WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce Vulnerability – Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6494 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? Stored Cross-Site Scripting, or XSS, is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts can execute in the browser without the knowledge of the website visitor, potentially leading to data theft, session hijacking, or other malicious activities. Stored XSS is particularly dangerous because the malicious code is saved on the server and can affect any user accessing the compromised web page.

Q: How does CVE-2023-6494 affect websites using WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce?

How does CVE-2023-6494 affect websites using WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce? CVE-2023-6494 is a vulnerability that allows authenticated users, specifically those with administrator-level access, to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages through the plugin's admin settings. This vulnerability affects sites by enabling potential unauthorized actions such as data manipulation or theft directly from the admin panel. It primarily impacts multi-site installations or installations where unfiltered HTML has been disabled, posing a significant risk of widespread data compromise.

Q: What should I do if my website is currently using an affected version of WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce?

What should I do if my website is currently using an affected version of WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce? If your website is using WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce version 4.0.2 or earlier, it is vulnerable to the CVE-2023-6494 exploit. The first step you should take is to update the plugin to version 4.0.3, which contains the necessary patch to fix the vulnerability. It is also advisable to review your website's security logs and check for any signs of unusual activity or unauthorized script executions that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.

Q: How can I update the WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin safely?

How can I update the WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin safely? To safely update the WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin, ensure that you back up your WordPress site first. This precaution allows you to restore your site to its previous state if the update causes any issues. After backing up, navigate to the WordPress dashboard, go to the Plugins section, find WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce, and click the update link if available.

Q: Are there alternatives to WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce that I should consider?

Are there alternatives to WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce that I should consider? If you are considering alternatives to WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce due to security concerns or other reasons, several other plugins offer similar functionality with potentially more robust security features. Some popular alternatives include YITH WooCommerce Quick View and WooCommerce Quick View Pro. As with any plugin, ensure to review the security history and update frequency before installing.

Q: Why is it important to maintain updated software on my WordPress site?

Why is it important to maintain updated software on my WordPress site? Keeping your software updated is crucial for protecting your WordPress site from known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Updates often contain patches for security holes that could otherwise allow unauthorized access to your site. Regular updates help ensure that your site remains secure against new threats and continues to function correctly with the latest technology standards.

Q: What immediate steps should I take if I suspect my site has been compromised?

What immediate steps should I take if I suspect my site has been compromised? If you suspect that your site has been compromised, immediately update the compromised plugin or revert to a previous version that is not affected. Change all relevant passwords, especially those of WordPress accounts with administrative access. Consider employing a security plugin that can scan for and remove malicious content. For comprehensive security, you may also want to consult with a cybersecurity professional.

Q: How can I check for signs of vulnerability exploitation on my site?

How can I check for signs of vulnerability exploitation on my site? To check for signs of exploitation, start by reviewing the access logs for any unusual or unauthorized requests, especially those that involve the plugin's settings or functionalities. Look for any unexpected changes to website content or settings that could indicate unauthorized access. Utilizing security plugins that monitor and log user activities can also help detect and alert you to potential security breaches.

Q: What general security practices should WordPress site owners follow?

What general security practices should WordPress site owners follow? WordPress site owners should adopt several best practices to enhance site security. These include using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, implementing two-factor authentication, regularly updating WordPress and its plugins and themes, limiting login attempts to prevent brute force attacks, and using security plugins to monitor and protect the site. Additionally, regular backups are crucial to ensure that you can quickly recover from any security incident.

Q: Where can I learn more about securing my WordPress website?

Where can I learn more about securing my WordPress website? For more information on securing your WordPress website, you can visit the official WordPress Codex and read guides on WordPress security best practices. Websites such as WPBeginner, Sucuri, and Wordfence also offer extensive articles and resources on specific security topics, including detailed advice on preventing XSS attacks and other common vulnerabilities. Attending webinars, online courses, and following WordPress security forums can also help keep you informed about the latest security strategies and tools.

By Your WP Guy | April 12, 2024

Plugin Name: WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: woo-smart-quick-view
Software Status: Active
Software Author: wpclever
Software Downloads: 1,038,524
Active Installs: 60,000
Last Updated: April 25, 2024
Patched Versions: 4.0.3
Affected Versions: <= 4.0.2

Vulnerability Details:

Name: WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce <= 4.0.2
Title: Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2023-6494
CVSS Score: 4.4
Publicly Published: April 12, 2024
Researcher: Ulyses Saicha
Description: The WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via admin settings in versions up to, and including, 4.0.2. Due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, attackers with administrator-level permissions can inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses an injected page, specifically affecting multi-site installations or installations where unfiltered_html has been disabled.

Summary:

The WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress contains a vulnerability in versions up to and including 4.0.2 that allows high-level authenticated users to perform stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through compromised admin settings. This critical security flaw has been addressed in version 4.0.3.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability, identified by researcher Ulyses Saicha and publicly disclosed on April 12, 2024, highlights a significant risk within the plugin's administration panel. The flaw arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape input, permitting embedded scripts to persist within admin settings and execute on user interfaces under certain conditions. The risk primarily impacts sites with multi-site setups or those that have specifically disabled unfiltered HTML, making the potential for malicious script execution a serious security concern. The patch introduced in version 4.0.3 resolves this issue by enhancing the input sanitization and escaping mechanisms to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to the newly released patched version 4.0.3 without delay to mitigate the vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should examine their WordPress sites for unusual or unexpected behavior in web pages, especially within multi-site environments.
Alternate Plugins: While the patch rectifies the issue, considering alternative WooCommerce viewing plugins as a precaution may be advisable for users seeking additional assurances against future vulnerabilities.
Stay Updated: Regularly updating all WordPress plugins and core software remains crucial to maintaining site security against evolving threats.

Conclusion:

The swift action taken by the developers of WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce to patch this vulnerability underscores the importance of prompt and proactive updates in safeguarding WordPress installations. Users are encouraged to ensure their plugins, particularly those handling dynamic content like WooCommerce extensions, are always maintained at the latest version to protect against potential exploits.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology, one of the sternest tests for any website owner is maintaining robust security protocols. This challenge is starkly illustrated by a recent security breach involving the WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin, a popular tool employed by over 60,000 WordPress sites to enhance e-commerce experiences. The discovery of a severe vulnerability, designated as CVE-2023-6494, highlights a critical oversight in plugin security that could have left thousands of websites exposed to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Summary:

The WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin has exposed vulnerabilities in versions up to and including 4.0.2, allowing high-level authenticated users to perform stored XSS attacks. Fortunately, this critical security flaw has been rectified in the latest patch, version 4.0.3.

Detailed Overview:

Identified by cybersecurity researcher Ulyses Saicha and disclosed on April 12, 2024, this vulnerability could allow attackers to perform malicious actions such as data theft, unauthorized data changes, or even taking full control of affected sites under certain conditions. The prompt release of patch 4.0.3 by the developers addresses the issue by enhancing the input validation and escaping processes to prevent similar security lapses in the future.

Conclusion:

The swift action taken by WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce's developers in addressing this vulnerability highlights the ongoing necessity of proactive security measures. For small business owners juggling numerous responsibilities, understanding the significance of regular updates and actively managing the security of your WordPress site is essential—not only to protect your own data but also to maintain trust with your customers. Remember, in the digital world, staying updated is your best defense.

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.

WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce Vulnerability – Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6494 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting, or XSS, is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts can execute in the browser without the knowledge of the website visitor, potentially leading to data theft, session hijacking, or other malicious activities. Stored XSS is particularly dangerous because the malicious code is saved on the server and can affect any user accessing the compromised web page.

How does CVE-2023-6494 affect websites using WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce?

CVE-2023-6494 is a vulnerability that allows authenticated users, specifically those with administrator-level access, to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages through the plugin's admin settings. This vulnerability affects sites by enabling potential unauthorized actions such as data manipulation or theft directly from the admin panel. It primarily impacts multi-site installations or installations where unfiltered HTML has been disabled, posing a significant risk of widespread data compromise.

What should I do if my website is currently using an affected version of WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce?

If your website is using WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce version 4.0.2 or earlier, it is vulnerable to the CVE-2023-6494 exploit. The first step you should take is to update the plugin to version 4.0.3, which contains the necessary patch to fix the vulnerability. It is also advisable to review your website's security logs and check for any signs of unusual activity or unauthorized script executions that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.

How can I update the WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin safely?

To safely update the WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin, ensure that you back up your WordPress site first. This precaution allows you to restore your site to its previous state if the update causes any issues. After backing up, navigate to the WordPress dashboard, go to the Plugins section, find WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce, and click the update link if available.

Are there alternatives to WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce that I should consider?

If you are considering alternatives to WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce due to security concerns or other reasons, several other plugins offer similar functionality with potentially more robust security features. Some popular alternatives include YITH WooCommerce Quick View and WooCommerce Quick View Pro. As with any plugin, ensure to review the security history and update frequency before installing.

Why is it important to maintain updated software on my WordPress site?

Keeping your software updated is crucial for protecting your WordPress site from known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Updates often contain patches for security holes that could otherwise allow unauthorized access to your site. Regular updates help ensure that your site remains secure against new threats and continues to function correctly with the latest technology standards.

What immediate steps should I take if I suspect my site has been compromised?

If you suspect that your site has been compromised, immediately update the compromised plugin or revert to a previous version that is not affected. Change all relevant passwords, especially those of WordPress accounts with administrative access. Consider employing a security plugin that can scan for and remove malicious content. For comprehensive security, you may also want to consult with a cybersecurity professional.

How can I check for signs of vulnerability exploitation on my site?

To check for signs of exploitation, start by reviewing the access logs for any unusual or unauthorized requests, especially those that involve the plugin's settings or functionalities. Look for any unexpected changes to website content or settings that could indicate unauthorized access. Utilizing security plugins that monitor and log user activities can also help detect and alert you to potential security breaches.

What general security practices should WordPress site owners follow?

WordPress site owners should adopt several best practices to enhance site security. These include using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts, implementing two-factor authentication, regularly updating WordPress and its plugins and themes, limiting login attempts to prevent brute force attacks, and using security plugins to monitor and protect the site. Additionally, regular backups are crucial to ensure that you can quickly recover from any security incident.

Where can I learn more about securing my WordPress website?

For more information on securing your WordPress website, you can visit the official WordPress Codex and read guides on WordPress security best practices. Websites such as WPBeginner, Sucuri, and Wordfence also offer extensive articles and resources on specific security topics, including detailed advice on preventing XSS attacks and other common vulnerabilities. Attending webinars, online courses, and following WordPress security forums can also help keep you informed about the latest security strategies and tools.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged admin vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-6494, cyber security, Plugin Updates, stored XSS, website safety, WooCommerce security, wordpress plugins, wordpress security, WPC Smart Quick View

Plugin Name: WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce Vulnerability – Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2023-6494 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

How does CVE-2023-6494 affect websites using WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce?

What should I do if my website is currently using an affected version of WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce?

How can I update the WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce plugin safely?

Are there alternatives to WPC Smart Quick View for WooCommerce that I should consider?

Why is it important to maintain updated software on my WordPress site?

What immediate steps should I take if I suspect my site has been compromised?

How can I check for signs of vulnerability exploitation on my site?

What general security practices should WordPress site owners follow?

Where can I learn more about securing my WordPress website?

Where can I learn more about securing my WordPress website?

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