Elementor Addon Elements Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-3743 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? Stored Cross-Site Scripting, or XSS, is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts are stored on the server and can be triggered whenever the compromised page is accessed, potentially stealing data, hijacking user sessions, or defacing the website. It is considered more dangerous than other forms because it can affect multiple users and remains persistent until specifically addressed.

Q: How do I update my Elementor Addon Elements plugin?

How do I update my Elementor Addon Elements plugin? To update your Elementor Addon Elements plugin, navigate to the 'Plugins' section in your WordPress dashboard. If an update is available, you will see a notification next to the plugin with the option to update now. Click this option, and WordPress will automatically download and install the latest version. Always ensure to back up your website before performing updates.

Q: What should I do if my plugin version is not listed in the patched versions?

What should I do if my plugin version is not listed in the patched versions? If your plugin version is not listed in the patched versions, it might still be vulnerable to attack. Immediately update to the latest version, which has addressed known vulnerabilities. If no updates are available, contact the plugin developer for more information or consider temporarily deactivating the plugin until an update is provided.

Q: Can I continue using an older version of the plugin if I do not have contributor-level users?

Can I continue using an older version of the plugin if I do not have contributor-level users? Continuing to use an older version of the plugin, even if you do not have contributor-level users, is not recommended. Vulnerabilities could potentially be exploited in other ways not initially foreseen, or future updates to WordPress core might inadvertently open up new security gaps. Always update to the latest version to ensure the highest level of security and compatibility.

Q: How do I know if my website has been compromised?

How do I know if my website has been compromised? To determine if your website has been compromised, look for unusual activity such as unexpected changes to website content, new user accounts with administrative privileges, or unfamiliar scripts in the website’s code. It’s also wise to monitor traffic sources and check for any significant spikes in activity, which could indicate a security breach.

Q: What is a CVE number?

What is a CVE number? A CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific security vulnerability. It helps in tracking and resolving vulnerabilities efficiently as it provides a standardized reference for addressing security threats across various platforms and services.

Q: Why is it important to have the latest version of a WordPress plugin?

Why is it important to have the latest version of a WordPress plugin? Having the latest version of a WordPress plugin is crucial as developers regularly release updates that fix bugs, close security vulnerabilities, and improve functionality. Staying updated prevents attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities in older versions of the software, thereby protecting your website from potential threats.

Q: What alternatives are there to the Elementor Addon Elements plugin?

What alternatives are there to the Elementor Addon Elements plugin? If you are considering alternatives to the Elementor Addon Elements plugin, other reputable plugins offer similar functionalities with strong security practices. Some popular alternatives include Ultimate Addons for Elementor, Essential Addons for Elementor, and PowerPack for Elementor. Research each option and read recent user reviews to ensure compatibility and security.

Q: How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins? It's a good practice to check for updates to your WordPress plugins at least once a week. Most websites benefit from setting plugins to update automatically to ensure that they always run the latest versions. Regular updates can help prevent security breaches and ensure optimal website performance.

Q: What steps can I take to enhance my website’s overall security?

What steps can I take to enhance my website’s overall security? To enhance your website’s security, regularly update all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core. Install a reliable security plugin that offers features like firewall protection, malware scanning, and real-time threat detection. Additionally, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly back up your website to prevent data loss in the event of a breach. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities and protect your website.

By Your WP Guy | April 29, 2024

Plugin Name: Elementor Addon Elements

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: addon-elements-for-elementor-page-builder
Software Status: Active
Software Author: webtechstreet
Software Downloads: 2,632,773
Active Installs: 100,000
Last Updated: May 12, 2024
Patched Versions: 1.13.4
Affected Versions: <= 1.13.3

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Elementor Addon Elements <= 1.13.3
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-3743
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: April 29, 2024
Researcher: stealthcopter
Description: The Elementor Addon Elements plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Image Stack Group, Shape Separator, Content Switcher, Info Circle, and Timeline widgets in all versions up to, and including, 1.13.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers, with contributor access or higher, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Elementor Addon Elements plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 1.13.3 that enables authenticated contributors to inject malicious scripts into web pages. This vulnerability has been patched in version 1.13.4.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability was discovered by the researcher known as stealthcopter and involves multiple widgets within the Elementor Addon Elements plugin. It specifically targets the plugin’s handling of input sanitization and output escaping, allowing attackers to store malicious scripts in the widgets such as Image Stack Group, Shape Separator, Content Switcher, Info Circle, and Timeline. These scripts can compromise the security of the website by executing unauthorized actions or stealing data when other users view the compromised pages. The release of version 1.13.4 has addressed these issues by improving the security measures related to input handling.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update to version 1.13.4 immediately to secure your site against this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators should review their site’s pages for unexpected scripts or content alterations that could indicate this vulnerability has been exploited.
Alternate Plugins: While the latest patch addresses the current vulnerability, users may want to consider other well-reviewed and frequently updated plugins that offer similar functionality to ensure enhanced security.
Stay Updated: Always ensure that your plugins are updated to the latest versions to minimize the risk of security vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The quick response by the developers of Elementor Addon Elements to patch this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of keeping digital tools updated. Users are advised to ensure that they are running version 1.13.4 or later to protect their WordPress installations from potential security threats. Regular updates and vigilant security practices are essential in maintaining the safety and integrity of any WordPress site.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the digital age, a secure website is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. For countless businesses and individual creators, WordPress serves as the backbone of their online presence, enhanced greatly by a myriad of plugins like Elementor Addon Elements. However, this dependency on plugins also brings with it significant security risks, as highlighted by the recent discovery of a serious vulnerability in the Elementor Addon Elements plugin—CVE-2024-3743. This flaw, characterized by a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability, has put numerous websites at risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. These scripts can compromise the security of the website by executing unauthorized actions or stealing data when triggered. This serious flaw was promptly addressed in the release of version 1.13.4, which implemented improved security measures to prevent such vulnerabilities.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The risks associated with this vulnerability are considerable. Unauthorized scripts could potentially manipulate data, steal sensitive information, or redirect visitors to malicious sites. For businesses, such exposure could lead to significant reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and potential legal implications if customer data were compromised.

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Since September 8, 2020, the Elementor Addon Elements plugin has encountered 19 previous vulnerabilities, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining security in dynamically evolving digital environments.

Conclusion:

The quick and effective response by the developers of Elementor Addon Elements to patch the CVE-2024-3743 vulnerability underscores the critical importance of timely updates in the realm of digital security. For small business owners managing WordPress sites, it is particularly vital to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities and ensure that all digital tools are kept up to date. Proactive security measures are not just a technical necessity but a cornerstone of maintaining a trustworthy and secure online presence.

Staying Secure

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.

Elementor Addon Elements Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-3743 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting, or XSS, is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts are stored on the server and can be triggered whenever the compromised page is accessed, potentially stealing data, hijacking user sessions, or defacing the website. It is considered more dangerous than other forms because it can affect multiple users and remains persistent until specifically addressed.

How do I update my Elementor Addon Elements plugin?

To update your Elementor Addon Elements plugin, navigate to the 'Plugins' section in your WordPress dashboard. If an update is available, you will see a notification next to the plugin with the option to update now. Click this option, and WordPress will automatically download and install the latest version. Always ensure to back up your website before performing updates.

What should I do if my plugin version is not listed in the patched versions?

If your plugin version is not listed in the patched versions, it might still be vulnerable to attack. Immediately update to the latest version, which has addressed known vulnerabilities. If no updates are available, contact the plugin developer for more information or consider temporarily deactivating the plugin until an update is provided.

Can I continue using an older version of the plugin if I do not have contributor-level users?

Continuing to use an older version of the plugin, even if you do not have contributor-level users, is not recommended. Vulnerabilities could potentially be exploited in other ways not initially foreseen, or future updates to WordPress core might inadvertently open up new security gaps. Always update to the latest version to ensure the highest level of security and compatibility.

How do I know if my website has been compromised?

To determine if your website has been compromised, look for unusual activity such as unexpected changes to website content, new user accounts with administrative privileges, or unfamiliar scripts in the website’s code. It’s also wise to monitor traffic sources and check for any significant spikes in activity, which could indicate a security breach.

What is a CVE number?

Why is it important to have the latest version of a WordPress plugin?

Having the latest version of a WordPress plugin is crucial as developers regularly release updates that fix bugs, close security vulnerabilities, and improve functionality. Staying updated prevents attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities in older versions of the software, thereby protecting your website from potential threats.

What alternatives are there to the Elementor Addon Elements plugin?

If you are considering alternatives to the Elementor Addon Elements plugin, other reputable plugins offer similar functionalities with strong security practices. Some popular alternatives include Ultimate Addons for Elementor, Essential Addons for Elementor, and PowerPack for Elementor. Research each option and read recent user reviews to ensure compatibility and security.

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

What steps can I take to enhance my website’s overall security?

To enhance your website’s security, regularly update all plugins, themes, and the WordPress core. Install a reliable security plugin that offers features like firewall protection, malware scanning, and real-time threat detection. Additionally, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly back up your website to prevent data loss in the event of a breach. Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities and protect your website.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-3743, Cybersecurity, Digital Security, elementor addon elements, Plugin Updates, Plugin Vulnerability, secure WordPress, Website Protection, wordpress security, XSS vulnerability

Plugin Name: Elementor Addon Elements

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Detailed Overview:

Risks and Potential Impacts:

Overview of Previous Vulnerabilities:

Conclusion:

Staying Secure

Elementor Addon Elements Vulnerability – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-3743 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

How do I update my Elementor Addon Elements plugin?

What should I do if my plugin version is not listed in the patched versions?

Can I continue using an older version of the plugin if I do not have contributor-level users?

How do I know if my website has been compromised?

What is a CVE number?

Why is it important to have the latest version of a WordPress plugin?

What alternatives are there to the Elementor Addon Elements plugin?

How often should I check for updates to my WordPress plugins?

What steps can I take to enhance my website’s overall security?

Share this post:

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