YARPP Vulnerability – Authenticated(Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via settings – CVE-2024-0602 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the YARPP vulnerability that was discovered?

What is the YARPP vulnerability that was discovered? The vulnerability discovered in the YARPP plugin is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) issue affecting versions up to and including 5.30.9. Stored XSS vulnerabilities enable attackers to inject malicious code into a site which is then executed when pages load. This grants elevated access to take over user accounts, steal data, deface sites, and more.

Q: Why does this vulnerability in YARPP pose such a severe security risk?

Why does this vulnerability in YARPP pose such a severe security risk? This YARPP vulnerability poses major risk because it provides a gateway for several dangerous attacks. The ability for malicious scripts to run opens the door to account takeovers, data extraction, and website defacements. The impact can be site corruption, stolen user information, hijacked sessions, and hijacked administrator accounts.

Q: What is cross-site scripting and how serious is an XSS vulnerability?

What is cross-site scripting and how serious is an XSS vulnerability? Cross-site scripting (XSS) is an attack that injects malicious code into web pages by failing to properly sanitize user input. XSS can introduce damaging scripts that can lead to a variety of impacts depending on the vulnerability specifics. Stored XSS is especially serious because injected code is saved and executes any time a compromised page loads.

Q: How can I tell if my WordPress site is vulnerable or has been compromised?

How can I tell if my WordPress site is vulnerable or has been compromised? To determine if your YARPP plugin version is vulnerable, visit the Updates section of WordPress. Check that you have version 5.30.10 or higher which has the patched security fix. Also scan all user accounts and plugin activity for anything suspicious. And review site content and settings for unauthorized code injections or script tags.

Q: I have an older version of YARPP. What should I do?

I have an older version of YARPP. What should I do? If you are running any YARPP version older than 5.30.10, you should immediately update to the latest patched release. Either manually update via Dashboard > Updates or enable background auto-updates for a hassle-free way to maintain security.

Q: How urgent is it that I update my YARPP plugin?

How urgent is it that I update my YARPP plugin? Updating YARPP as soon as possible is extremely urgent for the security of your WordPress site. Leaving this stored XSS vulnerability open provides opportunity for compromise and attacks. Delaying an update gives attackers an open window to infiltrate your site.

Q: Could updating break my site if I have an older version of YARPP?

Could updating break my site if I have an older version of YARPP? Updating vulnerable plugins often raises concerns of site breakage. However, the YARPP patched release focused solely on security fixes. And there are no reports of site functionality impacts from users updating. As usual, take standard precautions like backups. But you should be able to update smoothly.

Q: What precautions should I take after updating YARPP?

What precautions should I take after updating YARPP? Once you've updated to the latest fixed YARPP release, you should check thoroughly for any indicators of compromise. Specifically review all user accounts, plugins, and content for unauthorized changes. Also consider setting up additional site monitoring, login protections, and automatic updates to boost long term security.

Q: Are other WordPress plugins likely vulnerable? How can I stay on top of this?

Are other WordPress plugins likely vulnerable? How can I stay on top of this? Unfortunately, vulnerabilities in popular WordPress plugins are continuously being discovered. The best way to handle this is enabling background auto-updates universally across your site to more easily maintain security. Pay attention to plugin ratings and reviews as well. Staying proactive is key for website owners without much time to regularly check manually.

Q: Why is keeping plugins updated so important?

Why is keeping plugins updated so important? Keeping your plugins updated may feel tedious but is critically important because vulnerabilities provide major opportunities for attackers. The regularity of discovered plugin flaws means constant vigilance is necessary. While staying on top of security can get overlooked when juggling priorities, leaving doors unlocked can lead to compromised sites. Making updates a habit will save major headaches down the road.

By Your WP Guy | February 20, 2024

Plugin Name: YARPP

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: yet-another-related-posts-plugin
Software Status: Active
Software Author: jeffparker
Software Downloads: 7,579,644
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: February 20, 2024
Patched Versions: 5.30.10
Affected Versions: 5.30.9

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Yet Another Related Posts Plugin (YARPP) <= 5.30.9 - Authenticated(Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via settings
Title: Authenticated(Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via settings
Type: Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page (Basic XSS)
CVE: CVE-2024-0602
CVSS Score: 4.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: February 20, 2024
Researcher: Akbar Kustirama
Description: The YARPP – Yet Another Related Posts Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via admin settings in all versions up to, and including, 5.30.9 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level permissions and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This only affects multi-site installations and installations where unfiltered_html has been disabled.

Summary:

The YARPP plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 5.30.9 that allows authenticated users with admin permissions to inject malicious scripts. This cross-site scripting vulnerability has been patched in version 5.30.10.

Detailed Overview:

Researcher Akbar Kustirama discovered a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in the YARPP WordPress plugin affecting versions up to and including 5.30.9. The vulnerability allows authenticated users with admin permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts due to insufficient sanitization of user input. When stored scripts are executed, they grant the attacker elevated privileges to extract sensitive information or perform malicious actions. This vulnerability has been assigned CVE identifier CVE-2024-0602 and a CVSS severity score of 4.4 (Medium). The developer has released YARPP version 5.30.10 to address this vulnerability by properly sanitizing input. All users are urged to update immediately.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to the latest patched release, YARPP 5.30.10, as soon as possible.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your site for any unauthorized injected scripts. Also check for unauthorized admin users.
Alternate Plugins: Consider alternate related posts plugins like Contextual Related Posts as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Enable automatic updates in WordPress to receive timely security fixes.

Conclusion:

The timely patch for this stored XSS vulnerability in YARPP underscores the critical importance of staying updated. Users should install version 5.30.10 immediately to protect their sites. As always, enabling automatic updates is the best way to ensure you have the latest security fixes.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/yet-another-related-posts-plugin

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/yet-another-related-posts-plugin/yet-another-related-posts-plugin-yarpp-5309-authenticatedadministrator-stored-cross-site-scripting-via-settings

Detailed Report:

Keeping your WordPress website secure should be a top priority – after all, you don't want your hard work compromised. Unfortunately, the latest security vulnerability in the popular YARPP plugin serves as an urgent reminder that outdated plugins pose a severe risk. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to lock down your site.

YARPP, or Yet Another Related Posts Plugin, is a widely used WordPress plugin with over 7 million downloads. It helps site owners increase user engagement by displaying related posts. This useful plugin powers over 100,000 active sites, but versions up to and including 5.30.9 contain a serious stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability.

Researcher Akbar Kustirama discovered that the vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input. By injecting malicious scripts into settings pages, an attacker with admin privileges can execute code when pages load. This grants elevated access to take over accounts, extract sensitive data, or deface sites.

YARPP sites running any version prior to 5.30.10 are exposed. To remediate, a security update is available and should be installed immediately. You can update manually in the WordPress dashboard or enable automatic background updates for hassle-free security. Review your plugin list and settings for any unauthorized changes just in case.

This is the 6th vulnerability found in YARPP since May 2015. The regularity of flaws uncovered in popular plugins is a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilant security hygiene – something busy small business owners may be tempted to neglect when juggling other priorities. However, staying on top of updates is truly essential to avoid leaving doors open for attacks.

By raising awareness and encouraging prompt patching, the YARPP developers have done their part to protect users. Do yours by updating or enabling automated background updates. Making site security a habit will pay off when the next inevitable vulnerability emerges in a popular plugin. Regular upkeep is essential as plugins like YARPP have become common gateways for attacks, but with the right focus they don’t have to become liabilities.

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.

YARPP Vulnerability – Authenticated(Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via settings – CVE-2024-0602 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the YARPP vulnerability that was discovered?

The vulnerability discovered in the YARPP plugin is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) issue affecting versions up to and including 5.30.9. Stored XSS vulnerabilities enable attackers to inject malicious code into a site which is then executed when pages load. This grants elevated access to take over user accounts, steal data, deface sites, and more.

Why does this vulnerability in YARPP pose such a severe security risk?

This YARPP vulnerability poses major risk because it provides a gateway for several dangerous attacks. The ability for malicious scripts to run opens the door to account takeovers, data extraction, and website defacements. The impact can be site corruption, stolen user information, hijacked sessions, and hijacked administrator accounts.

What is cross-site scripting and how serious is an XSS vulnerability?

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is an attack that injects malicious code into web pages by failing to properly sanitize user input. XSS can introduce damaging scripts that can lead to a variety of impacts depending on the vulnerability specifics. Stored XSS is especially serious because injected code is saved and executes any time a compromised page loads.

How can I tell if my WordPress site is vulnerable or has been compromised?

To determine if your YARPP plugin version is vulnerable, visit the Updates section of WordPress. Check that you have version 5.30.10 or higher which has the patched security fix. Also scan all user accounts and plugin activity for anything suspicious. And review site content and settings for unauthorized code injections or script tags.

I have an older version of YARPP. What should I do?

How urgent is it that I update my YARPP plugin?

Could updating break my site if I have an older version of YARPP?

What precautions should I take after updating YARPP?

Are other WordPress plugins likely vulnerable? How can I stay on top of this?

Unfortunately, vulnerabilities in popular WordPress plugins are continuously being discovered. The best way to handle this is enabling background auto-updates universally across your site to more easily maintain security. Pay attention to plugin ratings and reviews as well. Staying proactive is key for website owners without much time to regularly check manually.

Why is keeping plugins updated so important?

Keeping your plugins updated may feel tedious but is critically important because vulnerabilities provide major opportunities for attackers. The regularity of discovered plugin flaws means constant vigilance is necessary. While staying on top of security can get overlooked when juggling priorities, leaving doors unlocked can lead to compromised sites. Making updates a habit will save major headaches down the road.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting, Patch, Plugin, related posts, security, Update, vulnerability, Website Maintenance, WordPress, XSS, YARPP

Plugin Name: YARPP

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

YARPP Vulnerability – Authenticated(Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via settings – CVE-2024-0602 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the YARPP vulnerability that was discovered?

What is the YARPP vulnerability that was discovered?

Why does this vulnerability in YARPP pose such a severe security risk?

Why does this vulnerability in YARPP pose such a severe security risk?

What is cross-site scripting and how serious is an XSS vulnerability?

What is cross-site scripting and how serious is an XSS vulnerability?

How can I tell if my WordPress site is vulnerable or has been compromised?

How can I tell if my WordPress site is vulnerable or has been compromised?

I have an older version of YARPP. What should I do?

I have an older version of YARPP. What should I do?

How urgent is it that I update my YARPP plugin?

How urgent is it that I update my YARPP plugin?

Could updating break my site if I have an older version of YARPP?

Could updating break my site if I have an older version of YARPP?

What precautions should I take after updating YARPP?

What precautions should I take after updating YARPP?

Are other WordPress plugins likely vulnerable? How can I stay on top of this?

Are other WordPress plugins likely vulnerable? How can I stay on top of this?

Why is keeping plugins updated so important?

Why is keeping plugins updated so important?

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