Weekly WordPress Vulnerability Report July 15 to 21 2024

Introduction

This report provides a detailed overview of vulnerabilities identified in WordPress plugins and themes from July 15, 2024, to July 21, 2024. Staying updated with these security reports is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of WordPress sites, protecting against data breaches, site defacement, and other malicious activities.

Summary of Key Vulnerabilities

During this period, 71 vulnerabilities were disclosed in 60 WordPress plugins and 2 themes. Out of these, 59 were patched, and 12 remained unpatched. The severity levels were categorized as follows:

• Critical: 5 vulnerabilities
• High: 11 vulnerabilities
• Medium: 54 vulnerabilities
• Low: 1 vulnerability

Specific Plugins and Themes Affected

Here are some notable vulnerabilities reported:

1. FormLift for Infusionsoft Web FormsType: Unauthenticated SQL Injection
   Severity: Critical (10.0)
   Patch Status: Patched
2. HUSKY – Products Filter Professional for WooCommerceType: Unauthenticated Time-Based SQL Injection
   Severity: Critical (9.8)
   Patch Status: Patched
3. WooCommerce – Social LoginType: Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation
   Severity: Critical (9.8)
   Patch Status: Patched
4. 简数采集器 (Keydatas)Type: Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload
   Severity: Critical (9.8)
   Patch Status: Unpatched
5. UiPress liteType: Authenticated (Administrator+) SQL Injection
   Severity: Critical (9.1)
   Patch Status: Patched

Impact of Vulnerabilities

These vulnerabilities pose significant risks to WordPress sites, such as data breaches, malware infections, and site defacement. For instance:

• SQL Injection: Can allow attackers to access and manipulate databases, leading to data theft or loss.
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Enables attackers to inject malicious scripts, potentially stealing user data or hijacking user sessions.
• File Upload Vulnerabilities: Allow unauthorized file uploads, which can result in the execution of malicious code on the server.

Real-World Scenarios

Previous cases show the severe consequences of unpatched vulnerabilities:

1. Data Breach: Exploiting an SQL injection vulnerability in a popular plugin led to the exposure of user credentials.
2. Site Defacement: Cross-site scripting flaws enabled attackers to deface websites, harming business reputations.
3. Malware Infections: Unrestricted file upload vulnerabilities facilitated malware distribution, affecting both the site and its visitors.

Mitigation and Recommendations

To mitigate these vulnerabilities, WordPress site administrators should:

1. Regular Updates: Ensure all plugins and themes are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA for an extra layer of security.
3. Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of the site for data restoration in case of an attack.
4. Security Plugins: Use security plugins to monitor and protect the site.
5. Least Privilege Principle: Assign the least privilege necessary to user accounts to minimize potential damage.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Updating Plugins and Themes:Go to the WordPress dashboard.
   Navigate to the "Updates" section.
   Select all available updates for plugins and themes.
   Click "Update" to install the latest versions.
2. Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication:Install a 2FA plugin (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy).
   Configure the plugin as instructed.
   Enable 2FA for all user accounts with administrative privileges.
3. Regular Backups:Install a backup plugin (e.g., UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy).
   Schedule regular backups and ensure they are stored securely.
   Test the backup restoration process periodically.

In-Depth Analysis of Specific Vulnerabilities

FormLift for Infusionsoft Web Forms

• Exploit Mechanics: An unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the database.
• Impact: This can lead to the complete compromise of the database, exposing sensitive information and allowing data manipulation.
• Mitigation: Ensure the plugin is updated to the latest version, which includes the patch for this vulnerability.

HUSKY – Products Filter Professional for WooCommerce

• Exploit Mechanics: Time-based SQL injection can be exploited without authentication, leading to database manipulation.
• Impact: Attackers can retrieve or modify sensitive data, potentially leading to data breaches.
• Mitigation: Update the plugin to the patched version immediately to prevent exploitation.

Historical Comparison

Comparing the vulnerabilities from this week with previous periods reveals some trends:

• Increase in Medium Severity Vulnerabilities: There has been a noticeable rise in medium severity vulnerabilities, particularly related to cross-site scripting (XSS) and missing authorization flaws.
• Consistent Critical Vulnerabilities: The number of critical vulnerabilities remains relatively stable, indicating ongoing challenges in addressing high-risk issues in plugins and themes.

Conclusion

Staying informed about the latest vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining the security of WordPress sites. By regularly updating plugins and themes, implementing robust security measures, and following best practices, administrators can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. Sign up for our mailing list to receive timely updates on vulnerabilities and enhance your site's security posture.

For more details on WordPress vulnerabilities and mitigation, please visit our WordPress Vulnerability Database.