WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6594 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What kind of scripts could an attacker inject through this vulnerability?

What kind of scripts could an attacker inject through this vulnerability? An attacker able to exploit this could inject JavaScript, HTML, or other active content designed to trigger when other visitors view an affected page. Depending on the script's nature, this could enable nuisances like auto-playing audio/video, redirecting to other sites, or attempting drive-by malware downloads rather than directly stealing data or site control.

Q: Does this allow takeover of my entire site?

Does this allow takeover of my entire site? No, the vulnerability is limited in scope to injecting scripts only into specific admin setting pages, not granting an attacker administrative access or rights to modify other site areas. So while disruptive and risky content could appear, attackers cannot take control of databases, users, plugins, etc without further exploitation steps.

Q: Should I uninstall MaxButtons as a precaution?

Should I uninstall MaxButtons as a precaution? Likely unnecessary given the limited nature of script injection itself. Developers have shipped a patch fixing the root cause by properly escaping outputs. Simply updating provides the necessary protection against this specific threat vector emerging again.

Q: What alternative button plugins could I consider?

What alternative button plugins could I consider? Some popular alternatives to explore include Easy Buttons for Elementor, Buttonizer, WP Button Plugin, Boxzilla Popups & Buttons, and Stomach CSS Button Generator, among others. Check reviews and activity levels before switching temporarily as a precaution after updating MaxButtons.

Q: How can I check if my site was compromised?

How can I check if my site was compromised? Carefully review all admin settings pages, posts, and pages for unexpected scripts, especially involving JavaScript references. Monitor site behavior and traffic levels for anomalies indicating possible exploitation. Install security plugins like Wordfence to scan for known malicious code signatures. And ask a developer to audit files for infections.

Q: Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public?

Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public? The transparency of open source software like WordPress plugins enables faster community discoveries of flaws but lacks the internal vetting of private commercial options. Publicizing drives quicker resolutions by pressuring developers but also informs attackers. Responsible disclosure processes aim to balance both needs.

Q: What proactive security steps should I be taking?

What proactive security steps should I be taking? Consider managed WordPress hosting providers handling auto-updates for you rather than manual plugin maintenance. Minimize plugins only to highly-rated essentials on reputable recommendation lists. Perform regular malware scans using tools like Wordfence. And implement site-wide two-factor authentication to mitigate breach impacts.

Q: What resources offer WordPress security guidance?

What resources offer WordPress security guidance? The Codex provides exceptional hardening guides covering permissions, keys, file edits, hook removal, disallowing bad bots, and extensive plugin advice. WordPress.org's general security FAQ also provides fundamentals everyone should know. Excellent third-party learning resources exist through publishers like Apress.

Q: Who can I contact for professional website security services?

Who can I contact for professional website security services? My digital agency offers affordable website security packages including setup help, file and traffic audits, cleaning detected infections, WordPress hardening, and tailored recommendations to suit small business budgets. Schedule a free consultation anytime to discuss protecting your online presence!

Q: Should I disable certain MaxButtons features for now?

Should I disable certain MaxButtons features for now? Temporarily disabling custom scripting features in particular could make sense as a precaution if you don't require extensive JavaScript customizations currently. However outright disabling all buttons or features could be premature before assessing wider impact. Surgically isolating probable attack vectors allows safe plugin restoration.

By Your WP Guy | January 8, 2024

Plugin Name: WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: maxbuttons
Software Status: Active
Software Author: maxfoundry
Software Downloads: 4,640,344
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: January 8, 2024
Patched Versions: 9.7.6
Affected Versions: <= 9.7.4

Vulnerability Details:

Name: WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons <= 9.7.4
Title: Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2023-6594
CVSS Score: 4.4
Publicly Published: January 8, 2024
Researcher: Rafshanzani Suhada
Description: The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via admin settings in versions up to, and including, 9.7.4. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. Authenticated attackers, with administrator-level permissions and above, can inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This vulnerability only affects multi-site installations and installations where unfiltered_html has been disabled, allowing lower-privileged users (contributor+) to carry out attacks.

Summary:

The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 9.7.4, allowing authenticated attackers with administrator-level permissions and above to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting. This vulnerability has been patched in version 9.7.6.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in admin settings, allowing authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts. This poses a risk for administrators and, in certain configurations, lower-privileged users. The patch in version 9.7.6 addresses these security concerns.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons to version 9.7.6 or later.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review admin settings for any unauthorized changes or injected scripts.
Alternate Plugins: Consider alternative button plugins with similar functionality.
Stay Updated: Regularly update your WordPress plugins to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The swift response from MaxButtons developers in releasing version 9.7.6 emphasizes the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure they are running version 9.7.6 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Wordfence Threat Intelligence - WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons Vulnerability

Simplifying Website Security for Busy Owners

As a busy website owner without ample time to stay on top of every threat, keeping your site secure can feel impossible. But vulnerabilities like the one recently patched in the popular MaxButtons plugin only reinforce why vigilance matters. In this post I’ll simplify security for you by clearly explaining the vulnerability, your risk level, and actionable ways to lock down your website in minutes.

Understanding the MaxButtons Vulnerability

MaxButtons helps over 100,000 WordPress users customize buttons and call-to-action elements. This week a security researcher disclosed a vulnerability in versions up to 9.7.4 enabling some authenticated users to inject malicious scripts without authorization.

Specifically, the bug stems from insufficient input sanitization in admin settings. Users with admin access could exploit this to introduce rogue JavaScript or HTML designed to trigger when other visitors load affected pages. Depending on the script’s nature this could enable nuisances like auto-playing audio/video rather than directly stealing data.

The developers have now released version 9.7.6 to fully fix the vulnerability, scoring a moderate 4.4 CVSS severity rating due to limiting the affected user roles. Still, MaxButtons users face unnecessary risk until updating.

Assessing Your Site’s Risk Level

While branded moderately severe rather than extremely critical, the vulnerability still poses unnecessary website exposure risks if admins freely access settings. Attackers could leverage scripts for everything from annoying visitors to attempting drive-by malware downloads or mining cryptocurrency using visitor hardware.

The good news is that sites restricting admin permissions likely face minimal real-world risk even before patching. But everyone should still update regardless since the script injection vector exists without good reason. Eliminating unnecessary vulnerabilities keeps your site safer regardless of the low current exploitation probability.

Updating to Eliminate the Vulnerability

If MaxButtons is active on your WordPress site, you should:

- Immediately update to v9.7.6, which specifically repairs this bug by escaping outputs.

- Check all admin settings scripts for anything suspicious or unintended.

- Consider temporarily limiting admin access until assessing the script risk.

- Enforce the principle of least privilege in user roles where feasible.

Staying Secure Long-Term

MaxButtons has faced 6 previous vulnerabilities since 2014, indicating systemic issues around data validation. From arbitrary file deletion to stored XSS and beyond, threats inevitably arise without diligent auditing and patching.

As tempting as neglecting security feels for overloaded owners, a well-hardened site takes little effort:

- Enable automatic background updates for plugins to remove the manual chore.

- Minimize plugins and themes to only reputable options essential for your needs.

- Leverage managed WordPress hosts handling technical tasks like updates for you.

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.

WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons Vulnerability– Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6594 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What kind of scripts could an attacker inject through this vulnerability?

An attacker able to exploit this could inject JavaScript, HTML, or other active content designed to trigger when other visitors view an affected page. Depending on the script's nature, this could enable nuisances like auto-playing audio/video, redirecting to other sites, or attempting drive-by malware downloads rather than directly stealing data or site control.

Does this allow takeover of my entire site?

No, the vulnerability is limited in scope to injecting scripts only into specific admin setting pages, not granting an attacker administrative access or rights to modify other site areas. So while disruptive and risky content could appear, attackers cannot take control of databases, users, plugins, etc without further exploitation steps.

Should I uninstall MaxButtons as a precaution?

What alternative button plugins could I consider?

How can I check if my site was compromised?

Carefully review all admin settings pages, posts, and pages for unexpected scripts, especially involving JavaScript references. Monitor site behavior and traffic levels for anomalies indicating possible exploitation. Install security plugins like Wordfence to scan for known malicious code signatures. And ask a developer to audit files for infections.

Why don't plugins get patched before vulnerabilities become public?

The transparency of open source software like WordPress plugins enables faster community discoveries of flaws but lacks the internal vetting of private commercial options. Publicizing drives quicker resolutions by pressuring developers but also informs attackers. Responsible disclosure processes aim to balance both needs.

What proactive security steps should I be taking?

What proactive security steps should I be taking?

Consider managed WordPress hosting providers handling auto-updates for you rather than manual plugin maintenance. Minimize plugins only to highly-rated essentials on reputable recommendation lists. Perform regular malware scans using tools like Wordfence. And implement site-wide two-factor authentication to mitigate breach impacts.

What resources offer WordPress security guidance?

Who can I contact for professional website security services?

Should I disable certain MaxButtons features for now?

Temporarily disabling custom scripting features in particular could make sense as a precaution if you don't require extensive JavaScript customizations currently. However outright disabling all buttons or features could be premature before assessing wider impact. Surgically isolating probable attack vectors allows safe plugin restoration.

Share this post:

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

Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, CVE-2023-6594, maxbuttons, Plugin Updates, Plugin Vulnerability, securing wordpress, stored XSS, Website Security, WordPress, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, XSS