The Events Calendar Vulnerability – Cross-Site Request Forgery via action_restore_events – CVE-2024-37518 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: How serious is the vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin?

How serious is the vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin? The vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin is moderately serious, with a CVSS score of 4.3. While it may not be the most critical, it still poses significant risks, particularly if an attacker can trick a site administrator into performing specific actions. Timely updates and vigilance are crucial to mitigating these risks. This vulnerability allows for Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, which can manipulate event data through unauthorized requests. This could lead to operational disruptions and data integrity issues, emphasizing the need for immediate remediation.

Q: What versions of The Events Calendar plugin are affected?

What versions of The Events Calendar plugin are affected? Versions of The Events Calendar plugin up to and including 6.5.1.4 are affected by this vulnerability. This includes any installations that have not yet been updated to the latest patched version. If you are using a version older than 6.5.1.5, it is crucial to update your plugin immediately to protect your site from potential CSRF attacks. Always ensure your plugins are updated to the latest versions to maintain security.

Q: What actions should I take if my website is using an affected version?

What actions should I take if my website is using an affected version? If your website uses an affected version of The Events Calendar plugin, you should update to version 6.5.1.5 or later immediately. This will patch the vulnerability and protect your site from potential exploits. In addition to updating, review your event logs for any suspicious activity. Ensuring that your site has not already been compromised is an important step in maintaining security.

Q: How can I check if my site has been compromised?

How can I check if my site has been compromised? To check if your site has been compromised, review your event logs for any unexpected restorations or changes. Look for any suspicious activity that might indicate unauthorized actions. If you notice anything unusual, consider consulting with a security expert to assess and address potential breaches. Regularly monitoring your logs and site activity can help you stay ahead of potential security issues.

Q: Are there alternative plugins to The Events Calendar?

Are there alternative plugins to The Events Calendar? Yes, there are several alternative plugins to The Events Calendar that offer similar functionality. While the current issue has been patched, exploring alternatives can provide additional peace of mind. Some popular alternatives include All-in-One Event Calendar, Event Organiser, and Modern Events Calendar. Evaluate these options based on your specific needs and security requirements.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? You should update your WordPress plugins as soon as updates become available. Regular updates are essential to patch vulnerabilities and improve overall security. Staying current with updates helps protect your site from newly discovered threats. Automated update services or plugins can assist in ensuring you are always running the latest versions.

Q: What are the risks of not updating my plugins?

What are the risks of not updating my plugins? Not updating your plugins can leave your site vulnerable to known security threats. Hackers often exploit outdated software to gain unauthorized access and compromise data. Failing to update can result in data breaches, operational disruptions, and loss of user trust. Regular updates are a simple but effective way to maintain your site's security and integrity.

Q: Who discovered the vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin?

Who discovered the vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin? The vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin was discovered by Rafie Muhammad from Patchstack. This discovery highlights the importance of security research and the role it plays in maintaining safe digital environments. Security researchers work to identify and report vulnerabilities so developers can address them promptly. Their efforts are crucial in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.

Q: How can I stay informed about new vulnerabilities and updates?

How can I stay informed about new vulnerabilities and updates? Staying informed about new vulnerabilities and updates involves subscribing to security advisories and newsletters from reputable sources. Following blogs, forums, and websites dedicated to WordPress security can also be helpful. Consider using security plugins that offer real-time alerts and automated updates. Staying informed and proactive is key to protecting your website from emerging threats.

Q: What should small business owners do if they lack the time to manage website security?

What should small business owners do if they lack the time to manage website security? Small business owners who lack the time to manage website security should consider using managed WordPress hosting services. These services often include security monitoring, automatic updates, and support. Additionally, hiring a web security professional or using security plugins can help mitigate risks. Prioritizing website security is essential, even if it requires delegating tasks to ensure your site remains protected.

By Your WP Guy | July 5, 2024

Plugin Name: The Events Calendar

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: the-events-calendar
Software Status: Active
Software Author: theeventscalendar
Software Downloads: 60,464,127
Active Installs: 700,000
Last Updated: July 27, 2024
Patched Versions: 6.5.1.5
Affected Versions: <= 6.5.1.4

Vulnerability Details:

Name: The Events Calendar <= 6.5.1.4
Title: Cross-Site Request Forgery via action_restore_events
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-37518
CVSS Score: 4.3
Publicly Published: July 5, 2024
Researcher: Rafie Muhammad - Patchstack
Description: The The Events Calendar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 6.5.1.4. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the action_restore_events() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to restore events via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.

Summary:

The Events Calendar for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 6.5.1.4 that allows Cross-Site Request Forgery via the action_restore_events() function. This vulnerability has been patched in version 6.5.1.5.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin was identified and reported by Rafie Muhammad from Patchstack. The issue lies in the action_restore_events() function, which lacks proper nonce validation. This oversight allows unauthenticated attackers to craft a forged request that can restore events if they can trick a site administrator into clicking on a malicious link. The vulnerability carries a CVSS score of 4.3, indicating a moderate severity level.

The main risk associated with this vulnerability is the potential manipulation of event data through unauthorized actions, which could disrupt the normal operation of affected websites. The developers have released a patched version, 6.5.1.5, to address this issue.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users should immediately update The Events Calendar plugin to version 6.5.1.5 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should review their event logs and look for any unexpected restorations or changes to events.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might still consider alternative plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

In the dynamic world of website management, ensuring the security of your digital presence is paramount. With the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, staying updated with the latest security patches is not just a recommendation—it's a necessity. Recently, a significant vulnerability was discovered in a popular WordPress plugin, The Events Calendar, highlighting the critical need for vigilance and proactive security measures.

The Events Calendar plugin, used by over 700,000 active installs, was found to have a vulnerability (CVE-2024-37518) that exposes websites to Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks. This flaw, affecting versions up to and including 6.5.1.4, could potentially allow malicious actors to restore events through unauthorized requests, provided they can deceive a site administrator into performing a specific action, such as clicking on a malicious link.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The main risk associated with this vulnerability is the potential manipulation of event data through unauthorized actions, which could disrupt the normal operation of affected websites. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to restore events, potentially leading to data integrity issues and operational disruptions.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

The Events Calendar plugin has had 10 previous vulnerabilities since April 25, 2016. This history of vulnerabilities underscores the importance of regular updates and monitoring for new security advisories to maintain the security of your WordPress site.

Conclusion:

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 6.5.1.5 or later to secure their WordPress installations. Maintaining the security of your website is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive measures.

For small business owners, staying on top of security vulnerabilities can be challenging, especially with limited time and resources. However, neglecting these updates can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and operational disruptions. Utilizing managed WordPress hosting services or security plugins that offer automatic updates and monitoring can help mitigate these risks. Always prioritize the security of your website to ensure a safe and seamless experience for your users.

Staying Secure

Staying on top of WordPress security can feel overwhelming for small business owners without dedicated IT staff. At Your WP Guy, we exist to shoulder that burden for you. Our WordPress experts can fully audit, secure, maintain and support your site - so you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind.

Don't tackle security risks alone. Let us help you assess any impact from this vulnerability, update your plugins, and implement ongoing maintenance to avoid future threats. We treat your website like it's our own - because we know how critical it is for reaching your customers.

Get in touch for a free consultation today on making WordPress security stress-free. Call 678-995-5169 or book a call here. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you safeguard your online presence.

The Events Calendar Vulnerability – Cross-Site Request Forgery via action_restore_events – CVE-2024-37518 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

How serious is the vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin?

The vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin is moderately serious, with a CVSS score of 4.3. While it may not be the most critical, it still poses significant risks, particularly if an attacker can trick a site administrator into performing specific actions. Timely updates and vigilance are crucial to mitigating these risks.

This vulnerability allows for Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, which can manipulate event data through unauthorized requests. This could lead to operational disruptions and data integrity issues, emphasizing the need for immediate remediation.

What versions of The Events Calendar plugin are affected?

Versions of The Events Calendar plugin up to and including 6.5.1.4 are affected by this vulnerability. This includes any installations that have not yet been updated to the latest patched version.

If you are using a version older than 6.5.1.5, it is crucial to update your plugin immediately to protect your site from potential CSRF attacks. Always ensure your plugins are updated to the latest versions to maintain security.

What actions should I take if my website is using an affected version?

If your website uses an affected version of The Events Calendar plugin, you should update to version 6.5.1.5 or later immediately. This will patch the vulnerability and protect your site from potential exploits.

In addition to updating, review your event logs for any suspicious activity. Ensuring that your site has not already been compromised is an important step in maintaining security.

How can I check if my site has been compromised?

To check if your site has been compromised, review your event logs for any unexpected restorations or changes. Look for any suspicious activity that might indicate unauthorized actions.

If you notice anything unusual, consider consulting with a security expert to assess and address potential breaches. Regularly monitoring your logs and site activity can help you stay ahead of potential security issues.

Are there alternative plugins to The Events Calendar?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins to The Events Calendar that offer similar functionality. While the current issue has been patched, exploring alternatives can provide additional peace of mind.

Some popular alternatives include All-in-One Event Calendar, Event Organiser, and Modern Events Calendar. Evaluate these options based on your specific needs and security requirements.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

You should update your WordPress plugins as soon as updates become available. Regular updates are essential to patch vulnerabilities and improve overall security.

Staying current with updates helps protect your site from newly discovered threats. Automated update services or plugins can assist in ensuring you are always running the latest versions.

What are the risks of not updating my plugins?

Not updating your plugins can leave your site vulnerable to known security threats. Hackers often exploit outdated software to gain unauthorized access and compromise data.

Failing to update can result in data breaches, operational disruptions, and loss of user trust. Regular updates are a simple but effective way to maintain your site's security and integrity.

Who discovered the vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin?

The vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin was discovered by Rafie Muhammad from Patchstack. This discovery highlights the importance of security research and the role it plays in maintaining safe digital environments.

Security researchers work to identify and report vulnerabilities so developers can address them promptly. Their efforts are crucial in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.

How can I stay informed about new vulnerabilities and updates?

Staying informed about new vulnerabilities and updates involves subscribing to security advisories and newsletters from reputable sources. Following blogs, forums, and websites dedicated to WordPress security can also be helpful.

Consider using security plugins that offer real-time alerts and automated updates. Staying informed and proactive is key to protecting your website from emerging threats.

What should small business owners do if they lack the time to manage website security?

Small business owners who lack the time to manage website security should consider using managed WordPress hosting services. These services often include security monitoring, automatic updates, and support.

Additionally, hiring a web security professional or using security plugins can help mitigate risks. Prioritizing website security is essential, even if it requires delegating tasks to ensure your site remains protected.

Share this post:

X (Twitter) Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Pocket SMS

Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CSRF, CVE-2024-37518, Cybersecurity, Digital Security, Patch Updates, Patchstack, Plugin Vulnerability, Rafie Muhammad, security risks, Small Business Website Security, The Events Calendar, Vulnerability Remediation, Website Security, WordPress, wordpress plugins, WordPress Updates

Plugin Name: The Events Calendar

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

The Events Calendar Vulnerability – Cross-Site Request Forgery via action_restore_events – CVE-2024-37518 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

How serious is the vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin?

What versions of The Events Calendar plugin are affected?

What actions should I take if my website is using an affected version?

How can I check if my site has been compromised?

Are there alternative plugins to The Events Calendar?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

What are the risks of not updating my plugins?

Who discovered the vulnerability in The Events Calendar plugin?

How can I stay informed about new vulnerabilities and updates?

What should small business owners do if they lack the time to manage website security?

Share this post:

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

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