WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – User Profile Builder – Cross-Site Request Forgery via pms-cross-promotion.php

Q: How serious is this User Profile Builder vulnerability?

How serious is this User Profile Builder vulnerability? This CSRF vulnerability is quite serious. It allows unauthenticated remote attackers to activate or deactivate any plugin on a site using a vulnerable version of User Profile Builder. This could lead to plugins being maliciously activated to compromise site security. Or legitimate security plugins could be disabled, opening up the site to further attacks. The vulnerability received a relatively high CVSS score of 7.1 out of 10.

Q: What versions of User Profile Builder are affected?

What versions of User Profile Builder are affected? The vulnerability impacts User Profile Builder versions 3.10.3 and below. Version 3.10.4 has patched the issue by adding proper validation. So you should update to 3.10.4 or higher as soon as possible.

Q: Could my site have been compromised by this vulnerability?

Could my site have been compromised by this vulnerability? It's possible if you are running a vulnerable version. Check your list of active plugins to see if anything looks suspicious or unfamiliar. Also look for signs of a compromise like defaced pages, spam content, or hidden admin accounts. If you see anything suspicious, take steps to fully clean and secure your site.

Q: Should I switch to another plugin or is the update enough?

Should I switch to another plugin or is the update enough? The latest update patches the vulnerability, so updating is enough to secure your site. However, some may want to consider switching to an alternative just to be safe. Comparable plugins include User Registration and WP User Avatar.

Q: What is a CSRF vulnerability?

What is a CSRF vulnerability? CSRF or cross-site request forgery is a web vulnerability that allows unauthorized commands to be performed on a site. It works by tricking an admin into clicking a crafted link that sends a request to the site to activate something without consent. Proper validation on requests can prevent it.

Q: How can I prevent future vulnerabilities like this?

How can I prevent future vulnerabilities like this? Enable auto-updates on plugins so you quickly receive security fixes in the background. Also use a security plugin to scan for vulnerabilities. And set aside time each week to check plugin update status. Staying vigilant is key.

Q: Are other plugins at risk of similar vulnerabilities?

Are other plugins at risk of similar vulnerabilities? Yes, CSRF vulnerabilities are common in WordPress plugins. Using the latest versions of all plugins enhances security. Also limit plugins to only what's needed to reduce your attack surface.

Q: Is there a way to find and fix vulnerabilities automatically?

Is there a way to find and fix vulnerabilities automatically? Some security plugins like Wordfence offer automated scanning to identify vulnerabilities. Also managed WordPress hosts will handle security scanning and patching for you.

Q: Are there other steps I should take to secure my site?

Are there other steps I should take to secure my site? Use strong passwords, limit admin accounts, beware of phishing attempts, and consider two-factor authentication as additional ways to lock down WordPress. Good security requires layers.

Q: Where can I learn more about WordPress security best practices?

Where can I learn more about WordPress security best practices? The WordPress Codex has an extensive security guide. Wordfence also has great WordPress-specific advice. Staying up-to-date on the latest threats and defense strategies is key for all site owners.

By Your WP Guy | November 7, 2023

Plugin Name: User Profile Builder

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: profile-builder
Software Status: Active
Software Author: reflectionmedia
Software Downloads: 3,998,068
Active Installs: 50,000
Last Updated: November 7, 2023
Patched Versions: 3.10.4
Affected Versions: <= 3.10.3

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Profile Builder <= 3.10.4 - Cross-Site Request Forgery via pms-cross-promotion.php
Title: Cross-Site Request Forgery via pms-cross-promotion.php
Type: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
CVSS Score: 7.1 (High)
Publicly Published: November 7, 2023
Description: The User Profile Builder – Beautiful User Registration Forms, User Profiles & User Role Editor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 3.10.3. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the wppb_activate_pms_plugin and wppb_deactivate_pms_plugin functions. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to activate and deactivate arbitrary plugins via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.

Summary:

The User Profile Builder for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.10.3 that allows unauthenticated attackers to activate and deactivate arbitrary plugins via forged requests. This vulnerability has been patched in version 3.10.4.

Detailed Overview:

A cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerability was recently disclosed in the User Profile Builder plugin that could allow attackers to activate or deactivate any plugin on a site running a vulnerable version. This is due to missing nonce validation on the wppb_activate_pms_plugin and wppb_deactivate_pms_plugin functions that are used to activate and deactivate the Paid Member Subscriptions add-on. Without proper nonce validation, an attacker could craft requests targeting these functions and trick an admin into clicking a link or visiting a page that would automatically trigger the request. This could lead to plugins being activated or deactivated without the admin's consent. Versions 3.10.3 and below are affected. The developer has patched this issue in version 3.10.4 by adding proper nonce validation. All users are strongly advised to update as soon as possible.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 3.10.4 or higher as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your plugins to see if any have been unexpectedly activated or deactivated.
Alternate Plugins: Consider using an alternate user registration and profile management plugin like User Registration or WP User Avatar as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always keep your WordPress plugins updated to the latest versions. Sign up for update notifications from the plugin repository.

Conclusion:

The prompt response from the plugin developers to patch this vulnerability is appreciated. Users are strongly advised to update to version 3.10.4 immediately to secure their WordPress installations against potential CSRF attacks leveraging this issue.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/profile-builder

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/profile-builder/profile-builder-3104-cross-site-request-forgery-via-pms-cross-promotionphp

Detailed Report:

Keeping your WordPress website secure should be a top priority for any website owner. Unfortunately, vulnerabilities in popular plugins can put your site at risk if left unpatched. One such vulnerability was recently disclosed in the User Profile Builder plugin that allowed unauthenticated cross-site request forgery (CSRF). This means an attacker could potentially activate or deactivate plugins on your site without your consent.

While this vulnerability has now been patched, many users may still be running older, vulnerable versions of the plugin. If you use User Profile Builder, it is crucial you update to the latest version as soon as possible. Don’t let your hard work building a WordPress site be undone by lax security practices.

In this post we’ll explain the technical details of this vulnerability, how it puts your site at risk, and what you need to do to secure your website. We’ll also discuss best practices all WordPress users should follow to lock down vulnerabilities and prevent attacks.

About the Plugin

User Profile Builder is a popular WordPress plugin with over 3 million downloads. It allows you to easily build custom user registration forms, user profiles, and customize user roles. However, a serious vulnerability was recently disclosed that impacts versions up to and including 3.10.3.

Details of the Vulnerability

The vulnerability is a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) issue that allows unauthenticated attackers to activate or deactivate any plugin on your site. This is due to missing nonce validation on key plugin functions that handle plugin activation/deactivation. By exploiting this, an attacker could trick you into clicking a link that sends a request to activate or deactivate plugins without your consent.

Risks and Potential Impact

This vulnerability poses serious risks if left unpatched:

Attackers could activate malicious plugins that compromise your site's security.
Legitimate security plugins could be deactivated, leaving your site open to other attacks.
Plugin functionality could be disrupted, breaking key site features.

How to Fix the Vulnerability

The developer has patched this vulnerability in version 3.10.4. To secure your site, you should:

Update to version 3.10.4 or higher immediately.
Review activated plugins to check for anything suspicious.
Consider switching to alternate plugins for added security.
Enable auto-updates for plugins to stay on top of fixes.

Previous Vulnerabilities

This is far from the first vulnerability found in User Profile Builder. There have been over 18 previous vulnerabilities disclosed since May 2014, underscoring the importance of prompt security updates.

The Importance of Staying Secure

Don't tackle WordPress security alone - the consequences of a breach are too great. At Your WP Guy, our managed WordPress maintenance services include layers of protection like auto-updates, malware scanning, firewalls and 24/7 monitoring by WordPress experts. We become your outsourced IT team.

Let's chat about migrating your site to our managed hosting so you can finally stop worrying about security issues. We'll fully audit and lock down your site as part of onboarding. Call us at 678-995-5169 to keep your business safe online.