WP Booking Calendar Vulnerability- Unauthenticated SQL Injection – CVE-2024-1207 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-1207?

What is CVE-2024-1207? CVE-2024-1207 is a unique identifier for a specific security vulnerability discovered in the WP Booking Calendar plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows for unauthenticated SQL Injection, meaning attackers can execute malicious SQL queries without needing to log in to the WordPress site. The risk lies in the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive database information and manipulation of site data. This vulnerability was identified by security researcher Muhammad Hassham Nagori and has been documented to help users and developers understand the nature of the threat. It is critical for users of the WP Booking Calendar plugin to be aware of this vulnerability to take appropriate measures to secure their sites.

Q: How does CVE-2024-1207 affect WordPress websites?

How does CVE-2024-1207 affect WordPress websites? Websites using the vulnerable versions of WP Booking Calendar (up to and including 9.9) are at risk of being targeted by attackers who can exploit the SQL Injection vulnerability. This could lead to unauthorized access to the website's database, where attackers might read, modify, or delete data. Such actions can compromise the integrity of the website, lead to data breaches, and potentially impact the site's functionality and reputation. The severity of the impact depends on the nature of the data stored in the website's database and the actions taken by the attacker. In some cases, attackers might use the vulnerability as a foothold to launch further attacks against the site or its users.

Q: What is SQL Injection?

What is SQL Injection? SQL Injection is a type of cybersecurity vulnerability that allows an attacker to interfere with the queries that an application makes to its database. It involves inserting or "injecting" malicious SQL code into a query, which can alter the database's intended behavior, leading to unauthorized access or manipulation of data. This vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the way an application handles user input. SQL Injection is particularly dangerous because it can give attackers access to sensitive information stored in the database, such as personal user data, and can also be used to add, modify, or delete records, compromising the integrity of the application.

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

How can I check if my site has been compromised due to this vulnerability? To determine if your site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1207, review your website's access and error logs for any unusual or unauthorized database queries, which could indicate an SQL Injection attempt. Additionally, monitor for unexpected changes in your site's content or user accounts, as these could also be signs of a breach. Consider using security tools or plugins that can scan your website for vulnerabilities and signs of compromise. If you suspect that your site has been affected, it may be prudent to consult with a cybersecurity professional who can conduct a thorough investigation.

Q: What should I do if I'm using an affected version of WP Booking Calendar?

What should I do if I'm using an affected version of WP Booking Calendar? If you're using an affected version of WP Booking Calendar (version 9.9 or lower), you should immediately update to the latest version, which includes a patch for the CVE-2024-1207 vulnerability. Always ensure you have a current backup of your website before applying updates in case you need to restore your site. After updating, continue to monitor your site for any unusual activity and consider conducting a security audit to ensure there are no other vulnerabilities present. Regularly updating your WordPress core, themes, and plugins is crucial for maintaining a secure website.

Q: Are there alternative plugins to WP Booking Calendar that I should consider?

Are there alternative plugins to WP Booking Calendar that I should consider? If you're considering alternatives to WP Booking Calendar due to this vulnerability or for other reasons, there are several other booking and scheduling plugins available for WordPress. When evaluating alternatives, consider factors such as the plugin's update history, user reviews, feature set, and how actively it's maintained by the developers. Research and testing are key to finding a plugin that meets your specific needs while maintaining a strong security posture. Always test new plugins in a staging environment before implementing them on your live site to ensure compatibility and security.

Q: How can I stay informed about vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

How can I stay informed about vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins? Staying informed about vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins involves regularly checking reputable security blogs, forums, and databases that track and report on WordPress vulnerabilities. Subscribing to security newsletters and alerts can also provide timely information on new vulnerabilities and threats. Additionally, the WordPress Plugin Directory provides information on plugin updates and any known security issues, so regularly checking the details of the plugins you use can help keep you informed. Employing a security plugin that offers vulnerability scanning and monitoring can also alert you to potential issues.

Q: What is the significance of a plugin's CVSS score?

What is the significance of a plugin's CVSS score? The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score provides a standardized way to rate the severity of security vulnerabilities. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating a greater severity of the vulnerability. The CVSS score takes into account factors such as how easily the vulnerability can be exploited, the complexity of the attack, and the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. A high CVSS score, such as the 9.8 for CVE-2024-1207, indicates a critical vulnerability that poses a significant risk and should be addressed promptly. Understanding the CVSS score can help prioritize security efforts and remediation actions.

Q: What general steps can I take to enhance the security of my WordPress site?

What general steps can I take to enhance the security of my WordPress site? Enhancing the security of your WordPress site involves implementing a multi-layered approach: keep all software components (core, plugins, themes) up to date, use strong and unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication for user accounts, and employ a reputable security plugin for ongoing monitoring and protection. Regular backups of your website are essential for recovery in case of an incident. Additionally, consider using a secure web hosting service and implementing security best practices, such as secure connections (SSL/TLS) and minimal user privilege levels. Staying educated on the latest security trends and threats is also key to maintaining a secure WordPress site.

Q: Why is it important to address WordPress plugin vulnerabilities promptly?

Why is it important to address WordPress plugin vulnerabilities promptly? Addressing WordPress plugin vulnerabilities promptly is crucial to protect your site from potential exploits that could compromise its security, functionality, and the data it holds. Unpatched vulnerabilities are a common attack vector for cybercriminals and can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and even complete site takeover. Promptly applying security updates and patches reduces the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities, helping to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of your site and safeguarding the experience of your users. Proactive security measures are essential in the dynamic landscape of website security.

By Your WP Guy | February 7, 2024

Plugin Name: WP Booking Calendar

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: booking
Software Status: Active
Software Author: wpdevelop
Software Downloads: 3,262,200
Active Installs: 60,000
Last Updated: February 12, 2024
Patched Versions: 9.9.1
Affected Versions: <= 9.9

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Booking Calendar <= 9.9
Title: Unauthenticated SQL Injection
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVE: CVE-2024-1207
CVSS Score: 9.8
Publicly Published: February 7, 2024
Last Updated: February 8, 2024
Researcher: Muhammad Hassham Nagori - IKZERO
Description: The WP Booking Calendar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to an SQL Injection attack through the 'calendar_request_params[dates_ddmmyy_csv]' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 9.9. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and inadequate SQL query preparation, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL queries to extract sensitive information from the database.

Summary:

The WP Booking Calendar, a widely utilized scheduling plugin for WordPress, contains a critical vulnerability in versions up to and including 9.9. This flaw permits unauthenticated SQL Injection, posing a severe security risk as attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. The issue has been resolved in the latest version, 9.9.1, ensuring the plugin's security against this particular vector of attack.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by security researcher Muhammad Hassham Nagori, this severe vulnerability exposes websites to potential data breaches. SQL Injection attacks can compromise a website's database, leading to the unauthorized retrieval, manipulation, or destruction of data. The high CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the severity and potential impact of this vulnerability. The developers have addressed this critical issue in the patched version 9.9.1 by implementing proper input validation and query preparation techniques, effectively mitigating the risk of SQL Injection.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users of the WP Booking Calendar should immediately update to the patched version 9.9.1 to protect their websites from potential exploitation. Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Website administrators are encouraged to review their site logs for unusual or unauthorized database queries, which may indicate past exploitation attempts. Alternate Plugins: While the vulnerability has been addressed, users may consider evaluating other booking and scheduling plugins for their websites as part of a broader security strategy. Stay Updated: It is crucial to regularly update all WordPress plugins, themes, and the core software to protect against known vulnerabilities and ensure the security and functionality of your website.

Conclusion:

The swift action taken by the WP Booking Calendar developers to patch the unauthenticated SQL Injection vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software on your WordPress site. By updating to version 9.9.1, users can safeguard their sites against this and other potential security threats, reinforcing the security of their online presence.

References:

In the vast digital landscape where websites are the cornerstone of businesses and personal brands, the security of these online portals is paramount. The recent revelation of a critical vulnerability within the WP Booking Calendar plugin, known as CVE-2024-1207, serves as a stark reminder of the perpetual vigilance required in the realm of website security. This essential plugin, cherished by thousands for its robust scheduling features, has fallen prey to an Unauthenticated SQL Injection vulnerability, illuminating the inherent risks embedded within even the most trusted digital tools.

WP Booking Calendar: A Closer Look

WP Booking Calendar has been a go-to solution for seamless scheduling functionality on WordPress sites, boasting over 3 million downloads and 60,000 active installations. Crafted by the developer wpdevelop, this plugin has facilitated countless bookings, making it an indispensable asset for businesses and individuals alike. Despite its widespread acclaim, the discovery of a severe security flaw in versions up to and including 9.9 has cast a shadow over its reliability.

Understanding the Vulnerability: CVE-2024-1207

CVE-2024-1207 exposes a glaring loophole in the plugin's defenses, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute SQL Injection attacks through a compromised 'calendar_request_params[dates_ddmmyy_csv]' parameter. This breach, resulting from inadequate input sanitization and SQL query preparation, opens the door to potential unauthorized database manipulations, including data theft and alteration.

The Potential Fallout

The implications of such a vulnerability cannot be understated. Unauthorized access to sensitive information, alteration of booking data, and potential website compromise are just the tip of the iceberg. For small business owners, the ramifications extend beyond mere data loss, potentially eroding customer trust and inflicting lasting damage to their online reputation.

A Path to Remediation

In response to this critical vulnerability, the developers of WP Booking Calendar have released a patched version, 9.9.1, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by CVE-2024-1207. Users of the plugin are urged to update immediately, ensuring their websites are shielded from this and similar threats.

Navigating Past Vulnerabilities

This is not the plugin's first encounter with security vulnerabilities, with 11 previous issues reported since August 1, 2014. Each incident serves as a learning curve, emphasizing the dynamic nature of digital threats and the importance of continuous vigilance.

Staying Ahead of Security Threats

For small business owners juggling myriad responsibilities, the task of staying abreast of every security update can seem daunting. Yet, the digital integrity of your business hinges on the proactive management of these vulnerabilities. Employing managed WordPress hosting services, utilizing security plugins, and regular site audits can significantly mitigate the risks, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.

In conclusion, the discovery of CVE-2024-1207 within the WP Booking Calendar plugin underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software on your WordPress site. In an era where digital threats are ever-evolving, the security of your online presence is not a set-it-and-forget-it affair but a continuous commitment. By adopting a proactive approach to website security, small business owners can not only protect their digital assets but also preserve the trust and loyalty of their clientele, ensuring their online presence remains both vibrant and secure.

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.

WP Booking Calendar Vulnerability- Unauthenticated SQL Injection – CVE-2024-1207 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-1207?

CVE-2024-1207 is a unique identifier for a specific security vulnerability discovered in the WP Booking Calendar plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows for unauthenticated SQL Injection, meaning attackers can execute malicious SQL queries without needing to log in to the WordPress site. The risk lies in the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive database information and manipulation of site data.

This vulnerability was identified by security researcher Muhammad Hassham Nagori and has been documented to help users and developers understand the nature of the threat. It is critical for users of the WP Booking Calendar plugin to be aware of this vulnerability to take appropriate measures to secure their sites.

How does CVE-2024-1207 affect WordPress websites?

Websites using the vulnerable versions of WP Booking Calendar (up to and including 9.9) are at risk of being targeted by attackers who can exploit the SQL Injection vulnerability. This could lead to unauthorized access to the website's database, where attackers might read, modify, or delete data. Such actions can compromise the integrity of the website, lead to data breaches, and potentially impact the site's functionality and reputation.

The severity of the impact depends on the nature of the data stored in the website's database and the actions taken by the attacker. In some cases, attackers might use the vulnerability as a foothold to launch further attacks against the site or its users.

What is SQL Injection?

SQL Injection is a type of cybersecurity vulnerability that allows an attacker to interfere with the queries that an application makes to its database. It involves inserting or "injecting" malicious SQL code into a query, which can alter the database's intended behavior, leading to unauthorized access or manipulation of data. This vulnerability exploits weaknesses in the way an application handles user input.

SQL Injection is particularly dangerous because it can give attackers access to sensitive information stored in the database, such as personal user data, and can also be used to add, modify, or delete records, compromising the integrity of the application.

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

To determine if your site has been compromised due to CVE-2024-1207, review your website's access and error logs for any unusual or unauthorized database queries, which could indicate an SQL Injection attempt. Additionally, monitor for unexpected changes in your site's content or user accounts, as these could also be signs of a breach.

Consider using security tools or plugins that can scan your website for vulnerabilities and signs of compromise. If you suspect that your site has been affected, it may be prudent to consult with a cybersecurity professional who can conduct a thorough investigation.

What should I do if I'm using an affected version of WP Booking Calendar?

If you're using an affected version of WP Booking Calendar (version 9.9 or lower), you should immediately update to the latest version, which includes a patch for the CVE-2024-1207 vulnerability. Always ensure you have a current backup of your website before applying updates in case you need to restore your site.

After updating, continue to monitor your site for any unusual activity and consider conducting a security audit to ensure there are no other vulnerabilities present. Regularly updating your WordPress core, themes, and plugins is crucial for maintaining a secure website.

Are there alternative plugins to WP Booking Calendar that I should consider?

If you're considering alternatives to WP Booking Calendar due to this vulnerability or for other reasons, there are several other booking and scheduling plugins available for WordPress. When evaluating alternatives, consider factors such as the plugin's update history, user reviews, feature set, and how actively it's maintained by the developers.

Research and testing are key to finding a plugin that meets your specific needs while maintaining a strong security posture. Always test new plugins in a staging environment before implementing them on your live site to ensure compatibility and security.

How can I stay informed about vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

Staying informed about vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins involves regularly checking reputable security blogs, forums, and databases that track and report on WordPress vulnerabilities. Subscribing to security newsletters and alerts can also provide timely information on new vulnerabilities and threats.

Additionally, the WordPress Plugin Directory provides information on plugin updates and any known security issues, so regularly checking the details of the plugins you use can help keep you informed. Employing a security plugin that offers vulnerability scanning and monitoring can also alert you to potential issues.

What is the significance of a plugin's CVSS score?

The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score provides a standardized way to rate the severity of security vulnerabilities. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating a greater severity of the vulnerability. The CVSS score takes into account factors such as how easily the vulnerability can be exploited, the complexity of the attack, and the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

A high CVSS score, such as the 9.8 for CVE-2024-1207, indicates a critical vulnerability that poses a significant risk and should be addressed promptly. Understanding the CVSS score can help prioritize security efforts and remediation actions.

What general steps can I take to enhance the security of my WordPress site?

What general steps can I take to enhance the security of my WordPress site?

Enhancing the security of your WordPress site involves implementing a multi-layered approach: keep all software components (core, plugins, themes) up to date, use strong and unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication for user accounts, and employ a reputable security plugin for ongoing monitoring and protection.

Regular backups of your website are essential for recovery in case of an incident. Additionally, consider using a secure web hosting service and implementing security best practices, such as secure connections (SSL/TLS) and minimal user privilege levels. Staying educated on the latest security trends and threats is also key to maintaining a secure WordPress site.

Why is it important to address WordPress plugin vulnerabilities promptly?

Addressing WordPress plugin vulnerabilities promptly is crucial to protect your site from potential exploits that could compromise its security, functionality, and the data it holds. Unpatched vulnerabilities are a common attack vector for cybercriminals and can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and even complete site takeover.

Promptly applying security updates and patches reduces the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities, helping to maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of your site and safeguarding the experience of your users. Proactive security measures are essential in the dynamic landscape of website security.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-1207, cybersecurity awareness, digital safety., Plugin Vulnerability, security patching, small business protection, SQL Injection, Website Maintenance, wordpress security, WP Booking Calendar