Weekly WordPress Vulnerability Report May 20 to 26 2024

WordPress Biweekly Vulnerabilities Report: May 20, 2024, to May 26, 2024

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive WordPress biweekly vulnerabilities report. This report aims to keep WordPress site administrators informed about the latest security threats, helping to protect their websites from potential attacks. Covering the period from May 20, 2024, to May 26, 2024, this report provides an overview of newly discovered vulnerabilities, their impacts, and the best practices for mitigating these threats. In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying updated on vulnerabilities is crucial for maintaining site security and safeguarding user data.

Summary of Key Vulnerabilities

During this reporting period, a total of 134 vulnerabilities were identified in 110 WordPress plugins and one theme. Among these vulnerabilities, 99 have been patched, while 35 remain unpatched. The vulnerabilities vary in severity, with 108 classified as medium severity, 19 as high severity, and 7 as critical.

Critical Vulnerabilities

1. Business Directory Plugin – Easy Listing Directories for WordPress (<= 6.4.2)

– Type: Unauthenticated SQL Injection

– CVSS Rating: 9.8

– Status: Patched

2. Country State City Dropdown CF7 (<= 2.7.2)

– Type: Unauthenticated SQL Injection

– CVSS Rating: 9.8

– Status: Patched

3. Hash Form – Drag & Drop Form Builder (<= 1.1.0)

– Type: Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Upload to Remote Code Execution

– CVSS Rating: 9.8

– Status: Patched

4. Pie Register – Social Sites Login (Add on) (<= 1.7.7)

– Type: Authentication Bypass

– CVSS Rating: 9.8

– Status: Patched

5. UserPro – Community and User Profile WordPress Plugin (<= 5.1.8)

– Type: Unauthenticated Account Takeover to Privilege Escalation

– CVSS Rating: 9.8

– Status: Patched

6. Web Directory Free (<= 1.6.9)

– Type: Unauthenticated SQL Injection

– CVSS Rating: 9.8

– Status: Patched

7. WPZOOM Addons for Elementor (Templates, Widgets) (<= 1.1.37)

– Type: Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion

– CVSS Rating: 9.8

– Status: Patched

Detailed Analysis of Vulnerabilities

1. SQL Injection Vulnerabilities:

SQL injection vulnerabilities are among the most critical as they allow attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries on the database. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, database manipulation, and even complete site takeover. The SQL injection vulnerabilities found in plugins like Business Directory, Country State City Dropdown CF7, and Web Directory Free could allow attackers to exploit database weaknesses without needing to authenticate.

2. Arbitrary File Upload Vulnerabilities:

The vulnerability in Hash Form – Drag & Drop Form Builder allows attackers to upload arbitrary files, which can then be executed on the server. This type of vulnerability can be particularly damaging, as it can lead to remote code execution, allowing attackers to take full control of the site.

3. Authentication Bypass Vulnerabilities:

Vulnerabilities such as those found in Pie Register – Social Sites Login can allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, granting them unauthorized access to user accounts. In some cases, this can also lead to privilege escalation, where attackers gain administrative access.

4. Local File Inclusion Vulnerabilities:

The WPZOOM Addons for Elementor plugin vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server. This can be exploited to read sensitive files, such as configuration files containing database credentials, or to execute malicious scripts.

Impact of Vulnerabilities

The discovered vulnerabilities pose significant risks to WordPress sites, including:

– Data Breaches: Attackers can access sensitive information stored in the database, leading to potential data breaches and compromising user privacy.

– Site Defacement: Arbitrary file upload and code execution vulnerabilities can be used to alter site content, deface the site, or inject malicious content.

– Malware Infections: Exploiting these vulnerabilities can result in the deployment of malware, which can spread to visitors and other parts of the site, leading to broader security issues.

– Service Disruptions: Successful attacks can cause downtime, disrupting services and negatively affecting user experience and trust.

Mitigation and Recommendations

To safeguard your WordPress site from these vulnerabilities, it is essential to follow these best practices:

1. Update Regularly:

– Ensure all plugins and themes are updated to their latest versions. Developers often release patches to fix known vulnerabilities, so keeping your site updated is crucial.

2. Implement Strong Security Measures:

– Use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an additional layer of security.

– Install a reputable security plugin, such as Wordfence, to monitor and protect your site from various threats.

3. Regular Backups:

– Perform regular backups of your site to ensure that you can quickly restore it in case of an attack or data loss. Store backups in a secure, off-site location.

4. Monitor Site Activity:

– Regularly review your site's logs and activity reports to identify any unusual behavior or potential security threats. Set up alerts for suspicious activities.

5. Limit Access:

– Restrict access to your WordPress admin area to trusted IP addresses and limit user roles to the minimum necessary permissions.

Introducing WP-Firewall

WP-Firewall offers a comprehensive solution to protect your WordPress site from vulnerabilities and threats. The free plan includes essential security features such as:

– Real-time Threat Detection: Monitors and blocks malicious activities as they happen, ensuring your site remains protected around the clock.

– Firewall Protection: Prevents unauthorized access and defends against common web-based attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).

– Malware Scanning: Regularly scans your site for malware, identifying and removing malicious code before it can cause harm.

– Automatic Updates: Keeps your plugins and themes updated automatically, ensuring you always have the latest security patches.

Benefits of WP-Firewall

Using WP-Firewall provides numerous advantages, including:

1. Enhanced Security:

– WP-Firewall offers advanced protection against a wide range of threats, helping to keep your site secure from known and emerging vulnerabilities.

2. Improved Performance:

– By blocking malicious traffic and reducing the load on your server, WP-Firewall can help improve your site's performance and stability.

3. Peace of Mind:

– With WP-Firewall actively protecting your site, you can focus on creating content and running your business, knowing that your site is secure.

4. Reduced Maintenance Effort:

– Automatic updates and regular scans mean less time spent managing security and more time for other important tasks.

Case Studies: WP-Firewall in Action

1. Case Study 1:

– A WordPress e-commerce site was frequently targeted by SQL injection attacks, leading to data breaches and customer complaints. After implementing WP-Firewall, the site experienced a significant reduction in attacks and no further data breaches.

2. Case Study 2:

– A popular blog faced repeated defacement due to file upload vulnerabilities. WP-Firewall's real-time threat detection and malware scanning helped prevent further incidents and restored the site's integrity.

What You Are Still Waiting For? Enhance Your WordPress Site Security Level Now!

Protect your WordPress site today by signing up for the WP-Firewall free plan. Proactive security measures are crucial to maintaining the integrity and safety of your site. Don’t wait until it’s too late—sign up for the WP-Firewall free planand ensure your site remains secure against the latest threats.

Conclusion

In this report, we've highlighted the key vulnerabilities discovered from May 20, 2024, to May 26, 2024, their potential impacts, and the necessary steps to mitigate them. Staying informed about vulnerabilities and taking proactive steps to secure your WordPress site is essential. WP-Firewall offers comprehensive protection to help you safeguard your site and enjoy peace of mind. Sign up today and make security a priority for your WordPress site.