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WordPress vulnerability: WordPress is the most popular content management system (CMS) in the world, powering over 40% of all websites. As such, it is a constant target for hackers. In November 2022, there were a number of WordPress vulnerabilities reported, some of which were critical.

Critical WordPress vulnerability in WP Admin UI Customize plugin

One of the most serious WordPress vulnerabilities reported in November was a critical vulnerability in the WP Admin UI Customize plugin. This plugin allows users to customize the look and feel of their WordPress dashboard. The vulnerability allowed an attacker with high-privilege authentication to perform stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

Stored XSS attacks occur when an attacker injects malicious code into a website that is then stored on the website’s server. This malicious code can then be executed by any visitor to the website. In the case of the WP Admin UI Customize plugin, the malicious code could be used to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information from users.

The vulnerability was discovered by security researcher Sucuri. The vulnerability was patched in the WP Admin UI Customize plugin version 1.5.13. Users of the plugin are advised to update to the latest version as soon as possible.

Authenticated cross-site scripting WordPress vulnerability in Broken Link Checker plugin

Another critical vulnerability was reported in the Broken Link Checker plugin. This plugin helps users find and fix broken links on their websites. The vulnerability allowed an attacker with high-privilege authentication to perform authenticated cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

Authenticated XSS attacks occur when an attacker injects malicious code into a website that can only be executed by users who are logged in to the website. In the case of the Broken Link Checker plugin, the malicious code could be used to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information from logged-in users.

The vulnerability was discovered by security researcher Wpscan. The vulnerability was patched in the Broken Link Checker plugin version 1.11.20. Users of the plugin are advised to update to the latest version as soon as possible.

Other WordPress vulnerabilities reported in November

In addition to the critical vulnerabilities mentioned above, there were a number of other WordPress vulnerabilities reported in November. These included:

• A vulnerability in the WP Cerber Security plugin that allowed an attacker to bypass authentication.
• A vulnerability in the WPML Translation Management plugin that allowed an attacker to inject malicious code into translated content.
• A vulnerability in the Yoast SEO plugin allowed an attacker to inject malicious code into search engine results pages (SERPs).
• A vulnerability in the Jetpack plugin that allowed an attacker to take control of a website.
• A vulnerability in the Gravity Forms plugin that allowed an attacker to steal user data.

How to protect your WordPress website from vulnerabilities

The best way to protect your WordPress website from vulnerabilities is to keep your software up to date. WordPress releases security updates on a regular basis, so it is important to install them as soon as they are available. You should also use a security plugin to help protect your website from attacks.

Here are some other tips for protecting your WordPress theme from vulnerabilities:

• Use strong passwords and change them regularly.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Be careful about what plugins and themes you install. Only install plugins and themes from trusted sources.
• Keep your backups up to date.
• Monitor your website for suspicious activity.

By following these tips, you can help protect your WordPress website from vulnerabilities and keep your data safe.

Conclusion

WordPress is a powerful and versatile CMS, but it is important to be aware of the security risks associated with it. By keeping your software up to date, using a security plugin, and following other security best practices, you can help protect your WordPress website from vulnerabilities.

I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.