Element Pack Elementor Addons Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via custom_attributes and Form Submission Admin Email Bypass – CVE-2024-3926, CVE-2024-3927 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin vulnerability?

What is the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin vulnerability? The Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin vulnerability consists of two distinct issues: a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability (CVE-2024-3926) and a Form Submission Admin Email Bypass vulnerability (CVE-2024-3927). The XSS vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into websites via the custom_attributes value in widgets, while the Email Bypass vulnerability enables unauthenticated attackers to bypass email restrictions when submitting the contact form. These vulnerabilities are caused by insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, as well as the plugin not properly checking for all variations of an administrator's email address.

Q: How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin?

How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin? To check if your website is using a vulnerable version of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section. Look for the "Element Pack Elementor Addons" plugin in the list and check its version number. If the version number is 5.6.3 or lower, your website is using a vulnerable version of the plugin and should be updated immediately.

Q: How do I update the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to fix the vulnerability?

How do I update the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to fix the vulnerability? To update the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin and fix the vulnerability, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section. Look for the "Element Pack Elementor Addons" plugin in the list and click on the "Update Now" button next to it. If you don't see an "Update Now" button, you may need to download the latest version of the plugin from the official website and manually upload it to your WordPress installation. If you are unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking assistance from a professional web developer or security expert.

Q: What are the risks of not updating the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin?

What are the risks of not updating the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin? Not updating the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin can expose your website to several risks. The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability can allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into your website, potentially compromising its integrity, stealing sensitive user data, or redirecting visitors to malicious websites. The Form Submission Admin Email Bypass vulnerability can enable attackers to flood your inbox with spam or conduct targeted phishing attacks, putting your personal and business information at risk. Failing to address these vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, loss of customer trust, and damage to your brand's reputation.

Q: How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability? If your website has been compromised due to the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin vulnerability, you may notice unusual changes to your website's content or appearance, such as unauthorized posts, pages, or links. You may also receive reports from users about suspicious activity or unexpected redirects. To thoroughly check for signs of compromise, you can scan your website using a security plugin or service that looks for malware, suspicious code, or unauthorized changes. If you suspect your website has been compromised, it's essential to take immediate action by removing the malicious code, updating your plugins, and strengthening your website's security measures.

Q: Are there any alternative plugins I can use instead of Element Pack Elementor Addons?

Are there any alternative plugins I can use instead of Element Pack Elementor Addons? Yes, there are several alternative plugins you can use that offer similar functionality to Element Pack Elementor Addons. Some popular options include: Essential Addons for Elementor Premium Addons for Elementor Elementor Extras PowerPack Addons for Elementor Elementor Pro (official plugin by Elementor) When choosing an alternative plugin, ensure that it is regularly updated, has good user reviews, and is compatible with your version of WordPress and Elementor.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins to maintain website security?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins to maintain website security? It's recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions become available, especially if they address security vulnerabilities. Regularly check your WordPress dashboard for updates and apply them promptly to minimize the risk of your website being compromised. In addition to updating your plugins, it's essential to keep your WordPress core and themes up to date, as well as maintain a regular backup schedule for your website. By staying proactive about website maintenance and security, you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to security threats.

Q: Can I continue using the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin if I update to the latest version?

Can I continue using the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin if I update to the latest version? Yes, you can continue using the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin if you update to version 5.6.4 or later, which includes patches for the discovered vulnerabilities. Updating the plugin will fix the security issues while allowing you to continue using its features and functionality. However, it's essential to stay informed about any future vulnerabilities that may be discovered in the plugin and update accordingly. Regularly monitoring your plugins and applying updates is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your website.

Q: What should I do if I'm not comfortable updating the plugin myself?

What should I do if I'm not comfortable updating the plugin myself? If you're not comfortable updating the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin yourself, or if you're unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking assistance from a professional web developer or security expert. They can help you update the plugin, scan your website for potential compromises, and implement additional security measures to protect your site. Many web development and security companies offer website maintenance and security services that can take the burden of managing your website's security off your shoulders. By working with a trusted professional, you can ensure that your website remains secure and up to date without having to devote significant time and resources to the task yourself.

Q: How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins? To stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins, you can follow various security blogs, newsletters, and online resources that regularly publish information about newly discovered vulnerabilities and security best practices. Some popular sources include: WordPress Security Blogs: Wordfence, Sucuri, WPScan WordPress.org Vulnerability Database National Vulnerability Database (NVD) Security Newsletters: WPBeginner, WP Mail, MainWP Additionally, consider installing a security plugin on your WordPress website that can automatically scan for vulnerabilities, send alerts about potential security issues, and provide recommendations for maintaining your website's security. By staying proactive and informed, you can quickly respond to new threats and keep your website secure.

By Your WP Guy | May 21, 2024

Plugin Name: Element Pack Elementor Addons

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: bdthemes-element-pack-lite
Software Status: Active
Software Author: bdthemes
Software Downloads: 2,152,863
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: May 21, 2024
Patched Versions: 5.6.4
Affected Versions: <= 5.6.3

Vulnerability 1 Details:

Name: Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) <= 5.6.1 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via custom_attributes
Type: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
CVE: CVE-2024-3926
CVSS Score: 6.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: May 21, 2024
Researcher: wesley (wcraft)
Description: The Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the custom_attributes value in widgets in all versions up to, and including, 5.6.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Vulnerability 2 Details:

Name: Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) <= 5.6.3 - Form Submission Admin Email Bypass
Type: Improper Protection of Alternate Path
CVE: CVE-2024-3927
CVSS Score: 5.3 (Medium)
Publicly Published: May 21, 2024
Researcher: Ngô Thiên An
Description: The Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Form Submission Admin Email Bypass in all versions up to, and including, 5.6.3. This is due to the plugin not properly checking for all variations of an administrators emails. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to bypass the restriction using a +value when submitting the contact form.

Summary:

The Element Pack Elementor Addons for WordPress has two vulnerabilities in versions up to and including 5.6.3 that allow for Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via custom_attributes and Form Submission Admin Email Bypass. These vulnerabilities have been patched in version 5.6.4.

Detailed Overview:

The first vulnerability, discovered by researcher wesley (wcraft), allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages via the custom_attributes value in widgets. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes.

The second vulnerability, discovered by researcher Ngô Thiên An, allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass the admin email restriction when submitting the contact form. This is due to the plugin not properly checking for all variations of an administrator's email, making it possible to bypass the restriction using a +value.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users are encouraged to update to version 5.6.4 or later to ensure their WordPress installations are secure.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Users should check their website for any suspicious or unauthorized content that may have been injected due to the Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.
Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, users might still consider plugins that offer similar functionality as a precaution.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

The prompt response from the plugin developers to patch these vulnerabilities underscores the importance of timely updates. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 5.6.4 or later to secure their WordPress installations.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/bdthemes-element-pack-lite

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/bdthemes-element-pack-lite/element-pack-elementor-addons-header-footer-template-library-dynamic-grid-carousel-remote-arrows-561-authenticated-contributor-stored-cross-site-scripting-via-custom-attributes

Detailed Report:

In the ever-evolving landscape of web security, it's crucial for website owners to stay vigilant and keep their platforms up to date. A recent discovery of multiple vulnerabilities in the popular Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress has once again highlighted the importance of regular updates and proactive security measures.

About the Plugin

The Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, used by over 100,000 active websites, is a popular choice for adding advanced functionality to WordPress websites using the Elementor page builder. With over 2 million downloads, this plugin has become a go-to solution for many website owners looking to enhance their site's features and design.

Discovered Vulnerabilities

Two critical vulnerabilities have been discovered in the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 5.6.3. These vulnerabilities are identified as CVE-2024-3926 and CVE-2024-3927.

The first vulnerability (CVE-2024-3926) allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into your website via the custom_attributes value in widgets. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes.

The second vulnerability (CVE-2024-3927) enables unauthenticated attackers to bypass email restrictions when submitting the contact form. This is caused by the plugin not properly checking for all variations of an administrator's email, allowing attackers to bypass the restriction using a +value in the email address.

Risks and Potential Impacts

Failing to address these vulnerabilities can lead to serious consequences for your website and business. The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability (CVE-2024-3926) can allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into your website, potentially compromising its integrity, stealing sensitive user data, or redirecting visitors to malicious websites.

The Form Submission Admin Email Bypass vulnerability (CVE-2024-3927) can enable attackers to flood your inbox with spam or conduct targeted phishing attacks, putting your personal and business information at risk.

How to Fix the Vulnerability

To protect your website from these vulnerabilities, it is crucial to update the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to version 5.6.4 or later, which includes patches for both issues. If you are unable to update the plugin immediately, consider deactivating it until you can apply the necessary updates.

Previous Vulnerabilities

It is worth noting that this is not the first time the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin has faced security issues. Since February 2024, there have been 8 previous vulnerabilities discovered in the plugin. This underscores the importance of regularly monitoring and updating your WordPress plugins to ensure the ongoing security of your website.

The Importance of Staying Updated

As a small business owner, keeping your WordPress website secure may seem like a daunting task, especially when you have limited time and resources. However, neglecting website security can lead to far more significant problems down the line, such as data breaches, loss of customer trust, and damage to your brand's reputation.

By staying informed about potential vulnerabilities and taking proactive steps to update your plugins and maintain your website's security, you can protect your business and your customers from online threats. If you are unsure about how to proceed or need assistance with updating your website, consider reaching out to a professional web developer or security expert for guidance.

Security vulnerabilities like this one demonstrate the importance of having WordPress experts regularly monitor, maintain and update your site. At Your WP Guy, we offer ongoing management to handle updates, security monitoring, backups, uptime and support so you can stop worrying and get back to growing your business.

Let us fully audit your site to check for any signs of this vulnerability or other issues. We'll immediately update any out-of-date plugins and harden your site's security. Chat with us anytime during business hours, schedule a call or call 678-995-5169 to lock down your online presence.

Element Pack Elementor Addons Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via custom_attributes and Form Submission Admin Email Bypass – CVE-2024-3926, CVE-2024-3927 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin vulnerability?

The Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin vulnerability consists of two distinct issues: a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability (CVE-2024-3926) and a Form Submission Admin Email Bypass vulnerability (CVE-2024-3927). The XSS vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into websites via the custom_attributes value in widgets, while the Email Bypass vulnerability enables unauthenticated attackers to bypass email restrictions when submitting the contact form.

These vulnerabilities are caused by insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes, as well as the plugin not properly checking for all variations of an administrator's email address.

How can I check if my website is using the vulnerable version of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin?

To check if your website is using a vulnerable version of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section. Look for the "Element Pack Elementor Addons" plugin in the list and check its version number.

If the version number is 5.6.3 or lower, your website is using a vulnerable version of the plugin and should be updated immediately.

How do I update the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to fix the vulnerability?

To update the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin and fix the vulnerability, log in to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the "Plugins" section. Look for the "Element Pack Elementor Addons" plugin in the list and click on the "Update Now" button next to it.

If you don't see an "Update Now" button, you may need to download the latest version of the plugin from the official website and manually upload it to your WordPress installation. If you are unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking assistance from a professional web developer or security expert.

What are the risks of not updating the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin?

Not updating the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin can expose your website to several risks. The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability can allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into your website, potentially compromising its integrity, stealing sensitive user data, or redirecting visitors to malicious websites.

The Form Submission Admin Email Bypass vulnerability can enable attackers to flood your inbox with spam or conduct targeted phishing attacks, putting your personal and business information at risk. Failing to address these vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, loss of customer trust, and damage to your brand's reputation.

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to this vulnerability?

If your website has been compromised due to the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin vulnerability, you may notice unusual changes to your website's content or appearance, such as unauthorized posts, pages, or links. You may also receive reports from users about suspicious activity or unexpected redirects.

To thoroughly check for signs of compromise, you can scan your website using a security plugin or service that looks for malware, suspicious code, or unauthorized changes. If you suspect your website has been compromised, it's essential to take immediate action by removing the malicious code, updating your plugins, and strengthening your website's security measures.

Are there any alternative plugins I can use instead of Element Pack Elementor Addons?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins you can use that offer similar functionality to Element Pack Elementor Addons. Some popular options include:

Essential Addons for Elementor
Premium Addons for Elementor
Elementor Extras
PowerPack Addons for Elementor
Elementor Pro (official plugin by Elementor)

When choosing an alternative plugin, ensure that it is regularly updated, has good user reviews, and is compatible with your version of WordPress and Elementor.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins to maintain website security?

It's recommended to update your WordPress plugins as soon as new versions become available, especially if they address security vulnerabilities. Regularly check your WordPress dashboard for updates and apply them promptly to minimize the risk of your website being compromised.

In addition to updating your plugins, it's essential to keep your WordPress core and themes up to date, as well as maintain a regular backup schedule for your website. By staying proactive about website maintenance and security, you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to security threats.

Can I continue using the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin if I update to the latest version?

Yes, you can continue using the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin if you update to version 5.6.4 or later, which includes patches for the discovered vulnerabilities. Updating the plugin will fix the security issues while allowing you to continue using its features and functionality.

However, it's essential to stay informed about any future vulnerabilities that may be discovered in the plugin and update accordingly. Regularly monitoring your plugins and applying updates is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your website.

What should I do if I'm not comfortable updating the plugin myself?

If you're not comfortable updating the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin yourself, or if you're unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking assistance from a professional web developer or security expert. They can help you update the plugin, scan your website for potential compromises, and implement additional security measures to protect your site.

Many web development and security companies offer website maintenance and security services that can take the burden of managing your website's security off your shoulders. By working with a trusted professional, you can ensure that your website remains secure and up to date without having to devote significant time and resources to the task yourself.

How can I stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

To stay informed about future vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins, you can follow various security blogs, newsletters, and online resources that regularly publish information about newly discovered vulnerabilities and security best practices. Some popular sources include:

WordPress Security Blogs: Wordfence, Sucuri, WPScan
WordPress.org Vulnerability Database
National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
Security Newsletters: WPBeginner, WP Mail, MainWP

Additionally, consider installing a security plugin on your WordPress website that can automatically scan for vulnerabilities, send alerts about potential security issues, and provide recommendations for maintaining your website's security. By staying proactive and informed, you can quickly respond to new threats and keep your website secure.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), CVE-2024-3926, CVE-2024-3927, Element Pack Elementor Addons, Form Submission Admin Email Bypass, Plugin Vulnerability, Small Business Website Security, Website Security, website updates, wordpress security