WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons Vulnerability – Full Path Disclosure – CVE-2024-6499 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons used for?

What is the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons used for? The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons is designed to help users create custom buttons for their WordPress websites without needing to write any code. It offers a user-friendly interface for creating stylish and responsive buttons that can be easily added to posts, pages, and widgets. This plugin is popular among users who want to enhance their website’s design and functionality with minimal effort.

Q: What is the specific vulnerability found in the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons?

What is the specific vulnerability found in the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons? The vulnerability found in the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons is known as Full Path Disclosure (FPD). This vulnerability exposes the full file path of the plugin to unauthenticated users. While the disclosed information may seem minor, it can be valuable to attackers for reconnaissance purposes or in combination with other vulnerabilities to exploit your website.

Q: Who is at risk from this vulnerability?

Who is at risk from this vulnerability? Any website using the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons in versions up to and including 9.7.8 is at risk, especially if the plugin has not been updated to the latest version. The vulnerability can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers, meaning it affects all sites using the vulnerable version regardless of the site’s specific configuration or user roles. Websites that are not regularly updated are particularly vulnerable to this type of information exposure.

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

What should I do if my website uses an affected version of the plugin? If your website is using a version of the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons up to 9.7.8, you should immediately update to version 9.8.0. This update addresses the Full Path Disclosure vulnerability, significantly reducing the risk of exploitation. After updating, it’s important to monitor your website for any unusual activity and ensure that no other vulnerabilities are present.

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

How can I check if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability? To check if your website has been compromised, look for any signs of unauthorized access or unusual behavior, such as unexpected changes to your site’s content or structure. Since this vulnerability primarily aids in reconnaissance, you might not see direct signs of exploitation, but it could be part of a larger attack. Consider using a security plugin to scan your site for potential threats and review your server logs for any suspicious activity.

Q: What are the potential consequences if my site is compromised?

What are the potential consequences if my site is compromised? If your site is compromised due to this or any other vulnerability, the consequences could include unauthorized access to your server, theft of sensitive data, or defacement of your website. While Full Path Disclosure alone may not cause immediate harm, it could enable attackers to identify and exploit other, more severe vulnerabilities. This could lead to a loss of customer trust, downtime, and potentially significant financial and reputational damage.

Q: Is updating the plugin enough to secure my site?

Is updating the plugin enough to secure my site? Updating the plugin to version 9.8.0 is a critical step in securing your site from the Full Path Disclosure vulnerability. However, comprehensive security involves more than just updating a single plugin. Regularly updating all plugins and themes, using a strong security plugin, and monitoring your site for unusual activity are all essential practices for maintaining a secure WordPress site.

Q: Are there alternative plugins I should consider using instead of MaxButtons?

Are there alternative plugins I should consider using instead of MaxButtons? While the patched version of MaxButtons resolves the immediate vulnerability, you may want to explore alternative plugins if you’re concerned about the plugin’s history of security issues. Other button creation plugins offer similar functionality and might have a different security track record. However, switching plugins should be done with careful consideration of your website’s specific needs and compatibility.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins and themes?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins and themes? It’s important to update your WordPress plugins and themes as soon as updates are available. Many updates include security patches that protect your site from newly discovered vulnerabilities. Regularly checking for updates or enabling automatic updates where possible is essential for keeping your site secure and reducing the risk of an attack.

Q: What should I do if I need help managing my website’s security?

What should I do if I need help managing my website’s security? If managing your website’s security feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional who specializes in WordPress security. A security expert can help you implement strong defenses, conduct regular audits, and respond quickly to potential threats. Additionally, using managed WordPress hosting services with built-in security features can simplify the process and provide peace of mind.

By Your WP Guy | August 23, 2024

Plugin Name: WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: maxbuttons
Software Status: Active
Software Author: maxfoundry
Software Downloads: 4,784,085
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Patched Versions: 9.8.0
Affected Versions: <= 9.7.8

Vulnerability Details:

Name: WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons <= 9.7.8
Title: Full Path Disclosure
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-6499
CVSS Score: 5.3
Publicly Published: August 23, 2024
Researcher: stealthcopter
Description: The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to information exposure in all versions up to and including 9.7.8. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to obtain the full path to instances of the plugin, which could potentially be used in combination with other vulnerabilities or for reconnaissance. While this information alone is of limited use, it can simplify an attacker's work if other vulnerabilities exist on the site.

Summary:

The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 9.7.8 that allows unauthenticated attackers to disclose the full path to plugin instances. This vulnerability has been patched in version 9.8.0.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability identified by researcher stealthcopter exposes the full file path of the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons to unauthenticated users. This type of vulnerability, known as Full Path Disclosure (FPD), can provide attackers with useful information that could be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities. Although the disclosed information is limited on its own, it could aid in further reconnaissance or the exploitation of additional security flaws. The issue affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 9.7.8. Users are strongly advised to update to version 9.8.0 to mitigate this risk.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users should update to version 9.8.0 of the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons immediately to eliminate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Although this particular vulnerability is limited in scope, users should still monitor their site for unusual activity and ensure that no other vulnerabilities exist that could be exploited alongside this disclosure.
Alternate Plugins: While the patch addresses this specific issue, users may want to explore alternative plugins if they are concerned about the potential risks associated with Full Path Disclosure vulnerabilities.
Stay Updated: Regularly updating all plugins and themes is crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress site. Ensuring that all components are up to date can prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Conclusion:

The quick response from the developers of the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure they are running version 9.8.0 or later to secure their WordPress installations and protect their websites from potential security threats.

References:

Detailed Report:

In today’s digital landscape, where new security threats are constantly emerging, keeping your WordPress website up to date is crucial for safeguarding your business and maintaining the trust of your customers. For small business owners who may not have the time or resources to stay on top of every update, this task can seem overwhelming. However, neglecting to update your site’s plugins can leave it vulnerable to attacks that could compromise sensitive data and damage your reputation. Recently, a vulnerability was discovered in the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons, which is active on over 100,000 websites. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-6499, underscores the importance of proactive website management to prevent potential security breaches.

The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons is a popular tool that allows users to create stylish and customizable buttons for their websites without needing to write any code. With over 4.7 million downloads, it’s a go-to solution for enhancing website functionality and user experience. However, like all software, it’s not immune to security issues, making timely updates essential.

Risks and Potential Impacts: Why This Matters

While the information exposed by this vulnerability may appear limited, it can still pose significant risks to your website, especially if combined with other vulnerabilities. The potential impacts include:

Simplified Reconnaissance: Attackers could use the disclosed file path information to map out your site’s directory structure, making it easier to find and exploit other vulnerabilities.
Increased Risk of Exploitation: If there are other, more critical vulnerabilities present on your site, the information disclosed by this vulnerability could be used to exploit them more effectively.
Undermined Security Posture: Even though Full Path Disclosure itself is not highly dangerous, it undermines the overall security of your website, making it more susceptible to a chain of attacks.

How to Remediate the Vulnerability

Immediate Action: The first and most important step is to update your WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons to version 9.8.0, where this vulnerability has been patched. This update will remove the Full Path Disclosure issue, thereby reducing the risk of it being exploited.

Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Even though this particular vulnerability is limited in scope, it’s still wise to monitor your site for any unusual activity. Ensure that no other vulnerabilities exist that could be exploited in conjunction with the information disclosed by this issue.

Consider Alternate Plugins: While the patch resolves this specific problem, you might want to explore alternative plugins if you are concerned about the potential risks associated with Full Path Disclosure vulnerabilities or if the plugin has a history of security issues.

Stay Updated: Keeping all your WordPress plugins and themes up to date is critical for maintaining a secure website. Regularly check for updates and consider enabling automatic updates to ensure that security patches are applied as soon as they become available.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities

The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons has had nine previous vulnerabilities reported since September 24, 2014. While each of these vulnerabilities has been addressed, the history highlights the importance of staying vigilant and ensuring that all software components of your website are regularly updated. Understanding this track record underscores the ongoing risk of running outdated software on your site.

Conclusion: The Importance of Staying Ahead of Security Vulnerabilities

For small business owners, managing website security can seem like a daunting task, especially when time and resources are limited. However, staying ahead of security vulnerabilities is not just about protecting your website—it’s about safeguarding your business, your customers, and your reputation. By keeping your plugins updated, using trusted security tools, and staying informed about potential threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of a cyberattack. Remember, proactive security management is always better than reacting to a breach after it has occurred.

If you’re concerned about your website’s security or need assistance with updates, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Your website is a vital asset—protect it with the attention it deserves.

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 – Full Path Disclosure – CVE-2024-6499 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons used for?

The WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons is designed to help users create custom buttons for their WordPress websites without needing to write any code. It offers a user-friendly interface for creating stylish and responsive buttons that can be easily added to posts, pages, and widgets. This plugin is popular among users who want to enhance their website’s design and functionality with minimal effort.

What is the specific vulnerability found in the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons?

The vulnerability found in the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons is known as Full Path Disclosure (FPD). This vulnerability exposes the full file path of the plugin to unauthenticated users. While the disclosed information may seem minor, it can be valuable to attackers for reconnaissance purposes or in combination with other vulnerabilities to exploit your website.

Who is at risk from this vulnerability?

Any website using the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons in versions up to and including 9.7.8 is at risk, especially if the plugin has not been updated to the latest version. The vulnerability can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers, meaning it affects all sites using the vulnerable version regardless of the site’s specific configuration or user roles. Websites that are not regularly updated are particularly vulnerable to this type of information exposure.

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

If your website is using a version of the WordPress Button Plugin MaxButtons up to 9.7.8, you should immediately update to version 9.8.0. This update addresses the Full Path Disclosure vulnerability, significantly reducing the risk of exploitation. After updating, it’s important to monitor your website for any unusual activity and ensure that no other vulnerabilities are present.

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

To check if your website has been compromised, look for any signs of unauthorized access or unusual behavior, such as unexpected changes to your site’s content or structure. Since this vulnerability primarily aids in reconnaissance, you might not see direct signs of exploitation, but it could be part of a larger attack. Consider using a security plugin to scan your site for potential threats and review your server logs for any suspicious activity.

What are the potential consequences if my site is compromised?

If your site is compromised due to this or any other vulnerability, the consequences could include unauthorized access to your server, theft of sensitive data, or defacement of your website. While Full Path Disclosure alone may not cause immediate harm, it could enable attackers to identify and exploit other, more severe vulnerabilities. This could lead to a loss of customer trust, downtime, and potentially significant financial and reputational damage.

Is updating the plugin enough to secure my site?

Updating the plugin to version 9.8.0 is a critical step in securing your site from the Full Path Disclosure vulnerability. However, comprehensive security involves more than just updating a single plugin. Regularly updating all plugins and themes, using a strong security plugin, and monitoring your site for unusual activity are all essential practices for maintaining a secure WordPress site.

Are there alternative plugins I should consider using instead of MaxButtons?

While the patched version of MaxButtons resolves the immediate vulnerability, you may want to explore alternative plugins if you’re concerned about the plugin’s history of security issues. Other button creation plugins offer similar functionality and might have a different security track record. However, switching plugins should be done with careful consideration of your website’s specific needs and compatibility.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins and themes?

It’s important to update your WordPress plugins and themes as soon as updates are available. Many updates include security patches that protect your site from newly discovered vulnerabilities. Regularly checking for updates or enabling automatic updates where possible is essential for keeping your site secure and reducing the risk of an attack.

What should I do if I need help managing my website’s security?

If managing your website’s security feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional who specializes in WordPress security. A security expert can help you implement strong defenses, conduct regular audits, and respond quickly to potential threats. Additionally, using managed WordPress hosting services with built-in security features can simplify the process and provide peace of mind.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-6499, Cybersecurity, full path disclosure, MaxButtons vulnerability, maxfoundry, Plugin Update, Small Business, Website Protection, Website Security, wordpress plugins, wordpress security