Theme My Login Vulnrability – Cross-Site Request Forgery to Settings Update – CVE-2024-7422 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: How serious is the Theme My Login vulnerability?

How serious is the Theme My Login vulnerability? The Theme My Login vulnerability is moderately serious, with a CVSS score of 4.3. It allows attackers to perform a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack, which can lead to unauthorized changes in plugin settings. Although it may not seem as severe as some other vulnerabilities, it still poses significant risks, particularly in multi-site WordPress installations.

Q: What does Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) mean?

What does Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) mean? Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is a type of attack where an unauthorized command is transmitted from a user that the website trusts. In this case, attackers can trick administrators into performing actions they didn’t intend, such as changing settings in the Theme My Login plugin. This can lead to unintended consequences, such as compromised site functionality or security.

Q: How can I check if my site has been affected by this vulnerability?

How can I check if my site has been affected by this vulnerability? To check if your site has been affected, review the settings of the Theme My Login plugin for any unauthorized changes. Pay particular attention if you manage a multi-site WordPress installation, as these setups are more vulnerable. If you notice any unexpected modifications, it could be a sign that your site has been compromised.

Q: What should I do if my site is affected by the vulnerability?

What should I do if my site is affected by the vulnerability? If your site has been affected, the first step is to update the Theme My Login plugin to version 7.1.8 or later. After updating, review your site’s settings to ensure no further unauthorized changes occur. Consider restoring from a backup taken before the compromise, and monitor your site closely for any unusual activity.

Q: Can I use an alternative plugin to Theme My Login?

Can I use an alternative plugin to Theme My Login? Yes, you can use an alternative plugin if you’re concerned about the security history of Theme My Login. There are several other plugins available that offer similar functionality for customizing login pages. However, make sure that any alternative you choose is regularly updated and has a strong security track record.

Q: How do I update the Theme My Login plugin?

How do I update the Theme My Login plugin? To update the Theme My Login plugin, go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the Plugins section. Locate Theme My Login, and if an update is available, click the “Update Now” button. It’s crucial to keep your plugins up to date to protect your site from vulnerabilities like this one.

Q: What are the consequences of not updating the Theme My Login plugin?

What are the consequences of not updating the Theme My Login plugin? If you do not update the Theme My Login plugin, your site remains vulnerable to the CSRF attack described in the blog post. This could lead to unauthorized changes to your site’s settings, which might compromise site security and functionality. Over time, failing to update could expose your site to further vulnerabilities as new threats emerge.

Q: What is nonce validation, and why is it important?

What is nonce validation, and why is it important? Nonce validation is a security measure used to ensure that certain actions in a web application are intentional and authorized. In this vulnerability, the lack of proper nonce validation in the Theme My Login plugin allowed attackers to forge requests. Proper nonce validation helps prevent unauthorized actions, making it a crucial component of web security.

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 vital for maintaining the security and performance of your site. Setting up automatic updates or regularly checking your site for available updates can help ensure your plugins are always up to date.

Q: What steps can I take to protect my WordPress site from future vulnerabilities?

What steps can I take to protect my WordPress site from future vulnerabilities? To protect your WordPress site from future vulnerabilities, keep all your plugins and themes up to date and use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts. Consider installing a security plugin that offers additional layers of protection, such as firewalls and malware scanning. Regularly backing up your site and monitoring it for suspicious activity are also essential practices for maintaining security.

By Your WP Guy | August 15, 2024

Plugin Name: Theme My Login

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: theme-my-login
Software Status: Active
Software Author: jfarthing84
Software Downloads: 4,025,356
Active Installs: 80,000
Last Updated: August 18, 2024
Patched Versions: 7.1.8
Affected Versions: <= 7.1.7

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Theme My Login <= 7.1.7
Title: Cross-Site Request Forgery to Settings Update
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-7422
CVSS Score: 4.3
Publicly Published: August 15, 2024
Researcher: vgo0
Description: The Theme My Login plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 7.1.7. This vulnerability is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the tml_admin_save_ms_settings() function. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to update the theme's settings via a forged request, provided they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a malicious link. This vulnerability specifically affects multi-site instances.

Summary:

The Theme My Login plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 7.1.7 that allows unauthenticated attackers to update theme settings via a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack. This vulnerability has been patched in version 7.1.8.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability in Theme My Login was discovered by researcher vgo0 and publicly disclosed on August 15, 2024. The issue lies in the tml_admin_save_ms_settings() function, which lacks proper nonce validation. This flaw makes it possible for an attacker to forge a request that updates the theme's settings without proper authorization. The attacker would need to trick a site administrator into clicking a malicious link, thus triggering the vulnerability. While this vulnerability poses a moderate risk, as indicated by a CVSS score of 4.3, it is limited to multi-site WordPress instances. The developers promptly addressed the issue by releasing a patched version, 7.1.8, on August 18, 2024.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are strongly encouraged to update their Theme My Login plugin to version 7.1.8 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Users should check their site settings to ensure no unauthorized changes have been made. Administrators of multi-site WordPress installations should be particularly vigilant.
Alternate Plugins: While the vulnerability has been patched, users may 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:

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 7.1.8 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Wordfence: Theme My Login 7.1.7 Cross-Site Request Forgery to Settings Update

Detailed Report:

In the busy world of running a small business, managing your website often falls to the bottom of a long to-do list. However, ensuring your website is up to date is one of the most critical steps you can take to protect your business. Recent news about a security vulnerability in the widely used WordPress plugin, Theme My Login, underscores this point. This vulnerability, if left unpatched, could allow attackers to manipulate your website’s settings without your knowledge, potentially leading to serious security breaches.

For small business owners who rely on their websites to connect with customers, this is a risk you cannot afford to ignore. While keeping your plugins and site software up to date may seem like a daunting task, it’s a vital part of safeguarding your business’s online presence. Fortunately, a patch has been released, and we’re here to help you ensure your site remains secure.

Vulnerability Details:

The Theme My Login plugin, with over 4 million downloads and 80,000 active installs, is a popular choice for WordPress site administrators looking to customize their login pages. However, a recently discovered vulnerability, CVE-2024-7422, has exposed versions up to and including 7.1.7 to a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack. This vulnerability arises due to improper nonce validation in the tml_admin_save_ms_settings() function, which can allow an unauthenticated attacker to forge requests that alter the plugin’s settings.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The primary risk posed by this vulnerability is that an attacker could trick a site administrator into clicking a malicious link, thereby unwittingly allowing the attacker to change the settings of the Theme My Login plugin. While this may not seem as severe as some other types of attacks, it still poses significant risks, particularly in multi-site WordPress environments where such changes could disrupt access for multiple users. The vulnerability has been assessed with a CVSS score of 4.3, indicating a moderate level of risk.

For small business owners, the implications could include unauthorized changes to login settings, potentially locking out legitimate users or exposing the site to further attacks. Given that the plugin is commonly used for customizing login experiences, any tampering with these settings could also damage the user experience or compromise site security.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Theme My Login has faced security issues. Since June 30, 2014, there have been two other vulnerabilities associated with this plugin. While these were also addressed by the developers, the recurring nature of these issues underscores the importance of staying vigilant and keeping all plugins up to date.

Conclusion:

The rapid response from the developers to patch this latest vulnerability is commendable, but it also highlights the critical need for website owners to stay on top of security updates. For small business owners, this can be particularly challenging given the many demands on your time. However, neglecting these updates can leave your business exposed to unnecessary risks.

If you’re concerned about your website’s security or simply don’t have the time to manage it yourself, we’re here to help. Ensuring that your site’s plugins and software are up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect your business and maintain the trust of your customers. Don’t wait for a breach to take action—secure your site today.

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.

Theme My Login Vulnrability – Cross-Site Request Forgery to Settings Update – CVE-2024-7422 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

How serious is the Theme My Login vulnerability?

The Theme My Login vulnerability is moderately serious, with a CVSS score of 4.3. It allows attackers to perform a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack, which can lead to unauthorized changes in plugin settings. Although it may not seem as severe as some other vulnerabilities, it still poses significant risks, particularly in multi-site WordPress installations.

What does Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) mean?

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) is a type of attack where an unauthorized command is transmitted from a user that the website trusts. In this case, attackers can trick administrators into performing actions they didn’t intend, such as changing settings in the Theme My Login plugin. This can lead to unintended consequences, such as compromised site functionality or security.

How can I check if my site has been affected by this vulnerability?

To check if your site has been affected, review the settings of the Theme My Login plugin for any unauthorized changes. Pay particular attention if you manage a multi-site WordPress installation, as these setups are more vulnerable. If you notice any unexpected modifications, it could be a sign that your site has been compromised.

What should I do if my site is affected by the vulnerability?

If your site has been affected, the first step is to update the Theme My Login plugin to version 7.1.8 or later. After updating, review your site’s settings to ensure no further unauthorized changes occur. Consider restoring from a backup taken before the compromise, and monitor your site closely for any unusual activity.

Can I use an alternative plugin to Theme My Login?

How do I update the Theme My Login plugin?

What are the consequences of not updating the Theme My Login plugin?

If you do not update the Theme My Login plugin, your site remains vulnerable to the CSRF attack described in the blog post. This could lead to unauthorized changes to your site’s settings, which might compromise site security and functionality. Over time, failing to update could expose your site to further vulnerabilities as new threats emerge.

What is nonce validation, and why is it important?

Nonce validation is a security measure used to ensure that certain actions in a web application are intentional and authorized. In this vulnerability, the lack of proper nonce validation in the Theme My Login plugin allowed attackers to forge requests. Proper nonce validation helps prevent unauthorized actions, making it a crucial component of web security.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

What steps can I take to protect my WordPress site from future vulnerabilities?

To protect your WordPress site from future vulnerabilities, keep all your plugins and themes up to date and use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts. Consider installing a security plugin that offers additional layers of protection, such as firewalls and malware scanning. Regularly backing up your site and monitoring it for suspicious activity are also essential practices for maintaining security.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Request Forgery, CSRF, Cybersecurity, Plugin Vulnerability, Security Update, Small Business, Theme My Login, Web Development, Website Management, Website Security, WordPress, wordpress plugins, wordpress security

Plugin Name: Theme My Login

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Vulnerability Details:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

Theme My Login Vulnrability – Cross-Site Request Forgery to Settings Update – CVE-2024-7422 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

How serious is the Theme My Login vulnerability?

What does Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) mean?

How can I check if my site has been affected by this vulnerability?

What should I do if my site is affected by the vulnerability?

Can I use an alternative plugin to Theme My Login?

How do I update the Theme My Login plugin?

What are the consequences of not updating the Theme My Login plugin?

What is nonce validation, and why is it important?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

What steps can I take to protect my WordPress site from future vulnerabilities?

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