Ultimate Member Vulnerability – User Profile, Registration, Login, Member Directory, Content Restriction & Membership Plugin – Authenticated (Subscriber+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-2765 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What exactly is cross-site scripting (XSS)?

What exactly is cross-site scripting (XSS)? Cross-site scripting, or XSS, is a type of security vulnerability typically found in web applications. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into content that other users see and interact with. When these scripts execute, they can perform actions on behalf of the user without their consent, steal data, or compromise the user’s interaction with the website.

Q: How does the vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin affect my WordPress site?

How does the vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin affect my WordPress site? The vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin allows attackers with at least subscriber-level access to inject malicious scripts through the Skype and Spotify URL parameters. This means that any user visiting a page where these scripts are present could have their browser session hijacked or sensitive information stolen. The impact depends on the nature of the scripts injected and the actions they perform.

Q: What versions of the Ultimate Member plugin are affected by this vulnerability?

What versions of the Ultimate Member plugin are affected by this vulnerability? The vulnerability affects all versions of the Ultimate Member plugin up to and including version 2.8.4. Any WordPress site using these versions is at risk of exploitation by attackers. It's crucial to update to the latest version, which is 2.8.5, where this vulnerability has been patched.

Q: How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability? Checking if your site has been compromised involves looking for unusual or unauthorized changes in the URL parameters, especially the Skype and Spotify links. It’s also wise to monitor user activity logs for any suspicious behavior that doesn’t align with typical user patterns. If you notice unexpected changes or user activities, it may indicate that your site has been affected.

Q: What should I do immediately if I discover my website has been compromised?

What should I do immediately if I discover my website has been compromised? If you suspect that your website has been compromised, the first step is to update the Ultimate Member plugin to the latest version to close off the vulnerability. Next, conduct a thorough audit of your site’s security, checking for any unauthorized changes or data breaches. It's advisable to restore your website from a backup if available and consider engaging a security expert to ensure all threats are neutralized.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of Ultimate Member?

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of Ultimate Member? Yes, there are several alternative plugins available that provide similar functionality to Ultimate Member, such as MemberPress, BuddyPress, and Profile Builder. When choosing an alternative, ensure it meets your site's specific needs and that it has a good track record in terms of security and updates. Always keep any plugin you use up to date to avoid vulnerabilities.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? WordPress plugins should be updated as soon as new versions are released. Developers often update plugins to patch security vulnerabilities, improve functionality, or add new features. Regular updates are crucial to maintaining the security and efficiency of your WordPress site.

Q: What are the best practices for ensuring my WordPress site's security?

What are the best practices for ensuring my WordPress site's security? To secure your WordPress site, always keep your core software and any plugins or themes updated. Use strong, unique passwords for all access points, and consider implementing two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Additionally, regularly back up your site and use security plugins to monitor and protect against potential threats.

Q: What role does the CVE number play in understanding a vulnerability?

What role does the CVE number play in understanding a vulnerability? The CVE number, such as CVE-2024-2765 for the Ultimate Member plugin vulnerability, provides a standard way to identify a specific security vulnerability. This reference allows security professionals to quickly find detailed information about the vulnerability’s nature, its risks, and potential remedies. It also helps in tracking and reporting on vulnerabilities across different systems.

Q: Why is it important to stay informed about potential security vulnerabilities?

Why is it important to stay informed about potential security vulnerabilities? Staying informed about potential security vulnerabilities is crucial because it allows you to take proactive measures to protect your site before attackers can exploit known issues. Being aware enables you to update or patch vulnerable systems promptly, minimizing the risk of data breaches or other security incidents. Awareness and quick action can significantly reduce the potential damage from cyber threats.

By Your WP Guy | April 10, 2024

Plugin Name: Ultimate Member – User Profile, Registration, Login, Member Directory, Content Restriction & Membership Plugin

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: ultimate-member
Software Status: Active
Software Author: ultimatemember
Software Downloads: 10,060,431
Active Installs: 200,000
Last Updated: April 21, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.8.5
Affected Versions: <= 2.8.4

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Ultimate Member <= 2.8.4
Title: Authenticated (Subscriber+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-2765
CVSS Score: 5.4
Publicly Published: April 10, 2024
Researcher: tiborisaak
Description: The plugin is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Skype and Spotify URL parameters in all versions up to and including 2.8.4 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This allows authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Ultimate Member plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 2.8.4 that allows stored cross-site scripting via certain URL parameters. This vulnerability has been patched in version 2.8.5.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin was identified by the researcher tiborisaak. It specifically impacts the Skype and Spotify URL parameters, where malicious scripts can be stored. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and inadequate output escaping, allowing attackers with at least subscriber-level access to execute arbitrary web scripts. The risks associated with this vulnerability include unauthorized script execution which could potentially lead to further exploits depending on the scripts injected. Remediation has been addressed in the patch release of version 2.8.5.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 2.8.5 as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your site's pages for unusual or unauthorized inserts in the Skype and Spotify URL parameters.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, considering alternate plugins offering similar functionality may serve 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 developers of the Ultimate Member plugin to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 2.8.5 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the digital world, the security of your website cannot be taken lightly. For small business owners, maintaining a secure online presence is crucial not only to protect sensitive data but also to preserve customer trust. The recent discovery of a critical security vulnerability in the "Ultimate Member – User Profile, Registration, Login, Member Directory, Content Restriction & Membership Plugin" underscores the constant vigilance required to safeguard your WordPress site. This plugin, integral to many WordPress sites for managing user interactions, has been compromised in a way that could potentially threaten your business.

Vulnerability Details:

The vulnerability identified is an Authenticated (Subscriber+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue, found in versions up to and including 2.8.4 of the plugin. It has been assigned a CVSS score of 5.4, indicating a moderate level of risk. This flaw allows authenticated users with subscriber-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts via the Skype and Spotify URL parameters. The compromised parameters lack adequate input sanitization and output escaping, leading to potential unauthorized script executions.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The risks associated with this vulnerability are significant. They range from unauthorized data access to complete site takeover, depending on the nature of the injected scripts. Such exploits could lead to severe repercussions, including data theft, loss of customer trust, and financial liabilities.

Remediation Steps:

Update Immediately: Upgrade to the patched version 2.8.5 as soon as possible.
Review Site Content: Check your site's pages for unusual content in the Skype and Spotify URL parameters.
Consider Alternatives: While updating resolves this specific issue, evaluating alternative plugins could provide a safer long-term solution.
Stay Informed: Regularly updating your WordPress plugins and core software is vital for security.

Historical Context:

This isn't the first time the Ultimate Member plugin has faced security challenges. With 55 vulnerabilities reported since March 10, 2015, the plugin's history underscores the complex nature of web security and the necessity for ongoing updates and patches.

Conclusion:

For small business owners, the time and expertise required to stay abreast of every security update may seem overwhelming. However, the importance of keeping your website and its components up-to-date cannot be overstated. Regularly scheduled updates, vigilant monitoring of security advisories, and a proactive approach to web security can greatly reduce the risk to your business. Remember, the cost of prevention is always less than the cost of a breach.

Takeaway:

Protecting your website isn’t just about fixing a problem after it occurs; it's about preventing issues before they impact your business. Staying on top of security updates is not just a technical necessity; it's a critical business strategy. As you continue to grow your online presence, remember that your vigilance in security practices plays a direct role in safeguarding your business's future.

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.

Ultimate Member Vulnerability – User Profile, Registration, Login, Member Directory, Content Restriction & Membership Plugin – Authenticated (Subscriber+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-2765 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What exactly is cross-site scripting (XSS)?

Cross-site scripting, or XSS, is a type of security vulnerability typically found in web applications. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into content that other users see and interact with. When these scripts execute, they can perform actions on behalf of the user without their consent, steal data, or compromise the user’s interaction with the website.

How does the vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin affect my WordPress site?

The vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin allows attackers with at least subscriber-level access to inject malicious scripts through the Skype and Spotify URL parameters. This means that any user visiting a page where these scripts are present could have their browser session hijacked or sensitive information stolen. The impact depends on the nature of the scripts injected and the actions they perform.

What versions of the Ultimate Member plugin are affected by this vulnerability?

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

Checking if your site has been compromised involves looking for unusual or unauthorized changes in the URL parameters, especially the Skype and Spotify links. It’s also wise to monitor user activity logs for any suspicious behavior that doesn’t align with typical user patterns. If you notice unexpected changes or user activities, it may indicate that your site has been affected.

What should I do immediately if I discover my website has been compromised?

If you suspect that your website has been compromised, the first step is to update the Ultimate Member plugin to the latest version to close off the vulnerability. Next, conduct a thorough audit of your site’s security, checking for any unauthorized changes or data breaches. It's advisable to restore your website from a backup if available and consider engaging a security expert to ensure all threats are neutralized.

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of Ultimate Member?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins available that provide similar functionality to Ultimate Member, such as MemberPress, BuddyPress, and Profile Builder. When choosing an alternative, ensure it meets your site's specific needs and that it has a good track record in terms of security and updates. Always keep any plugin you use up to date to avoid vulnerabilities.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

What are the best practices for ensuring my WordPress site's security?

To secure your WordPress site, always keep your core software and any plugins or themes updated. Use strong, unique passwords for all access points, and consider implementing two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. Additionally, regularly back up your site and use security plugins to monitor and protect against potential threats.

What role does the CVE number play in understanding a vulnerability?

The CVE number, such as CVE-2024-2765 for the Ultimate Member plugin vulnerability, provides a standard way to identify a specific security vulnerability. This reference allows security professionals to quickly find detailed information about the vulnerability’s nature, its risks, and potential remedies. It also helps in tracking and reporting on vulnerabilities across different systems.

Why is it important to stay informed about potential security vulnerabilities?

Staying informed about potential security vulnerabilities is crucial because it allows you to take proactive measures to protect your site before attackers can exploit known issues. Being aware enables you to update or patch vulnerable systems promptly, minimizing the risk of data breaches or other security incidents. Awareness and quick action can significantly reduce the potential damage from cyber threats.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2024-2765, Digital Security, Plugin Updates, small business cybersecurity, Ultimate Member vulnerability, Web safety, Website Security, WordPress Maintenance, wordpress security

Plugin Name: Ultimate Member – User Profile, Registration, Login, Member Directory, Content Restriction & Membership Plugin

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Vulnerability Details:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Remediation Steps:

Historical Context:

Conclusion:

Takeaway:

Staying Secure

Ultimate Member Vulnerability – User Profile, Registration, Login, Member Directory, Content Restriction & Membership Plugin – Authenticated (Subscriber+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-2765 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What exactly is cross-site scripting (XSS)?

How does the vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin affect my WordPress site?

What versions of the Ultimate Member plugin are affected by this vulnerability?

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

What should I do immediately if I discover my website has been compromised?

Are there alternative plugins I can use instead of Ultimate Member?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

What are the best practices for ensuring my WordPress site's security?

What role does the CVE number play in understanding a vulnerability?

Why is it important to stay informed about potential security vulnerabilities?

Share this post:

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