Elementor Website Builder Vulnerability – More than Just a Page Builder – Authenticated (Contributor+) DOM-Based Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Path Widget – CVE-2024-2117 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-2117?

What is CVE-2024-2117? CVE-2024-2117 refers to a security vulnerability identified in the Elementor Website Builder plugin for WordPress. This flaw enables authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts through the plugin's Path Widget, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper output escaping to prevent attackers from executing unauthorized scripts on web pages. The Elementor team addressed this issue in version 3.20.3 of the plugin, underscoring the necessity of keeping web components up-to-date.

Q: How does CVE-2024-2117 affect my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-2117 affect my WordPress site? If your WordPress site uses the Elementor Website Builder plugin and is running version 3.20.2 or earlier, it is vulnerable to CVE-2024-2117. This vulnerability can allow attackers to execute malicious scripts on your site, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to user information, or other security compromises. The impact of such a vulnerability can range from minor inconveniences to significant threats to your site's integrity and the privacy of your users. Updating the plugin to the patched version (3.20.3 or later) is crucial to mitigating these risks.

Q: How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-2117?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-2117? To determine if your site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-2117, you need to check the version of the Elementor Website Builder plugin you are using. This can be done by accessing the WordPress admin area, navigating to the 'Plugins' section, and locating the Elementor plugin to see its current version. If your plugin version is 3.20.2 or earlier, your site is vulnerable, and you should update the plugin immediately. The patched version, 3.20.3, contains the necessary fixes to address this vulnerability.

Q: What should I do if my site is affected by CVE-2024-2117?

What should I do if my site is affected by CVE-2024-2117? If your site is affected by CVE-2024-2117, the immediate step is to update the Elementor Website Builder plugin to version 3.20.3 or later. This update includes a patch that rectifies the vulnerability and secures your site against the associated risks. After updating, it's a good practice to review your site for any signs of compromise or unusual activity. This may include checking user roles, auditing content for unexpected changes, and scanning for malware.

Q: Are there other vulnerabilities in Elementor that I should be aware of?

Are there other vulnerabilities in Elementor that I should be aware of? Elementor, like many complex software tools, has had its share of vulnerabilities in the past, with 30 reported issues since 2017. These vulnerabilities range in severity and impact, underscoring the importance of maintaining an active approach to site security. Staying informed about new vulnerabilities and updates can be achieved through security blogs, WordPress forums, and subscribing to notifications from the Elementor team. Regularly updating your plugins and themes is crucial for keeping your site secure.

Q: How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins? WordPress plugins should be updated as soon as new versions are released, especially if the updates address security vulnerabilities. Developers frequently update plugins to patch security issues, add new features, or improve compatibility. Setting up automatic updates for plugins can help ensure you're always running the latest versions. However, it's also wise to manually check for updates regularly and to follow best practices for site backups before applying major updates.

Q: Can updating Elementor break my site?

Can updating Elementor break my site? Updating plugins, including Elementor, can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with other plugins or themes, potentially affecting site functionality. However, the risk of security vulnerabilities often outweighs the potential for compatibility issues. Before updating, it's advisable to perform a backup of your site. If possible, test the update in a staging environment to identify any potential issues before applying it to your live site.

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

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious scripts into a web application, which are then stored and executed later when other users access the compromised page. This can lead to unauthorized access to user data, session hijacking, and other malicious activities. Stored XSS is particularly dangerous because the malicious script is stored within the web application itself, such as in a database, and is executed without the need for further action from the attacker.

Q: What are the best practices for WordPress site security?

What are the best practices for WordPress site security? Best practices for ensuring the security of your WordPress site include regularly updating the WordPress core, plugins, and themes to their latest versions to patch any vulnerabilities. It's also crucial to use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and implement two-factor authentication where possible for added security. Employing security plugins that offer features like firewall protection, malware scanning, and intrusion detection can further safeguard your site against threats. Regularly backing up your website ensures that you can quickly restore your site in case of a security breach or data loss.

Q: How can a small business owner with limited time manage WordPress security effectively?

How can a small business owner with limited time manage WordPress security effectively? For small business owners with limited time, managing WordPress security effectively can seem challenging, but there are efficient ways to maintain a secure website. Setting up automatic updates for the WordPress core, themes, and plugins can help ensure that your site is always running the latest, most secure versions. Utilizing managed WordPress hosting services can also relieve some of the security burdens, as many offer built-in security features like regular backups, security scans, and automatic updates. Lastly, consider hiring a professional or a service for periodic security audits and maintenance to identify and fix vulnerabilities, ensuring your site remains secure without requiring constant attention.

By Your WP Guy | March 26, 2024

Plugin Name: Elementor Website Builder – More than Just a Page Builder

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: elementor
Software Status: Active
Software Author: elemntor
Software Downloads: 401,702,579
Active Installs: 5,000,000
Last Updated: March 27, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.20.3
Affected Versions: <= 3.20.2

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Elementor Website Builder – More than Just a Page Builder <= 3.20.2
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) DOM-Based Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Path Widget
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-2117
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: March 26, 2024
Researcher: Webbernaut
Description: The Elementor Website Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Path Widget in all versions up to and including 3.20.2. This vulnerability arises from insufficient output escaping on user-supplied attributes, allowing authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. These scripts can execute whenever a user accesses an injected page, posing significant security risks.

Summary:

The Elementor Website Builder for WordPress harbors a vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.20.2 that facilitates Stored Cross-Site Scripting through the plugin's Path Widget. This vulnerability has been addressed and fixed in version 3.20.3.

Detailed Overview:

This vulnerability, discovered by researcher Webbernaut, specifically targets the Path Widget of the Elementor Website Builder plugin. Due to insufficient output escaping, attackers with contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious scripts into web pages, leading to unauthorized script execution when those pages are viewed by other users. The potential for data theft, session hijacking, and other malicious activities through such script injections underscores the critical nature of this vulnerability. Following Webbernaut's discovery, the Elementor team promptly released version 3.20.3, which includes a patch to prevent such attacks.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Update your Elementor Website Builder plugin to version 3.20.3 without delay to protect your site from potential exploits.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor your website for unusual activity and review page contents for unexpected or malicious scripts, especially if using versions affected by this vulnerability.
Alternate Plugins: While the current issue has been patched, users may consider exploring other reputable page builder plugins as a precautionary measure.
Stay Updated: Regularly updating all your WordPress plugins and core software is crucial to maintaining a secure web presence and mitigating the risk of vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The quick resolution of the vulnerability in the Elementor Website Builder plugin highlights the importance of prompt software updates. To safeguard your WordPress site against similar threats, it is essential to ensure that all plugins, especially widely used ones like Elementor, are kept up-to-date. Running version 3.20.3 or later of the Elementor plugin is now imperative for maintaining a secure and resilient WordPress environment.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the digital realm, the integrity of your website is paramount. The recent revelation of a vulnerability within the Elementor Website Builder plugin, a tool integral to over 5 million WordPress sites, casts a stark light on the perpetual battle for cyber security. The identified flaw, CVE-2024-2117, underscores a critical truth in the digital age: the necessity of constant vigilance and the immediacy of updating digital tools to safeguard against emerging threats.

Elementor Website Builder: A Pillar in Web Design

Elementor has revolutionized web design for many, offering a user-friendly interface that belies the complexity of its underlying technology. With more than 401 million downloads, its influence and utility are undeniable. However, this widespread adoption also makes it a significant target for exploitation.

The Vulnerability at Hand

CVE-2024-2117 exposes a vulnerability that allowed authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts via the plugin's Path Widget. This DOM-Based Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, identified by the researcher Webbernaut, could lead to unauthorized script execution when an injected page is accessed. The implications of such an exploit are profound, ranging from data breaches to complete site compromise.

Understanding the Risks

The risks associated with this vulnerability extend beyond mere website dysfunction. They encompass potential data theft, privacy breaches, and the undermining of user trust. For small business owners, the ramifications could be particularly severe, affecting customer relationships and, ultimately, the bottom line.

Mitigating the Threat

The remediation for this vulnerability came with the release of patch version 3.20.3. For website owners, the immediate action should involve updating the Elementor plugin to this latest version. Beyond this specific incident, adopting a regimen of regular updates, monitoring site activity for anomalies, and being prepared with alternate plugin options can fortify a site's defenses against unforeseen vulnerabilities.

Historical Context

This is not Elementor's first encounter with security vulnerabilities; since 2017, there have been 30 reported issues. This history not only highlights the challenges inherent in maintaining complex software but also the importance of a proactive approach to web security.

The Imperative of Vigilance

For small business owners juggling myriad responsibilities, the demand for constant security oversight can seem daunting. Yet, the digital landscape waits for no one, and the cost of negligence can far exceed the effort of maintenance. Leveraging tools like automatic updates, subscribing to security advisories, and perhaps most importantly, fostering a culture of security within your organization, can make this task less burdensome.

In conclusion, the discovery of CVE-2024-2117 within the Elementor Website Builder plugin is a critical reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance in the digital age. For small business owners, the message is clear: the security of your WordPress site is integral to your business's success. Embracing a proactive approach to cybersecurity, prioritizing regular updates, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities are not just best practices—they are essential strategies for safeguarding your digital presence in an increasingly interconnected world.

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 Website Builder Vulnerability – More than Just a Page Builder – Authenticated (Contributor+) DOM-Based Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Path Widget – CVE-2024-2117 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-2117?

CVE-2024-2117 refers to a security vulnerability identified in the Elementor Website Builder plugin for WordPress. This flaw enables authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts through the plugin's Path Widget, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper output escaping to prevent attackers from executing unauthorized scripts on web pages. The Elementor team addressed this issue in version 3.20.3 of the plugin, underscoring the necessity of keeping web components up-to-date.

How does CVE-2024-2117 affect my WordPress site?

If your WordPress site uses the Elementor Website Builder plugin and is running version 3.20.2 or earlier, it is vulnerable to CVE-2024-2117. This vulnerability can allow attackers to execute malicious scripts on your site, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access to user information, or other security compromises.

The impact of such a vulnerability can range from minor inconveniences to significant threats to your site's integrity and the privacy of your users. Updating the plugin to the patched version (3.20.3 or later) is crucial to mitigating these risks.

How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-2117?

To determine if your site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-2117, you need to check the version of the Elementor Website Builder plugin you are using. This can be done by accessing the WordPress admin area, navigating to the 'Plugins' section, and locating the Elementor plugin to see its current version.

If your plugin version is 3.20.2 or earlier, your site is vulnerable, and you should update the plugin immediately. The patched version, 3.20.3, contains the necessary fixes to address this vulnerability.

What should I do if my site is affected by CVE-2024-2117?

If your site is affected by CVE-2024-2117, the immediate step is to update the Elementor Website Builder plugin to version 3.20.3 or later. This update includes a patch that rectifies the vulnerability and secures your site against the associated risks.

After updating, it's a good practice to review your site for any signs of compromise or unusual activity. This may include checking user roles, auditing content for unexpected changes, and scanning for malware.

Are there other vulnerabilities in Elementor that I should be aware of?

Elementor, like many complex software tools, has had its share of vulnerabilities in the past, with 30 reported issues since 2017. These vulnerabilities range in severity and impact, underscoring the importance of maintaining an active approach to site security.

Staying informed about new vulnerabilities and updates can be achieved through security blogs, WordPress forums, and subscribing to notifications from the Elementor team. Regularly updating your plugins and themes is crucial for keeping your site secure.

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

WordPress plugins should be updated as soon as new versions are released, especially if the updates address security vulnerabilities. Developers frequently update plugins to patch security issues, add new features, or improve compatibility.

Setting up automatic updates for plugins can help ensure you're always running the latest versions. However, it's also wise to manually check for updates regularly and to follow best practices for site backups before applying major updates.

Can updating Elementor break my site?

Updating plugins, including Elementor, can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with other plugins or themes, potentially affecting site functionality. However, the risk of security vulnerabilities often outweighs the potential for compatibility issues.

Before updating, it's advisable to perform a backup of your site. If possible, test the update in a staging environment to identify any potential issues before applying it to your live site.

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious scripts into a web application, which are then stored and executed later when other users access the compromised page. This can lead to unauthorized access to user data, session hijacking, and other malicious activities.

Stored XSS is particularly dangerous because the malicious script is stored within the web application itself, such as in a database, and is executed without the need for further action from the attacker.

What are the best practices for WordPress site security?

Best practices for ensuring the security of your WordPress site include regularly updating the WordPress core, plugins, and themes to their latest versions to patch any vulnerabilities. It's also crucial to use strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and implement two-factor authentication where possible for added security. Employing security plugins that offer features like firewall protection, malware scanning, and intrusion detection can further safeguard your site against threats. Regularly backing up your website ensures that you can quickly restore your site in case of a security breach or data loss.

How can a small business owner with limited time manage WordPress security effectively?

For small business owners with limited time, managing WordPress security effectively can seem challenging, but there are efficient ways to maintain a secure website. Setting up automatic updates for the WordPress core, themes, and plugins can help ensure that your site is always running the latest, most secure versions. Utilizing managed WordPress hosting services can also relieve some of the security burdens, as many offer built-in security features like regular backups, security scans, and automatic updates. Lastly, consider hiring a professional or a service for periodic security audits and maintenance to identify and fix vulnerabilities, ensuring your site remains secure without requiring constant attention.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-2117, data protection, digital vigilance, elementor vulnerability, Plugin Updates, small business cybersecurity, web security best practices, Website Maintenance, WordPress plugin vulnerability, wordpress security

Plugin Name: Elementor Website Builder – More than Just a Page Builder

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

Elementor Website Builder: A Pillar in Web Design

The Vulnerability at Hand

Understanding the Risks

Mitigating the Threat

Historical Context

The Imperative of Vigilance

Staying Secure

Elementor Website Builder Vulnerability – More than Just a Page Builder – Authenticated (Contributor+) DOM-Based Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Path Widget – CVE-2024-2117 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-2117?

How does CVE-2024-2117 affect my WordPress site?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable to CVE-2024-2117?

What should I do if my site is affected by CVE-2024-2117?

Are there other vulnerabilities in Elementor that I should be aware of?

How often should I update my WordPress plugins?

Can updating Elementor break my site?

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

What are the best practices for WordPress site security?

How can a small business owner with limited time manage WordPress security effectively?

How can a small business owner with limited time manage WordPress security effectively?

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