ElementsKit Elementor addons Vulnerability – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Countdown Widget – CVE-2024-2803 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is CVE-2024-2803?

What is CVE-2024-2803? CVE-2024-2803 is a vulnerability identified in the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin for WordPress. Specifically, it's a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue within the countdown widget that allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject and execute malicious scripts. This vulnerability compromises the security of WordPress sites using affected plugin versions and underscores the importance of maintaining updated software.

Q: How does CVE-2024-2803 affect my WordPress site?

How does CVE-2024-2803 affect my WordPress site? If your site uses the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin versions up to and including 3.0.7, it's vulnerable to unauthorized script injections. These scripts can potentially alter site content, steal sensitive information, or redirect your visitors to malicious websites. Updating to version 3.1.0, which addresses this vulnerability, is crucial for protecting your site and its users.

Q: What actions can I take to protect my site from CVE-2024-2803?

What actions can I take to protect my site from CVE-2024-2803? The immediate action required is updating the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin to the patched version 3.1.0. Regularly monitoring your site for unusual activities can also help detect potential breaches early. Employing additional security measures like web application firewalls can further fortify your site's defenses against such vulnerabilities.

Q: Are other Elementor addons vulnerable to similar issues as CVE-2024-2803?

Are other Elementor addons vulnerable to similar issues as CVE-2024-2803? While CVE-2024-2803 specifically affects the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin, it's not uncommon for plugins to face security challenges. It's vital to stay informed about updates and potential vulnerabilities for all plugins used on your site. Regularly reviewing and updating your plugins can help mitigate the risk of similar security issues.

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

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)? Stored Cross-Site Scripting, or Stored XSS, is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can inject malicious scripts into a web application, which are then stored and executed when other users access the compromised content. This can lead to a variety of malicious activities, including data theft, session hijacking, and website defacement.

Q: How can I check if my version of ElementsKit is patched against CVE-2024-2803?

How can I check if my version of ElementsKit is patched against CVE-2024-2803? To verify your plugin's version, navigate to the WordPress dashboard, go to the "Plugins" section, and locate ElementsKit Elementor addons in the list. If your version is 3.1.0 or higher, your plugin is patched against CVE-2024-2803. If not, you should update immediately.

Q: Can updating the plugin impact my site's design or functionality?

Can updating the plugin impact my site's design or functionality? While updates are essential for security, they can occasionally affect your site's design or functionality, especially if they introduce significant changes or remove deprecated features. It's a good practice to backup your site before updating and test the updates in a staging environment if possible.

Q: What should I do if I suspect my site was compromised due to this vulnerability?

What should I do if I suspect my site was compromised due to this vulnerability? If you suspect your site has been compromised, it's important to act swiftly. Start by updating the ElementsKit plugin to the latest version. Then, conduct a thorough security scan of your site using a reputable security plugin or service. If malicious activity is detected, you may need to restore your site from a clean backup and consider engaging a security professional for further assistance.

Q: Is it safe to continue using ElementsKit after updating to version 3.1.0?

Is it safe to continue using ElementsKit after updating to version 3.1.0? Yes, updating to version 3.1.0 addresses the specific vulnerability CVE-2024-2803 and makes it safe to continue using the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin. Regularly updating your plugins as new versions become available is key to maintaining a secure WordPress environment.

Q: Why is regular plugin updating crucial for WordPress security?

Why is regular plugin updating crucial for WordPress security? Regular plugin updates are crucial because they often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, improvements, and compatibility fixes. Staying updated helps protect your site from known threats and ensures optimal performance. Neglecting updates can leave your site vulnerable to attacks that exploit outdated software.

By Your WP Guy | April 3, 2024

Plugin Name: ElementsKit Elementor addons

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: elementskit-lite
Software Status: Active
Software Author: xpeedstudio
Software Downloads: 17,727,023
Active Installs: 1,000,000
Last Updated: April 3, 2024
Patched Versions: 3.1.0
Affected Versions: <= 3.0.7

Vulnerability Details:

Name: ElementsKit Elementor addons <= 3.0.7
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Countdown Widget
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-2803
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: April 3, 2024
Researcher: Webbernaut
Description: The ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin has been found vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) through its countdown widget feature. Versions up to and including 3.0.7 suffer from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated users with contributor access or higher to inject malicious scripts. This flaw can lead to unauthorized script execution when other users access the compromised pages.

Summary:

The widely utilized ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin, which enhances WordPress sites with additional Elementor widgets and features, faces a significant security challenge with CVE-2024-2803. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of stringent security practices in plugin development and the proactive role users must play in maintaining the security of their WordPress installations by applying updates promptly.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by the security researcher known as Webbernaut, CVE-2024-2803 presents a tangible risk to WordPress sites utilizing the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin. The specific exploitation vector lies within the plugin's countdown widget, where inadequate sanitization of user inputs enables the embedding and execution of arbitrary scripts. This vulnerability not only jeopardizes site integrity but also poses a risk to site visitors, potentially exposing them to malicious content and actions.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: It's imperative for users of the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin to update to the latest version, 3.1.0, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Site administrators should review their websites for any unusual or unexpected behavior, especially concerning the countdown widget functionality, to identify potential exploitation.
Alternate Plugins: Users concerned about the security of their sites might consider evaluating alternative Elementor addons that offer similar functionality but with a strong emphasis on regular security audits and updates.
Stay Updated: The digital landscape's dynamic nature demands vigilance in software maintenance. Regularly updating plugins, themes, and the WordPress core is crucial to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The resolution of CVE-2024-2803 in the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of software updates in the digital realm. For small business owners who leverage WordPress for their online presence, the incident underscores the dual necessity of relying on reputable plugins and maintaining a rigorous update schedule. In a digital ecosystem where threats continually evolve, the security and reliability of your website hinge on proactive measures and informed decisions.

References:

Detailed Report:

In the digital age, the security of WordPress sites is paramount, especially with the extensive use of plugins that extend functionality and enhance user experience. One such plugin, ElementsKit Elementor addons, has recently come under scrutiny due to a significant security vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2803. This vulnerability exposes the delicate balance between functionality and security, underscoring the need for constant vigilance and timely updates.

Plugin Overview:

ElementsKit Elementor addons, developed by xpeedstudio, is a popular plugin offering a range of widgets and modules for Elementor, including the countdown widget implicated in this vulnerability. With an impressive 17,727,023 downloads and 1,000,000 active installations, its impact on the WordPress ecosystem is vast. The plugin's broad adoption makes the discovered vulnerability a concern for a significant portion of the WordPress community.

Vulnerability Insights:

CVE-2024-2803 highlights a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue within the plugin's countdown widget feature. This flaw, present in versions up to 3.0.7, arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts. The vulnerability was made public on April 3, 2024, by a researcher known as Webbernaut, drawing immediate attention due to its potential implications.

Risks and Implications:

The vulnerability poses significant risks to site integrity and user privacy, as it enables unauthorized script execution, potentially leading to data breaches and compromising site functionality. The nature of XSS attacks means that malicious scripts could be executed unknowingly by site visitors, further amplifying the risk and potential damage.

Remediation and User Guidance:

In response to CVE-2024-2803, the developers released a patched version, 3.1.0, addressing the vulnerability. Users are urged to update their installations immediately to this latest version to mitigate the risks associated with this flaw. Additionally, site administrators should remain vigilant for signs of exploitation and consider employing additional security measures to safeguard their sites.

Historical Context and Previous Vulnerabilities:

This is not the first time vulnerabilities have been discovered in the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin, with eight previous issues reported since April 13, 2021. Each of these instances serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in securing WordPress plugins and the importance of maintaining a proactive approach to security.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners:

The discovery and subsequent resolution of CVE-2024-2803 in the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin underscore the critical importance of timely software updates in the digital security landscape. For small business owners, who often manage their WordPress sites amidst numerous other duties, this incident serves as a clarion call to prioritize the security of their online platforms. Staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, ensuring regular updates, and adopting comprehensive security measures are not just best practices but essential strategies for safeguarding your digital presence against the ever-evolving threats in the cyber realm.

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.

ElementsKit Elementor addons Vulnerability – Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Countdown Widget – CVE-2024-2803 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is CVE-2024-2803?

CVE-2024-2803 is a vulnerability identified in the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin for WordPress. Specifically, it's a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue within the countdown widget that allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject and execute malicious scripts. This vulnerability compromises the security of WordPress sites using affected plugin versions and underscores the importance of maintaining updated software.

How does CVE-2024-2803 affect my WordPress site?

If your site uses the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin versions up to and including 3.0.7, it's vulnerable to unauthorized script injections. These scripts can potentially alter site content, steal sensitive information, or redirect your visitors to malicious websites. Updating to version 3.1.0, which addresses this vulnerability, is crucial for protecting your site and its users.

What actions can I take to protect my site from CVE-2024-2803?

The immediate action required is updating the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin to the patched version 3.1.0. Regularly monitoring your site for unusual activities can also help detect potential breaches early. Employing additional security measures like web application firewalls can further fortify your site's defenses against such vulnerabilities.

Are other Elementor addons vulnerable to similar issues as CVE-2024-2803?

While CVE-2024-2803 specifically affects the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin, it's not uncommon for plugins to face security challenges. It's vital to stay informed about updates and potential vulnerabilities for all plugins used on your site. Regularly reviewing and updating your plugins can help mitigate the risk of similar security issues.

What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting, or Stored XSS, is a type of vulnerability where an attacker can inject malicious scripts into a web application, which are then stored and executed when other users access the compromised content. This can lead to a variety of malicious activities, including data theft, session hijacking, and website defacement.

How can I check if my version of ElementsKit is patched against CVE-2024-2803?

Can updating the plugin impact my site's design or functionality?

What should I do if I suspect my site was compromised due to this vulnerability?

If you suspect your site has been compromised, it's important to act swiftly. Start by updating the ElementsKit plugin to the latest version. Then, conduct a thorough security scan of your site using a reputable security plugin or service. If malicious activity is detected, you may need to restore your site from a clean backup and consider engaging a security professional for further assistance.

Is it safe to continue using ElementsKit after updating to version 3.1.0?

Why is regular plugin updating crucial for WordPress security?

Regular plugin updates are crucial because they often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, improvements, and compatibility fixes. Staying updated helps protect your site from known threats and ensures optimal performance. Neglecting updates can leave your site vulnerable to attacks that exploit outdated software.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-2803, cyber threats, Digital Security, Elementor widgets, ElementsKit Elementor addons, Plugin Vulnerability, software updates, Website Protection, wordpress security, XSS vulnerability