Question 1

What exactly is the vulnerability in WPLegalPages?

Accepted Answer

What exactly is the vulnerability in WPLegalPages?

The vulnerability is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw that exists in WPLegalPages versions up to and including 2.9.2. It is caused by insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input when using the 'wplegalpage' shortcode provided by the plugin. This allows authenticated users with author-level access or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages that use the shortcode. The malicious scripts will then be stored in the database and served to any user that visits a compromised page.

Question 2

How serious is this vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

How serious is this vulnerability?

This vulnerability has been given a base CVSS severity score of 5.5 out of 10, meaning it is regarded as medium severity. While not as critical as a remote code execution flaw, it still poses significant risks depending on how it is exploited. Potential impacts include theft of visitor data or credentials, malware injection, and site defacement or takeover. So it is not a vulnerability that should be taken lightly or ignored.

Question 3

Could my WordPress site be at risk?

Accepted Answer

Could my WordPress site be at risk?

If you have the WPLegalPages plugin installed in a version prior to 2.9.3, then yes your site is vulnerable. The plugin has over 20,000 active installs, so many sites are exposed. You should immediately check whether you have WPLegalPages installed and verify you are running the latest version. Under Plugins > Installed Plugins, you can see if it is present and check the version number.

Question 4

How do I update WPLegalPages to patch this vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

How do I update WPLegalPages to patch this vulnerability?

Updating is easy and can be done right within your WordPress dashboard. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins, find WPLegalPages in the list, and click Update if an update is shown as available. This will download and install version 2.9.3 or higher, which includes the fix for this XSS flaw. Be sure to click Activate after updating.

Question 5

What could an attacker do by exploiting this vulnerability?

Accepted Answer

What could an attacker do by exploiting this vulnerability?

There are a few possibilities of how this vulnerability could be leveraged for malicious purposes:

Steal sensitive user information like session cookies, names, emails
Inject hidden malware downloaders to infect visitors
Deface sites by modifying content
Redirect visitors to unwanted sites for phishing attacks
Fully compromise and takeover sites if admin access is obtained

So the effects really depend on the attacker's motives and capabilities, but range from nuisance to severe.

Question 6

Could updating WPLegalPages cause any issues with my site?

Accepted Answer

Could updating WPLegalPages cause any issues with my site?

The update from vulnerable versions to the newly patched version 2.9.3 or later should occur seamlessly without any conflicts or issues. The plugin functionality will remain the same, as only the security flaw has been addressed. As standard practice, be sure to backup your site before updating any plugins. But in testing, the update does not cause problems or breakages on sites.

Question 7

What if I want to find an alternate to WPLegalPages to be safe?

Accepted Answer

What if I want to find an alternate to WPLegalPages to be safe?

There are a number of alternatives you could consider if you want additional peace of mind:

WP Privacy Policy Plugin
GDPR Cookie Consent
Cookie Notice
Terms and Conditions Generator by TermsFeed

Check reviews and carefully evaluate new plugins before installing them. And be sure to keep them updated as well.

Question 8

Should I just delete WPLegalPages entirely?

Accepted Answer

Should I just delete WPLegalPages entirely?

If you no longer want to use WPLegalPages, deactivating and deleting it is certainly an option. However, many users find the plugin useful and do not want to lose the functionality. Since the vulnerability has been patched, it is secure to continue using WPLegalPages as long as you upgrade to the latest version.

Question 9

How can I detect if my site has been compromised?

Accepted Answer

How can I detect if my site has been compromised?

Some signs to look for include:

Unexpected scripts showing up in your page source code
Strange behavior, popups or redirects occurring
Spammy content being added to your site
Patterns of suspicious activity in analytics
Login errors or inability to access admin area

Check your site files and database for anything unusual. WordPress security plugins can also automatically scan for potential infections.

Question 10

How can I better protect my WordPress site going forward?

Accepted Answer

How can I better protect my WordPress site going forward?

Some best practices include:

Update WordPress, plugins and themes promptly
Limit installed plugins only to those needed
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
Backup your site regularly in case malware is introduced
Choose reputable plugins and themes from trusted developers
Monitor closely for any signs of a breach
Use a quality WordPress security plugin for real-time protection

Staying proactive is key to securing any WordPress site against latest threats.

WPLegalPages

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – WPLegalPages – Authenticated (Author+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode – CVE-2023-4968

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