Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress Vulnerability – Authenticated SQL Injection – CVE-2024-3342 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-3342?

What is CVE-2024-3342? CVE-2024-3342 is a specific identifier for a security vulnerability found in the Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress WordPress plugin. This vulnerability is classified as a SQL Injection, which allows authenticated users, particularly those with contributor-level access, to manipulate SQL queries by injecting malicious SQL code. This can lead to unauthorized access to the website's database, potentially resulting in data theft or loss. This vulnerability is particularly severe because it allows for high-impact actions, including the extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive data. Given the high CVSS score of 9.9, it is critical for users of the plugin to update to the patched version to protect their sites from potential attacks.

Q: How does SQL Injection work?

How does SQL Injection work? SQL Injection is a common attack method that exploits vulnerabilities in a website's database management system. Attackers manipulate standard SQL queries by inserting (or "injecting") malicious SQL segments into them. For the Timetable and Event Schedule plugin, this vulnerability was present in the 'events' attribute of the 'mp-timetable' shortcode. Once the malicious code is injected, it can be executed by the database server, giving attackers the ability to view, modify, or delete database content. This can compromise the entire database and may allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to other parts of the system, depending on the database's configuration and associated permissions.

Q: What should I do if my website is running an affected version of the plugin?

What should I do if my website is running an affected version of the plugin? If your website is running a version of the Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress plugin that is 2.4.11 or older, it is vulnerable to CVE-2024-3342. The first step you should take is to update the plugin to the latest version, 2.4.12, which includes a fix for this vulnerability. You can do this directly through your WordPress dashboard under the 'Plugins' section. After updating, it's also wise to review your website’s database and logs for any unusual activity or unauthorized changes that might indicate the vulnerability was exploited before the update. If you find evidence of a breach, consider contacting a cybersecurity professional to assess the extent of the damage and assist with remediation efforts.

Q: Are there other similar plugins that are safer alternatives?

Are there other similar plugins that are safer alternatives? While the Timetable and Event Schedule plugin by MotoPress is popular, there are several other event management plugins available for WordPress that you might consider as alternatives. Plugins such as The Events Calendar, Event Organiser, or Modern Events Calendar provide similar functionalities and may have different security features. When choosing an alternative, it's important to review the plugin's update history and ratings to gauge its reliability and security. Always ensure that any plugin you choose is regularly updated and maintained by its developers to minimize security risks.

Q: How can I secure my WordPress site against similar vulnerabilities?

How can I secure my WordPress site against similar vulnerabilities? Securing your WordPress site against vulnerabilities like SQL Injection involves several best practices. Firstly, keep all your plugins, themes, and the WordPress core updated to the latest versions. Developers often release updates to patch known security flaws. Secondly, use strong, unique passwords for your database and WordPress admin area, and consider implementing two-factor authentication. Additionally, employing a WordPress security plugin that scans for vulnerabilities and monitors your site for suspicious activity can help detect and prevent attacks. Regular backups are also crucial so you can restore your site to a clean state if it's compromised.

Q: What is a CVSS score?

What is a CVSS score? The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a way to capture the principal characteristics of a security vulnerability and produce a numerical score reflecting its severity. The CVSS score for CVE-2024-3342 is 9.9, which is classified as critical. This score helps users and administrators understand the potential impact of a vulnerability and prioritize their response based on the severity. A high CVSS score like 9.9 suggests that the vulnerability could have a severe impact on your system, highlighting the urgency of applying security updates or patches to protect against exploitation.

Q: Why is it important to patch software vulnerabilities quickly?

Why is it important to patch software vulnerabilities quickly? Patching software vulnerabilities quickly is crucial because it reduces the window of opportunity for hackers to exploit the flaws. Vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-3342 can be exploited to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, or cause significant disruptions to website operations. Delays in applying patches give attackers more time to discover and exploit vulnerabilities, potentially leading to data breaches or other security incidents. Prompt patching, along with continuous monitoring for new vulnerabilities, helps maintain the integrity and security of your systems.

Q: Can updating a plugin cause compatibility issues with other WordPress elements?

Can updating a plugin cause compatibility issues with other WordPress elements? Yes, updating a plugin can sometimes cause compatibility issues with other elements of your WordPress site, such as themes or other plugins. This is especially true if the update includes significant changes to the plugin's code or functionality. To minimize risks, it’s a good practice to test plugin updates in a staging environment before applying them to your live site. This allows you to identify and resolve any compatibility issues without affecting your site’s operational integrity.

Q: What are the signs that my website might have been compromised?

What are the signs that my website might have been compromised? Signs that your website might have been compromised include unexpected changes to your website's content or appearance, new administrative accounts that you did not create, slow website performance, or suspicious user activity in your site logs. You might also receive reports from users about unusual behavior, such as redirecting to malicious websites. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to conduct a thorough security audit of your site. Check for unauthorized changes to files, scan for malware, and review access logs for any unauthorized access attempts.

Q: How can small business owners manage website security with limited resources?

How can small business owners manage website security with limited resources? Small business owners can manage website security effectively even with limited resources by implementing a few key strategies. Automating security updates for WordPress and its plugins can help keep the site secure without constant manual oversight. Utilizing security plugins that scan for vulnerabilities and monitor for suspicious activity can also provide robust protection. Additionally, small businesses can consider using managed WordPress hosting services that include security as part of the hosting package. These services can handle much of the security maintenance, allowing business owners to focus on their operations rather than on technical vulnerabilities.

By Your WP Guy | April 26, 2024

Plugin Name: Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: mp-timetable
Software Status: Active
Software Author: jetmonsters
Software Downloads: 738,183
Active Installs: 30,000
Last Updated: May 10, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.4.12
Affected Versions: <= 2.4.11

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress <= 2.4.11
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) SQL Injection
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVE: CVE-2024-3342
CVSS Score: 9.9
Publicly Published: April 26, 2024
Researcher: Krzysztof Zając - CERT PL
Description: The Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to a severe SQL Injection vulnerability. This vulnerability arises from insufficient escaping of the 'events' attribute in the 'mp-timetable' shortcode and poor preparation of SQL queries. It allows authenticated users, such as contributors, to inject malicious SQL commands into your database, potentially leading to data theft or loss.

Summary:

The Timetable and Event Schedule plugin for WordPress has a critical vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.4.11 that allows authenticated users to perform SQL injections. This vulnerability has been addressed and patched in version 2.4.12.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability in the Timetable and Event Schedule plugin exposes WordPress sites to significant risks. SQL Injection attacks can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of a website's data, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability was identified by researcher Krzysztof Zając from CERT PL, highlighting the need for rigorous security checks and sanitization practices in plugin development. Users of this plugin should immediately update to the patched version to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to the patched version 2.4.12 immediately to protect your site from potential attacks.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your website’s database for any unusual activity or unauthorized data changes.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version is now secure, users might consider evaluating other event scheduling plugins as a precautionary measure.
Stay Updated: Continuously monitor and update your WordPress plugins to the latest versions to avoid exposure to vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The swift response from MotoPress to release a patch for this SQL Injection vulnerability demonstrates the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date software on your WordPress site. Ensuring that you have installed version 2.4.12 or later of the Timetable and Event Schedule plugin is essential for securing your website and protecting your data from unauthorized access.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital security, keeping your website's components updated is not just a best practice—it's a necessity for safeguarding sensitive data. The recent identification of a severe vulnerability in the Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress, a popular WordPress plugin, serves as a critical reminder of this. Known for its utility in managing educational and event-oriented activities, this plugin's latest issue, CVE-2024-3342, highlights the potential dangers of overlooking regular software updates.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-2024-3342, discovered by researcher Krzysztof Zając from CERT PL, is a high-risk SQL Injection vulnerability that affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 2.4.11. This flaw allows authenticated contributors to execute arbitrary SQL commands through poorly sanitized shortcode inputs, specifically the 'events' attribute in the 'mp-timetable' shortcode. This could potentially lead to unauthorized data access, data theft, and database corruption.

Impact and Risks

SQL injection attacks like CVE-2024-3342 compromise the integrity and confidentiality of a website’s data, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. For small business owners, such breaches can result in significant reputational damage and financial losses, especially if sensitive client information is involved.

Remediation Steps

To address this vulnerability:

Immediate Action: Update the plugin to the latest version, 2.4.12, which has resolved the SQL injection flaw.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should review their website’s database and access logs for any signs of unauthorized activity or data alterations.
Stay Updated: Continuously monitor and update your WordPress plugins to the latest versions to prevent exposure to vulnerabilities.

Previous Vulnerabilities

This is not the first time vulnerabilities have been reported for this plugin. Since April 21, 2020, there have been five documented instances of security issues, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and updates.

Conclusion: The Imperative of Proactive Security Management

The swift response by MotoPress to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates in maintaining secure online environments. Small business owners, often pressed for time and resources, must prioritize these updates to prevent potential cyberattacks. Consider leveraging managed WordPress hosting solutions that include automatic updates and security checks, or engage professional IT support to ensure your website remains secure, allowing you to focus on your business without the added stress of potential security lapses.

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.

Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress Vulnerability – Authenticated SQL Injection – CVE-2024-3342 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-3342?

CVE-2024-3342 is a specific identifier for a security vulnerability found in the Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress WordPress plugin. This vulnerability is classified as a SQL Injection, which allows authenticated users, particularly those with contributor-level access, to manipulate SQL queries by injecting malicious SQL code. This can lead to unauthorized access to the website's database, potentially resulting in data theft or loss.

This vulnerability is particularly severe because it allows for high-impact actions, including the extraction, modification, or deletion of sensitive data. Given the high CVSS score of 9.9, it is critical for users of the plugin to update to the patched version to protect their sites from potential attacks.

How does SQL Injection work?

SQL Injection is a common attack method that exploits vulnerabilities in a website's database management system. Attackers manipulate standard SQL queries by inserting (or "injecting") malicious SQL segments into them. For the Timetable and Event Schedule plugin, this vulnerability was present in the 'events' attribute of the 'mp-timetable' shortcode.

Once the malicious code is injected, it can be executed by the database server, giving attackers the ability to view, modify, or delete database content. This can compromise the entire database and may allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to other parts of the system, depending on the database's configuration and associated permissions.

What should I do if my website is running an affected version of the plugin?

If your website is running a version of the Timetable and Event Schedule by MotoPress plugin that is 2.4.11 or older, it is vulnerable to CVE-2024-3342. The first step you should take is to update the plugin to the latest version, 2.4.12, which includes a fix for this vulnerability. You can do this directly through your WordPress dashboard under the 'Plugins' section.

After updating, it's also wise to review your website’s database and logs for any unusual activity or unauthorized changes that might indicate the vulnerability was exploited before the update. If you find evidence of a breach, consider contacting a cybersecurity professional to assess the extent of the damage and assist with remediation efforts.

Are there other similar plugins that are safer alternatives?

While the Timetable and Event Schedule plugin by MotoPress is popular, there are several other event management plugins available for WordPress that you might consider as alternatives. Plugins such as The Events Calendar, Event Organiser, or Modern Events Calendar provide similar functionalities and may have different security features.

When choosing an alternative, it's important to review the plugin's update history and ratings to gauge its reliability and security. Always ensure that any plugin you choose is regularly updated and maintained by its developers to minimize security risks.

How can I secure my WordPress site against similar vulnerabilities?

Securing your WordPress site against vulnerabilities like SQL Injection involves several best practices. Firstly, keep all your plugins, themes, and the WordPress core updated to the latest versions. Developers often release updates to patch known security flaws. Secondly, use strong, unique passwords for your database and WordPress admin area, and consider implementing two-factor authentication.

Additionally, employing a WordPress security plugin that scans for vulnerabilities and monitors your site for suspicious activity can help detect and prevent attacks. Regular backups are also crucial so you can restore your site to a clean state if it's compromised.

What is a CVSS score?

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a way to capture the principal characteristics of a security vulnerability and produce a numerical score reflecting its severity. The CVSS score for CVE-2024-3342 is 9.9, which is classified as critical. This score helps users and administrators understand the potential impact of a vulnerability and prioritize their response based on the severity.

A high CVSS score like 9.9 suggests that the vulnerability could have a severe impact on your system, highlighting the urgency of applying security updates or patches to protect against exploitation.

Why is it important to patch software vulnerabilities quickly?

Patching software vulnerabilities quickly is crucial because it reduces the window of opportunity for hackers to exploit the flaws. Vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-3342 can be exploited to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, or cause significant disruptions to website operations.

Delays in applying patches give attackers more time to discover and exploit vulnerabilities, potentially leading to data breaches or other security incidents. Prompt patching, along with continuous monitoring for new vulnerabilities, helps maintain the integrity and security of your systems.

Can updating a plugin cause compatibility issues with other WordPress elements?

Yes, updating a plugin can sometimes cause compatibility issues with other elements of your WordPress site, such as themes or other plugins. This is especially true if the update includes significant changes to the plugin's code or functionality.

To minimize risks, it’s a good practice to test plugin updates in a staging environment before applying them to your live site. This allows you to identify and resolve any compatibility issues without affecting your site’s operational integrity.

What are the signs that my website might have been compromised?

Signs that your website might have been compromised include unexpected changes to your website's content or appearance, new administrative accounts that you did not create, slow website performance, or suspicious user activity in your site logs. You might also receive reports from users about unusual behavior, such as redirecting to malicious websites.

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to conduct a thorough security audit of your site. Check for unauthorized changes to files, scan for malware, and review access logs for any unauthorized access attempts.

How can small business owners manage website security with limited resources?

Small business owners can manage website security effectively even with limited resources by implementing a few key strategies. Automating security updates for WordPress and its plugins can help keep the site secure without constant manual oversight. Utilizing security plugins that scan for vulnerabilities and monitor for suspicious activity can also provide robust protection.

Additionally, small businesses can consider using managed WordPress hosting services that include security as part of the hosting package. These services can handle much of the security maintenance, allowing business owners to focus on their operations rather than on technical vulnerabilities.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-3342, digital risk management, MotoPress vulnerability, Plugin Updates, secure WordPress installation, SQL Injection, Timetable plugin, Website Security, WordPress for small business, wordpress security