Custom Field Suite plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with administrator-level permissions to inject malicious scripts through meta imports due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping.

The execution of these scripts can compromise the integrity and security of a WordPress site, especially in multi-site installations or environments with restricted content filters. It is crucial for website administrators to address this vulnerability to protect their sites and user data.

Question 2

How does CVE-2024-0689 affect my WordPress site?

Accepted Answer

How does CVE-2024-0689 affect my WordPress site?

If your site uses the Custom Field Suite plugin, especially versions up to and including 2.6.4, it may be vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Authenticated attackers with admin-level access can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data breaches.

The impact varies based on your site's configuration and the nature of the injected scripts. Sites with multi-site setups or disabled unfiltered_html capabilities are particularly at risk, making it imperative to update the plugin to a secure version.

Question 3

How can I protect my site from CVE-2024-0689?

Accepted Answer

How can I protect my site from CVE-2024-0689?

The most effective protection against CVE-2024-0689 is to update the Custom Field Suite plugin to version 2.6.5 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched. Access your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the 'Plugins' section, and apply the update if you're running an affected version.

Additionally, conducting regular security audits and monitoring your site for unusual activities can help detect and mitigate potential exploitations. Using security plugins that offer real-time monitoring and alerts can also enhance your site's defense against such vulnerabilities.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Signs of a compromise due to CVE-2024-0689 may include unusual behavior on your site, such as unexpected pop-ups, unauthorized redirects, or unfamiliar content additions. You might also notice changes to user roles or permissions without any administrative actions.

Regularly reviewing your site's access logs and content can help identify suspicious activities indicative of an exploitation. If any anomalies are detected, it's crucial to investigate further and take remedial actions promptly.

Question 5

Can updating the Custom Field Suite plugin to the patched version reverse the damage done?

Accepted Answer

Can updating the Custom Field Suite plugin to the patched version reverse the damage done?

Updating the Custom Field Suite plugin to the patched version 2.6.5 will prevent further exploitations of CVE-2024-0689 but may not reverse any damage already done by previous attacks. It's crucial to update the plugin to secure your site against future vulnerabilities.

After updating, conduct a thorough audit of your site to identify and rectify any changes made by potential exploits. Restoring from a backup taken before the compromise or seeking professional help to cleanse your site might be necessary if significant damage is detected.

Question 6

What are Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks?

Accepted Answer

What are Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks occur when an attacker injects malicious scripts into a web application, which are then saved and executed later by other users. Unlike reflected XSS, which targets a single user, stored XSS affects any users accessing the compromised content.

These attacks can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and a host of other security issues. Protecting against XSS requires diligent coding practices, including thorough input validation and output encoding.

Question 7

How can I check my plugin version to see if I'm at risk?

Accepted Answer

How can I check my plugin version to see if I'm at risk?

To check your plugin version, log into your WordPress dashboard, go to the 'Plugins' section, and locate the Custom Field Suite plugin in the list. The version number should be visible alongside the plugin's name and description.

If your plugin version is 2.6.4 or lower, your site is at risk and requires an immediate update to the patched version to ensure security against CVE-2024-0689.

Question 8

What should I do if I cannot update my plugin immediately?

Accepted Answer

What should I do if I cannot update my plugin immediately?

If you cannot update the Custom Field Suite plugin immediately, consider implementing temporary security measures to mitigate the risk. These can include disabling the plugin until an update is possible or applying strict user role management to limit administrative access.

However, these are temporary solutions, and updating the plugin to the patched version should be prioritized as the most effective means of securing your site against CVE-2024-0689.

Question 9

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of Custom Field Suite?

Accepted Answer

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of Custom Field Suite?

Several alternative plugins offer similar functionality to Custom Field Suite, including Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) and Toolset Types. When considering alternatives, evaluate their features, security track record, and compatibility with your site's needs.

Remember, switching plugins might require configuration adjustments and data migration, so weigh the benefits against the potential workload and risks involved.

Question 10

Why is it important to stay on top of WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

Accepted Answer

Why is it important to stay on top of WordPress plugin vulnerabilities?

Staying on top of WordPress plugin vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your website. Vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, or even take control of your site.

Regularly updating your plugins and themes, monitoring for unusual site activity, and adhering to best security practices can significantly reduce the risk of compromise and ensure the safety of your online presence.

software updates

Custom Field Suite Vulnerability- Authenticated (Admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0689 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

ProfilePress Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via profilepress-edit-profile Shortcode – CVE-2024-1806 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Schema & Structured Data for WP & AMP Vulnerability – Missing Authorization to reCaptcha Key Modification & Authenticated (Custom) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-1288 & CVE-2024-1586 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

RSS Aggregator by Feedzy Vulnerability– Feed to Post, Autoblogging, News & YouTube Video Feeds Aggregator – Missing Authorization to Arbitrary Page Creation and Publication – CVE-2024-1318 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Easy Digital Downloads Vulnerability– Sell Digital Files (eCommerce Store & Payments Made Easy) – Authenticated (Shop Manager+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0659 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Advanced Woo Search Vulnerability – Reflected Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-0251 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin for Google Reviews – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode – CVE-2023-6884 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

MW WP Form Vulnerability – Improper Limitation of File Name to Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion – CVE-2023-6559 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – Mollie Payments for WooCommerce – Authenticated (Shop Manager+) Arbitrary File Upload – CVE-2023-6090

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report: User Feedback – Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-39308

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Additional Resources

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