Exclusive Addons for Elementor Vulnerability- Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-0824 & CVE-2024-0823 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What are CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823?

What are CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823? CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823 are identifiers for two specific vulnerabilities discovered in the Exclusive Addons for Elementor WordPress plugin. CVE-2024-0824 pertains to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) through the Link Anything functionality, while CVE-2024-0823 relates to a similar XSS vulnerability through the 'Link To' URL in carousels. Both vulnerabilities arise from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated users to inject malicious scripts. These vulnerabilities were identified by a cybersecurity researcher known as Webbernaut and made public on January 26, 2024. They highlight the importance of proper data handling practices in web development to prevent unauthorized code execution.

Q: How do these vulnerabilities affect my WordPress site?

How do these vulnerabilities affect my WordPress site? If your site uses the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin versions 2.6.8 or lower, it is vulnerable to these XSS attacks. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to inject malicious scripts into your website, which can then be executed in the browsers of users visiting your site. This could lead to various security issues, such as data theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to your site's admin functionalities. The risk these vulnerabilities pose underscores the need for continuous vigilance in updating and securing WordPress plugins to protect your site and its users from potential threats.

Q: How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

How can I check if my site is vulnerable? To determine if your site is at risk, check the version of the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin you have installed. If your site is running version 2.6.8 or lower of the plugin, it is vulnerable to these XSS vulnerabilities. You can find the plugin version by navigating to the "Plugins" section in your WordPress dashboard. It is crucial to regularly review your site's plugin versions and update them as needed to mitigate vulnerability risks and maintain site security.

Q: What should I do if my site is affected?

What should I do if my site is affected? If your site is running an affected version of the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin, you should immediately update the plugin to version 2.6.9 or higher, where these vulnerabilities have been patched. After updating, it's wise to conduct a thorough review of your site for any signs of compromise or unusual activity that may have occurred due to the vulnerabilities. Regularly updating your plugins and employing robust security measures are key steps in protecting your WordPress site from potential exploits and maintaining a secure online presence.

Q: Are there alternative plugins to Exclusive Addons for Elementor?

Are there alternative plugins to Exclusive Addons for Elementor? Yes, there are several alternative plugins available for enhancing Elementor's capabilities. Some popular alternatives include Essential Addons for Elementor, Ultimate Addons for Elementor, and Elementor Extras. Each offers a unique set of widgets and functionalities to extend the page builder's features. When considering an alternative, assess your specific needs and the security track record of the plugin to ensure it aligns with your site's requirements and security standards.

Q: How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future?

How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future? Preventing similar vulnerabilities involves adopting a proactive approach to website security. This includes regularly updating all WordPress plugins, themes, and core software to their latest versions, as updates often contain security patches for known vulnerabilities. Additionally, using reputable security plugins that offer real-time monitoring and threat detection can help identify and mitigate risks before they can be exploited. Educating yourself and any other site administrators about the importance of security best practices, such as cautious plugin installation and adherence to the principle of least privilege, can further enhance your site's defenses.

Q: What is the significance of the CVSS scores for these vulnerabilities?

What is the significance of the CVSS scores for these vulnerabilities? The CVSS scores for CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823, which are 6.4 and 5.4 respectively, indicate the severity of these vulnerabilities. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a standardized way to assess and communicate the severity of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. A score in the range of 5.4 to 6.4 denotes medium severity, suggesting that while the vulnerabilities are significant and warrant attention, they may not be as critical as those with higher scores. However, even vulnerabilities with medium severity can have serious implications for website security and should be addressed promptly to mitigate risks.

Q: Can updating Exclusive Addons for Elementor cause compatibility issues with my site?

Can updating Exclusive Addons for Elementor cause compatibility issues with my site? While updating plugins is crucial for security, there is a potential for compatibility issues with your site's existing themes or other plugins. To minimize potential disruptions, it's advisable to test plugin updates in a staging environment before applying them to your live site, if possible. If you encounter any issues after updating, troubleshooting steps such as deactivating other plugins or switching themes temporarily can help identify the source of the conflict. In some cases, reaching out to the plugin developers for support can provide solutions to resolve any compatibility issues.

Q: What should I do if my site has already been compromised due to these vulnerabilities?

What should I do if my site has already been compromised due to these vulnerabilities? If you suspect your site has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities, the first step is to update the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin to the latest version to close the security gap. Following the update, conduct a thorough audit of your site for any unauthorized changes or signs of compromise. Consider seeking professional assistance to clean and secure your site if necessary. After addressing the immediate issue, review and enhance your site's security measures, such as changing passwords, limiting user permissions, and implementing additional security protocols, to prevent future compromises. Regular security monitoring and audits are essential for maintaining a secure WordPress site.

Q: How do I stay informed about security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

How do I stay informed about security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins? Staying informed about security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins involves actively monitoring trusted security news sources, subscribing to security blogs, and participating in WordPress community forums. Many security plugins and services offer vulnerability scanning and notifications for installed plugins, which can be invaluable in keeping your site secure. Regularly reviewing your site's security measures and staying updated with the latest plugin versions can help you stay ahead of potential threats. Engaging with the WordPress community can also provide insights and timely information on emerging vulnerabilities and best practices.

By Your WP Guy | January 26, 2024

Plugin Name: Exclusive Addons for Elementor

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: exclusive-addons-for-elementor
Software Status: Active
Software Author: timstrifler
Software Downloads: 688,917
Active Installs: 50,000
Last Updated: February 1, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.6.9
Affected Versions: <= 2.6.8

Vulnerability Details (Section 1):

Name: Exclusive Addons for Elementor <= 2.6.8
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Link Anything
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-0824
CVSS Score: 6.4
Publicly Published: January 26, 2024
Researcher: Webbernaut
Description: The Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin is susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via its Link Anything functionality due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping. Authenticated users with at least contributor-level permissions can inject harmful scripts that are executed when a page is accessed.

Vulnerability Details (Section 2):

Name: Exclusive Addons for Elementor <= 2.6.8
Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
CVE: CVE-2024-0823
CVSS Score: 5.4
Publicly Published: January 26, 2024
Researcher: Webbernaut
Description: Another vulnerability in the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin allows Stored XSS via the 'Link To' URL in carousels. This flaw arises from insufficient input sanitization on user-supplied attributes, enabling authenticated attackers with contributor-level access to embed arbitrary web scripts in pages.

Summary:

Exclusive Addons for Elementor, a popular plugin for enhancing Elementor page builder capabilities, has been found to contain critical vulnerabilities in versions up to 2.6.8. These vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823, involve Stored Cross-Site Scripting risks that could compromise website security. Both vulnerabilities have been addressed in the patched version 2.6.9.

Detailed Overview:

Discovered by the security researcher Webbernaut, these vulnerabilities highlight the importance of stringent input sanitization and output escaping in WordPress plugins to prevent XSS attacks. The potential for authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts poses a significant risk to website integrity and user security, underlining the necessity for prompt updates and vigilance.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Users of the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin should immediately update to version 2.6.9 to mitigate these vulnerabilities. Delaying this critical update could expose your site to XSS attacks.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Administrators are advised to review their site for any unusual or unauthorized content changes, especially within Elementor pages that utilize Exclusive Addons.
Alternate Plugins: While the patched version is secure, users may explore other Elementor addons with similar functionalities as a precautionary measure.
Stay Updated: Consistently updating all WordPress components, including plugins, themes, and the core, is essential for maintaining a secure online presence.

Conclusion:

The swift identification and remediation of CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823 within the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin underscore the ongoing challenges posed by cybersecurity threats. These incidents serve as a crucial reminder for WordPress site owners and administrators about the importance of regular updates and adopting best security practices. By ensuring that your site's plugins are up-to-date, you can significantly enhance your defenses against potential vulnerabilities and contribute to a safer WordPress ecosystem.

References:

In the digital age, where WordPress stands as a cornerstone for countless websites, the security of each plugin becomes integral to the overall safety and integrity of online platforms. The recent uncovering of vulnerabilities within the "Exclusive Addons for Elementor" plugin, specifically CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against cybersecurity threats. This situation underscores the critical importance of regular updates and vigilant security practices to safeguard digital assets.

About the Plugin: Exclusive Addons for Elementor

Exclusive Addons for Elementor enriches the Elementor page builder experience, offering a suite of additional features to enhance website design and functionality. With an impressive count of over 50,000 active installations and nearly 689,000 downloads, its influence on the WordPress community is substantial. Developed by Tim Strifler, the plugin has become a staple for many WordPress site owners seeking to elevate their site's aesthetics and user experience.

Vulnerability Insights: CVE-2024-0824 & CVE-2024-0823

The vulnerabilities in question, CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823, were identified by the researcher Webbernaut and publicly disclosed on January 26, 2024. These flaws expose the plugin to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in two distinct functionalities: the Link Anything feature and the 'Link To' URL in carousels. Authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher could exploit these vulnerabilities to inject arbitrary web scripts, which would execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.

Risks and Potential Impacts

The exploitation of these vulnerabilities poses significant risks to website integrity and user security. Malicious scripts injected through these vulnerabilities could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and a compromised user experience, eroding trust and potentially damaging the site owner's reputation.

Remediation Strategies

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823, users of the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin are urged to update to version 2.6.9, where these issues have been addressed. Site administrators should also conduct thorough reviews of their site's content for any unusual or unauthorized changes, particularly in areas utilizing the affected plugin functionalities.

Historical Context and Proactive Measures

With three previous vulnerabilities reported since December 14, 2022, the security track record of Exclusive Addons for Elementor highlights the need for continuous vigilance. Regularly updating plugins, employing robust security solutions, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities are crucial steps in maintaining a secure WordPress site.

Conclusion: The Imperative of Digital Vigilance

For small business owners managing WordPress sites, the challenge of staying abreast of every security update can seem daunting. However, the discovery of vulnerabilities such as CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823 within widely used plugins like Exclusive Addons for Elementor illustrates the critical importance of proactive security measures. Regular updates, vigilant monitoring, and employing best security practices are not just recommended actions but essential components of responsible digital stewardship. By prioritizing the security of your WordPress site, you safeguard not only your digital assets but also the trust and confidence of your users.

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.

Exclusive Addons for Elementor Vulnerability- Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-0824 & CVE-2024-0823 |WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What are CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823?

CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823 are identifiers for two specific vulnerabilities discovered in the Exclusive Addons for Elementor WordPress plugin. CVE-2024-0824 pertains to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) through the Link Anything functionality, while CVE-2024-0823 relates to a similar XSS vulnerability through the 'Link To' URL in carousels. Both vulnerabilities arise from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated users to inject malicious scripts.

These vulnerabilities were identified by a cybersecurity researcher known as Webbernaut and made public on January 26, 2024. They highlight the importance of proper data handling practices in web development to prevent unauthorized code execution.

How do these vulnerabilities affect my WordPress site?

If your site uses the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin versions 2.6.8 or lower, it is vulnerable to these XSS attacks. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to inject malicious scripts into your website, which can then be executed in the browsers of users visiting your site. This could lead to various security issues, such as data theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to your site's admin functionalities.

The risk these vulnerabilities pose underscores the need for continuous vigilance in updating and securing WordPress plugins to protect your site and its users from potential threats.

How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

To determine if your site is at risk, check the version of the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin you have installed. If your site is running version 2.6.8 or lower of the plugin, it is vulnerable to these XSS vulnerabilities. You can find the plugin version by navigating to the "Plugins" section in your WordPress dashboard.

It is crucial to regularly review your site's plugin versions and update them as needed to mitigate vulnerability risks and maintain site security.

What should I do if my site is affected?

If your site is running an affected version of the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin, you should immediately update the plugin to version 2.6.9 or higher, where these vulnerabilities have been patched. After updating, it's wise to conduct a thorough review of your site for any signs of compromise or unusual activity that may have occurred due to the vulnerabilities.

Regularly updating your plugins and employing robust security measures are key steps in protecting your WordPress site from potential exploits and maintaining a secure online presence.

Are there alternative plugins to Exclusive Addons for Elementor?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins available for enhancing Elementor's capabilities. Some popular alternatives include Essential Addons for Elementor, Ultimate Addons for Elementor, and Elementor Extras. Each offers a unique set of widgets and functionalities to extend the page builder's features.

When considering an alternative, assess your specific needs and the security track record of the plugin to ensure it aligns with your site's requirements and security standards.

How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future?

Preventing similar vulnerabilities involves adopting a proactive approach to website security. This includes regularly updating all WordPress plugins, themes, and core software to their latest versions, as updates often contain security patches for known vulnerabilities. Additionally, using reputable security plugins that offer real-time monitoring and threat detection can help identify and mitigate risks before they can be exploited.

Educating yourself and any other site administrators about the importance of security best practices, such as cautious plugin installation and adherence to the principle of least privilege, can further enhance your site's defenses.

What is the significance of the CVSS scores for these vulnerabilities?

The CVSS scores for CVE-2024-0824 and CVE-2024-0823, which are 6.4 and 5.4 respectively, indicate the severity of these vulnerabilities. The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) provides a standardized way to assess and communicate the severity of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. A score in the range of 5.4 to 6.4 denotes medium severity, suggesting that while the vulnerabilities are significant and warrant attention, they may not be as critical as those with higher scores.

However, even vulnerabilities with medium severity can have serious implications for website security and should be addressed promptly to mitigate risks.

Can updating Exclusive Addons for Elementor cause compatibility issues with my site?

While updating plugins is crucial for security, there is a potential for compatibility issues with your site's existing themes or other plugins. To minimize potential disruptions, it's advisable to test plugin updates in a staging environment before applying them to your live site, if possible.

If you encounter any issues after updating, troubleshooting steps such as deactivating other plugins or switching themes temporarily can help identify the source of the conflict. In some cases, reaching out to the plugin developers for support can provide solutions to resolve any compatibility issues.

What should I do if my site has already been compromised due to these vulnerabilities?

If you suspect your site has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities, the first step is to update the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin to the latest version to close the security gap. Following the update, conduct a thorough audit of your site for any unauthorized changes or signs of compromise.

Consider seeking professional assistance to clean and secure your site if necessary. After addressing the immediate issue, review and enhance your site's security measures, such as changing passwords, limiting user permissions, and implementing additional security protocols, to prevent future compromises. Regular security monitoring and audits are essential for maintaining a secure WordPress site.

How do I stay informed about security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins?

Staying informed about security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins involves actively monitoring trusted security news sources, subscribing to security blogs, and participating in WordPress community forums. Many security plugins and services offer vulnerability scanning and notifications for installed plugins, which can be invaluable in keeping your site secure.

Regularly reviewing your site's security measures and staying updated with the latest plugin versions can help you stay ahead of potential threats. Engaging with the WordPress community can also provide insights and timely information on emerging vulnerabilities and best practices.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged CVE-2024-0823, CVE-2024-0824, Cybersecurity, Elementor Page Builder, Exclusive Addons for Elementor, Plugin Updates, Web Security, wordpress plugin vulnerabilities, wordpress security, XSS vulnerabilities