WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – Code Snippets – Cross-Site Request Forgery via load

Q: What is the Code Snippets plugin?

What is the Code Snippets plugin? Code Snippets is a popular WordPress plugin with over 8 million downloads. It allows users to easily add code snippets like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP to their WordPress sites without having to edit template files. The plugin provides an interface to manage these code snippets within the WordPress admin dashboard.

Q: What versions of Code Snippets are affected?

What versions of Code Snippets are affected? The vulnerability affects all versions of Code Snippets prior to 3.6.0. Specifically, it impacts versions 3.5.0 and below. Users should update to version 3.6.0 or higher as soon as possible to patch the vulnerability.

Q: What is a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability?

What is a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability? A CSRF vulnerability allows an attacker to trick an authenticated user into unknowingly executing malicious actions on a website. It works by sending a forged request that the victim's browser automatically authenticates due to their login session. This allows the attacker to force actions like changing settings or inserting malicious code.

Q: How serious is this vulnerability?

How serious is this vulnerability? This is a serious vulnerability that poses a major security risk if left unpatched. Attackers could exploit it to reset plugin settings or insert malicious code onto vulnerable sites. This could lead to site takeover, data theft, malware distribution, and other threats.

Q: How urgent is it to update Code Snippets?

How urgent is it to update Code Snippets? Updating should be done immediately to prevent potential compromise. Given the ease of exploiting this bug and its widespread use, attackers are likely already attempting to target outdated installations. Prompt patching is crucial.

Q: What happens if I don't update?

What happens if I don't update? Sites still running outdated versions of Code Snippets are at serious risk of takeover and malicious code injection. Not updating provides an open door for attackers to compromise your site. Failing to patch urgent vulnerabilities like this drastically increases your exposure.

Q: Should I find an alternate plugin?

Should I find an alternate plugin? While an update has been issued, some may want to consider alternate plugins as a temporary precaution. Similar plugins like Insert Headers and Footers and JS & CSS Scripts can provide functionality without the vulnerabilities.

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

How can I tell if my site was compromised? Review your code snippets for any unauthorized or suspicious additions after updating. Look for signs of malicious code like obfuscated JavaScript, hidden iFrames, strange redirects, and backdoors. Scan your site with a security plugin to detect malware.

Q: How can I prevent this in the future?

How can I prevent this in the future? Promptly update WordPress, themes, and plugins whenever new versions are released, especially when security vulnerabilities are fixed. Sign up for update notifications from plugin authors. Have your site periodically scanned for vulnerabilities.

Q: Where can I get help securing my site?

Where can I get help securing my site? If you need help updating Code Snippets or improving your site's security, reach out to a trusted WordPress developer. There are also managed WordPress hosts that handle updates and security for you. Taking preventative measures is crucial.

By Your WP Guy | November 6, 2023

Plugin Name: Code Snippets

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: code-snippets
Software Status: Active
Software Author: bungeshea
Software Downloads: 8,867,266
Active Installs: 800,000
Last Updated: November 6, 2023
Patched Versions: 3.6.0
Affected Versions: < 3.6.0

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Code Snippets <= 3.5.0 - Cross-Site Request Forgery via load
Type: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
CVSS Score: 5.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: November 6, 2023
Description: The Code Snippets plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to and including 3.5.0. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the load function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to reset plugin settings via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.

Summary:

The Code Snippets plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.5.0 that allows unauthenticated attackers to reset plugin settings via a forged request. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.6.0.

Detailed Overview:

The Code Snippets plugin, which allows users to add code snippets to their WordPress site, is affected by a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability. This was publicly disclosed on November 6, 2023 and affects all versions prior to 3.6.0. The vulnerability is caused by missing or incorrect nonce validation on the load function, which handles import and reset actions in the plugin. This makes it possible for an attacker to trick an admin into clicking a link that will send a forged request to reset snippets or import malicious code. If exploited, this could allow the attacker to insert backdoors, spam code, or other malicious snippets into a vulnerable site. The risk is escalated by the fact that Code Snippets has over 800,000 active installs. Users are strongly advised to update as soon as possible to version 3.6.0 which contains the fix.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 3.6.0 or higher as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your code snippets for any unauthorized or suspicious code that may have been added via this vulnerability.
Alternate Plugins: Consider using alternate plugins like Insert Headers and Footers or WP Javascript Snippets as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always keep your plugins updated, especially when notified of vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The quick response from the developers to patch this CSRF vulnerability shows their commitment to security. Users should promptly update to the latest version to prevent any potential compromise of their sites.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/code-snippets

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/code-snippets/code-snippets-350-cross-site-request-forgery-via-load

Detailed Report:

Staying on top of website security is a never-ending task. New vulnerabilities in popular software are discovered constantly, underscoring the importance of prompt patching and updating. This week a concerning vulnerability has been revealed in the highly popular WordPress plugin, Code Snippets.

This plugin, which is active on over 800,000 WordPress sites, is susceptible to a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in all versions prior to 3.6.0. This flaw allows attackers to remotely reset plugin settings and insert malicious code snippets onto vulnerable websites. Left unpatched, this vulnerability poses a serious risk of site takeover and injection of spam, phishing content, or other threats.

About the Plugin

Code Snippets is a widely used WordPress plugin with over 8 million downloads and 800,000 active installs. It allows users to easily add code snippets like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and PHP to their sites. The plugin is actively maintained and was last updated on November 6, 2023.

The Vulnerability

Researchers discovered a CSRF vulnerability affecting Code Snippets versions 3.5.0 and below. The vulnerability is caused by missing nonce validation on the load function which handles import and reset actions. This allows attackers to forge requests that can reset plugin settings or import malicious code snippets.

Risks and Impacts

This vulnerability, if exploited, gives attackers remote access to reset plugin settings and inject malicious code onto vulnerable sites. Attackers could leverage it to add backdoors, spam code, or phishing content. For site owners, this poses a serious risk of site takeover, data theft, or distribution of malware to site visitors.

How to Update

The developer has patched the issue in version 3.6.0. Users should update their installations to the latest version immediately. You can do this automatically through the WordPress dashboard or by manually downloading the latest version from the plugin repository. Be sure to backup your site first.

After updating, check your existing code snippets for any unauthorized or suspicious additions. Also consider using alternate plugins like Insert Headers and Footers or WP Javascript Snippets as a temporary precaution.

Past Vulnerabilities

This is the 5th vulnerability found in the plugin since July 2016. The regular discovery of flaws reinforces the need to promptly update WordPress, themes, and plugins.

The Importance of Security Updates

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.