Essential Addons for Elementor Vulnerability– Best Elementor Templates, Widgets, Kits & WooCommerce Builders – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-1236 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin Name: Essential Addons for Elementor – Best Elementor Templates, Widgets, Kits & WooCommerce Builders

Key Information:

  • Software Type: Plugin
  • Software Slug: essential-addons-for-elementor-lite
  • Software Status: Active
  • Software Author: wpdevteam
  • Software Downloads: 66,915,084
  • Active Installs: 2,000,000
  • Last Updated: February 27, 2024
  • Patched Versions: 5.9.9
  • Affected Versions: <= 5.9.8

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: Essential Addons for Elementor <= 5.9.8
  • 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-2024-1236
  • CVSS Score: 6.4
  • Publicly Published: February 12, 2024
  • Researcher: Webbernaut
  • Description: The plugin is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Filterable Controls label icon parameter due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. Authenticated attackers with contributor access or higher can inject arbitrary web scripts in pages, which execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Summary:

The Essential Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability in versions up to and including 5.9.8 that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to perform stored cross-site scripting attacks via the Filterable Controls label icon parameter. This vulnerability has been patched in version 5.9.9.

Detailed Overview:

The vulnerability was identified by the researcher Webbernaut and involves insufficient input sanitization and output escaping within the plugin's Filterable Controls label icon parameter. This flaw allows attackers with at least contributor access to the WordPress site to inject malicious scripts into web pages. These scripts can then be executed in the browser of any user visiting the injected page, leading to potential unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of the user. The swift response by the plugin developers to release a patched version (5.9.9) mitigates the risk posed by this vulnerability.

Advice for Users:

  • Immediate Action: Users should update to the patched version 5.9.9 immediately.
  • Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Monitor website content and user roles for unexpected changes or unauthorized script injections.
  • Alternate Plugins: While a patch is available, considering alternative plugins offering similar functionality may serve as a precaution.
  • Stay Updated: Regularly update all plugins to their latest versions to protect against vulnerabilities.

Conclusion:

The prompt patching of this vulnerability by the plugin developers highlights the critical nature of maintaining up-to-date installations for WordPress and its associated plugins. Users are urged to upgrade to version 5.9.9 or later of the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin to ensure their WordPress sites remain secure.

References:

In the digital age, where online presence is synonymous with business vitality, the security of your website is paramount. The recent discovery of a significant vulnerability in the widely used Essential Addons for Elementor plugin serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance and proactive security measures. This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-1236, exposes the delicate balance between functionality and security, underscoring the critical importance of keeping your website's components up to date.

Essential Addons for Elementor – A Cornerstone of Creativity:

Essential Addons for Elementor enhances the Elementor page builder for WordPress, offering over 2 million active installations with advanced templates, widgets, and WooCommerce builders. Authored by the wpdevteam and boasting nearly 67 million downloads, this plugin is a testament to its utility and popularity within the WordPress community.

Unveiling the Vulnerability:

CVE-2024-1236 reveals an Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting flaw within versions up to and including 5.9.8 of the plugin. This vulnerability allows users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into web pages, posing significant risks to website integrity and user safety. The potential impacts range from unauthorized data access to complete website compromise, making it a critical concern for website owners.

Mitigating the Risks:

The developers of Essential Addons for Elementor acted swiftly to address this vulnerability, releasing a patched version 5.9.9 to close this security gap. Website owners and administrators must update to this latest version immediately to protect their sites from potential exploits. Moreover, regularly monitoring for unusual activity and maintaining a rigorous update schedule for all website components are indispensable practices for ensuring ongoing security.

Historical Context and Continuous Vigilance:

This is not the first time vulnerabilities have been discovered in Essential Addons for Elementor; there have been 15 previous instances since April 13, 2021. This history emphasizes the importance of continuous vigilance and the need for a proactive approach to website security. Each update not only enhances functionality but also fortifies the website against emerging threats.

A Call to Action for Small Business Owners:

For small business owners, the challenge of staying abreast of security updates amidst the myriad responsibilities of running a business can be daunting. Yet, the security of your website should never be compromised. Leveraging managed WordPress hosting services, employing security plugins, and engaging with the WordPress community for support can significantly reduce the burden. These resources can automate and inform your security practices, ensuring your website remains a safe and welcoming space for your customers.

In conclusion, the discovery of CVE-2024-1236 within Essential Addons for Elementor is a potent reminder of the dynamic nature of website security. Staying informed, adopting a proactive security posture, and utilizing the resources available within the WordPress ecosystem are crucial steps in safeguarding your digital presence. For small business owners, prioritizing these practices is not just about protecting your website; it's about preserving your brand's trust and continuity in an increasingly digital marketplace.

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.

Essential Addons for Elementor Vulnerability– Best Elementor Templates, Widgets, Kits & WooCommerce Builders – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting – CVE-2024-1236 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

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