Question 1

What is CVE-2024-1812?

Accepted Answer

What is CVE-2024-1812?

CVE-2024-1812 refers to a security vulnerability identified in the Everest Forms plugin for WordPress. This flaw is classified as an unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) issue, which allows attackers to send web requests from the affected site to any location on the internet, potentially leading to unauthorized access and manipulation of internal systems.

The vulnerability is significant due to the wide usage of Everest Forms, impacting numerous websites. It underscores the importance of maintaining updated software to safeguard against potential security threats.

Question 2

How do I know if my website is affected by this vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

How do I know if my website is affected by this vulnerability?

If your website uses the Everest Forms plugin and you haven't updated it to version 2.0.8 or higher, your site is potentially at risk. Versions up to and including 2.0.7 are vulnerable to this specific SSRF issue.

To confirm, you can check the version of Everest Forms installed on your WordPress site through the Plugins section in your WordPress dashboard. If the version is 2.0.7 or lower, it's crucial to update the plugin immediately.

Question 3

How can I update Everest Forms to secure my website?

Accepted Answer

How can I update Everest Forms to secure my website?

Updating Everest Forms is straightforward. Access your WordPress dashboard, navigate to the Plugins section, and find Everest Forms in the list of installed plugins. If an update is available, you will see an option to update the plugin to the latest version.

Before updating, ensure you back up your website to prevent any potential data loss. Once backed up, proceed with the update to ensure your site is protected against this vulnerability.

Question 4

Are there alternative plugins I can use if I don't want to continue with Everest Forms?

Accepted Answer

Are there alternative plugins I can use if I don't want to continue with Everest Forms?

Yes, there are several alternative form builder plugins available for WordPress that offer similar functionalities to Everest Forms. Popular options include WPForms, Contact Form 7, and Gravity Forms. Each has its unique features and user interface, so you may want to explore a few to find the best fit for your website's needs.

When choosing an alternative, consider the plugin's security history, user reviews, and the frequency of updates to ensure you select a reliable and well-supported option.

Question 5

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

What are the potential consequences of not addressing this vulnerability?

Ignoring this vulnerability could expose your website to various security risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data, manipulation of website content, and potentially, a full site takeover by malicious actors. This can lead to significant reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and possible legal and financial repercussions.

Addressing vulnerabilities promptly is critical in maintaining the integrity and security of your digital presence, especially for small businesses that might not have the resources to recover from a severe security breach.

Question 6

How often should I check for updates on my WordPress plugins?

Accepted Answer

How often should I check for updates on my WordPress plugins?

It's good practice to check for plugin updates at least once a week. WordPress often notifies administrators of available updates through the dashboard, making it easier to keep track of new versions. Regular updates not only address security vulnerabilities but also introduce new features and improvements.

For businesses with limited time, consider setting up automatic updates for plugins or working with a managed WordPress hosting service that can handle updates and security monitoring on your behalf.

Question 7

What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)?

Accepted Answer

What is Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)?

Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a security vulnerability that allows an attacker to send crafted requests from a vulnerable server to other systems. This can lead to unauthorized actions, such as accessing internal services, manipulating server-side actions, and potentially exfiltrating sensitive data.

SSRF vulnerabilities exploit the trust that a server has in its environment, turning it into a proxy for conducting attacks against internal systems or third-party services.

Question 8

Has Everest Forms had other security issues in the past?

Accepted Answer

Has Everest Forms had other security issues in the past?

Yes, Everest Forms has had four previous vulnerabilities reported since July 2019. These incidents underline the importance of continual vigilance and regular updates as part of a comprehensive security strategy.

While past vulnerabilities can be a concern, the developers' responsiveness to address such issues promptly is also an important factor to consider when evaluating the security of a plugin.

Question 9

Can updating Everest Forms cause issues with my website?

Accepted Answer

Can updating Everest Forms cause issues with my website?

While updates are crucial for security, they can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with other plugins or themes. To mitigate this risk, it's advisable to perform updates on a staging site first, if possible. This allows you to test the new version without affecting your live website.

If a staging site isn't an option, ensure you have a recent backup before updating, so you can restore the previous state if any issues arise.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

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

Beyond keeping plugins and themes updated, implementing a few additional security measures can significantly enhance your site's security. These include using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, regularly scanning your site for vulnerabilities, and employing a web application firewall (WAF) to block malicious traffic.

For small business owners with limited time, partnering with a managed WordPress hosting provider or a cybersecurity firm can offer peace of mind by handling these security measures on your behalf.

unauthenticated SSRF

Everest Forms Vulnerability- Unauthenticated Server-Side Request Forgery via font_url – CVE-2024-1812 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

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