WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – WP Fastest Cache – Unauthenticated SQL Injection – CVE-2023-6063

Q: What is the WP Fastest Cache plugin?

What is the WP Fastest Cache plugin? WP Fastest Cache is a popular caching plugin for WordPress designed to optimize site performance. It is developed by emrevona and has over 45 million downloads in the WordPress repository. The plugin improves page load speeds by caching and compressing site content.

Q: What versions of WP Fastest Cache are affected?

What versions of WP Fastest Cache are affected? The critical SQL injection vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.2.1. Any sites running the plugin on version 1.2.1 or below are vulnerable and need to be updated.

Q: What is SQL injection and why is it dangerous?

What is SQL injection and why is it dangerous? SQL injection is a technique hackers use to inject malicious SQL code into web applications like WordPress to access, manipulate or destroy database content. By leveraging improper validation, attackers can execute commands that give them unauthorized access to sensitive information. SQL injection vulnerabilities are very dangerous because they can lead to data breaches containing user details, passwords, financial data and more.

Q: How can this vulnerability be exploited?

How can this vulnerability be exploited? This specific vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to inject additional SQL queries by manipulating the '$username' variable passed via cookies. By appending or modifying SQL queries, they could extract sensitive information directly from the database like credentials, personal data, emails, and other confidential details.

Q: What kind of information is at risk?

What kind of information is at risk? Depending on the nature of the website and database structure, a wide range of sensitive information could be exposed. This includes usernames, passwords, contact information submitted via forms, customer data, financial details and any other sensitive data stored in the WordPress database like emails, comments or private posts.

Q: What can happen if my site is compromised?

What can happen if my site is compromised? A successful exploit of this vulnerability can have severe consequences. Attackers may gain admin access, install backdoors, steal data, delete content, deface sites, redirect traffic for phishing attempts, install malware or use your server resources for illicit activities. Preventing compromise is critical.

Q: How do I update WP Fastest Cache to patch this?

How do I update WP Fastest Cache to patch this? Login to your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Installed Plugins. Next to WP Fastest Cache click Update now. This will automatically update it to version 1.2.2 which contains the fix. Make sure it shows as active after updating.

Q: Are there any signs my site may be compromised?

Are there any signs my site may be compromised? Watch for unauthorized changes like new users, posts, pages or plugins. Check for any suspicious files, strange activity in logs or content promoting spam/malware. Look for any downtime, captcha errors, slowness or sudden increase in traffic which are other signs of possible infection.

Q: Should I switch to a different caching plugin?

Should I switch to a different caching plugin? While this vulnerability only affects WP Fastest Cache, some may prefer to switch plugins out of caution. Top alternatives include WP Rocket, WP Super Cache and W3 Total Cache. Just remember to delete the old plugin first.

Q: Why is it important to update plugins regularly?

Why is it important to update plugins regularly? WordPress plugins are very common targets for attackers seeking vulnerabilities. New threats emerge frequently, so running the latest plugin versions is critical for security. Enabling automatic background updates can help, along with monitoring update notices and release notes. Staying on outdated, abandoned plugins is extremely risky.

By Your WP Guy | November 13, 2023

Plugin Name: WP Fastest Cache

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: wp-fastest-cache
Software Status: Active
Software Author: emrevona
Software Downloads: 45,149,633
Active Installs: 1,000,000
Last Updated: November 13, 2023
Patched Versions: 1.2.2
Affected Versions: <= 1.2.1

Vulnerability Details:

Name: WP Fastest Cache <= 1.2.2 - Unauthenticated SQL Injection
Title: Unauthenticated SQL Injection
Type: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
CVE: CVE-2023-6063
CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
Publicly Published: November 13, 2023
Researcher: Alex Sanford
Description: The WP Fastest Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the '$username' variable retrieved via user cookies in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.1 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.

Summary:

The WP Fastest Cache plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.2.1 that allows unauthenticated SQL injection. This vulnerability has been patched in version 1.2.2.

Detailed Overview:

The WP Fastest Cache plugin is vulnerable to SQL injection in versions up to and including 1.2.1, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL queries via the '$username' variable retrieved from user cookies. Due to insufficient escaping of the '$username' parameter and lack of query preparation, attackers can append extra SQL statements to extract sensitive information from the database. This was publicly disclosed by researcher Alex Sanford on November 13, 2023 and affects over 1 million active plugin installations. It has been assigned a critical CVSS score of 9.8.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 1.2.2 as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Compromise: Review your site for any unauthorized changes or strange behavior. Check for additional admin accounts.
Alternate Plugins: Consider using alternate cache plugins like WP Rocket or WP Super Cache as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always keep your plugins updated to avoid vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The quick response by the WP Fastest Cache developers to patch this critical SQL injection vulnerability shows their commitment to security. Users should update as soon as possible to version 1.2.2 or later to protect their WordPress sites.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/wp-fastest-cache

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/wp-fastest-cache/wp-fastest-cache-122-unauthenticated-sql-injection

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 WP Fastest Cache plugin, used on over 1 million websites. This critical vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code into vulnerable sites to extract sensitive information from databases. With website hacks and data breaches on the rise, it's crucial to stay on top of plugin updates and quickly patch any discovered flaws.

WP Fastest Cache is a widely used caching plugin developed by emrevona to improve WordPress site performance. The recently discovered vulnerability affects versions up to and including 1.2.1 which has over 45 million downloads and 1 million active installs.

This vulnerability allows unauthenticated SQL injection via the '$username' variable retrieved from user cookies. Due to insufficient validation, attackers can inject additional SQL queries to extract sensitive information from the database like user credentials, contact forms, or payment details. It has been assigned a critical severity score of 9.8 out of 10.

Successful attacks could lead to data breaches, theft of sensitive user information, unauthorized access, defacement, and other malicious actions. Website owners using vulnerable versions of WP Fastest Cache should update to version 1.2.2 immediately to patch this vulnerability. You should also check your site for any unauthorized changes and strange behavior.

This is not the first vulnerability found in WP Fastest Cache. There have been over 30 other vulnerabilities disclosed in the plugin since 2015 which highlights the security risks of outdated plugins.

The quick response by the WP Fastest Cache developers to patch this critical SQL injection vulnerability shows their commitment to security. However, the ongoing discovery of flaws reinforces the need for users to constantly stay on top of updates.

Security vulnerabilities like this one demonstrate the importance of having WordPress experts regularly monitor, maintain and update your site. At Your WP Guy, we offer ongoing management to handle updates, security monitoring, backups, uptime and support so you can stop worrying and get back to growing your business.

Let us fully audit your site to check for any signs of this vulnerability or other issues. We'll immediately update any out-of-date plugins and harden your site's security. Chat with us anytime during business hours, schedule a call or call 678-995-5169 to lock down your online presence.

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – WP Fastest Cache – Unauthenticated SQL Injection – CVE-2023-6063 FAQs

What is the WP Fastest Cache plugin?

What versions of WP Fastest Cache are affected?

What is SQL injection and why is it dangerous?

SQL injection is a technique hackers use to inject malicious SQL code into web applications like WordPress to access, manipulate or destroy database content. By leveraging improper validation, attackers can execute commands that give them unauthorized access to sensitive information. SQL injection vulnerabilities are very dangerous because they can lead to data breaches containing user details, passwords, financial data and more.

How can this vulnerability be exploited?

This specific vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to inject additional SQL queries by manipulating the '$username' variable passed via cookies. By appending or modifying SQL queries, they could extract sensitive information directly from the database like credentials, personal data, emails, and other confidential details.

What kind of information is at risk?

What can happen if my site is compromised?

How do I update WP Fastest Cache to patch this?

Are there any signs my site may be compromised?

Should I switch to a different caching plugin?

Why is it important to update plugins regularly?

WordPress plugins are very common targets for attackers seeking vulnerabilities. New threats emerge frequently, so running the latest plugin versions is critical for security. Enabling automatic background updates can help, along with monitoring update notices and release notes. Staying on outdated, abandoned plugins is extremely risky.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged hacks, patching, Plugins, security, SQL Injection, updates, Vulnerabilities, Website Security, WordPress, wp fastest cache

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – WP Fastest Cache – Unauthenticated SQL Injection – CVE-2023-6063

Plugin Name: WP Fastest Cache

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – WP Fastest Cache – Unauthenticated SQL Injection – CVE-2023-6063 FAQs

What is the WP Fastest Cache plugin?

What is the WP Fastest Cache plugin?

What versions of WP Fastest Cache are affected?

What versions of WP Fastest Cache are affected?

What is SQL injection and why is it dangerous?

What is SQL injection and why is it dangerous?

How can this vulnerability be exploited?

How can this vulnerability be exploited?

What kind of information is at risk?

What kind of information is at risk?

What can happen if my site is compromised?

What can happen if my site is compromised?

How do I update WP Fastest Cache to patch this?

How do I update WP Fastest Cache to patch this?

Are there any signs my site may be compromised?

Are there any signs my site may be compromised?

Should I switch to a different caching plugin?

Should I switch to a different caching plugin?

Why is it important to update plugins regularly?

Why is it important to update plugins regularly?

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