The Plus Addons for Elementor – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting Header Meta Content Widget – CVE-2024-1419 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin Name: The Plus Addons for Elementor

Key Information:

  • Software Type: Plugin
  • Software Slug: the-plus-addons-for-elementor-page-builder
  • Software Status: Active
  • Software Author: posimyththemes
  • Software Downloads: 2,065,890
  • Active Installs: 100,000
  • Last Updated: March 8, 2024
  • Patched Versions: 5.4.1
  • Affected Versions: <= 5.4.0

Vulnerability Details:

  • Name: The Plus Addons for Elementor <= 5.4.0
  • Title: Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting Header Meta Content Widget
  • Type: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N
  • CVE: CVE-2024-1419
  • CVSS Score: 6.4
  • Publicly Published: March 6, 2024
  • Researcher: Wesley
  • Description: The Plus Addons for Elementor plugin is susceptible to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability within the ‘_id’ attribute of the Header Meta Content widget. Due to inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, attackers with at least contributor-level permissions can embed malicious scripts into web pages, which are executed when these pages are accessed by users.

Summary:

The Plus Addons for Elementor, a popular plugin designed to extend the functionality of the Elementor page builder, harbors a significant security flaw in versions up to 5.4.0. This vulnerability allows for the injection and execution of arbitrary web scripts, posing a risk to website integrity and user security. The issue has been resolved in the newly released version 5.4.1.

Detailed Overview:

Identified by security researcher Wesley, this vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous input validation and output encoding in web development. Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities such as this one can lead to various security issues, including data breaches, session hijacking, and the spread of malware. The prompt release of a patched version underscores the developer's commitment to user security.

Advice for Users:

  • Immediate Action: Users of The Plus Addons for Elementor should immediately upgrade to version 5.4.1 to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
  • Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Website administrators should monitor their sites for any suspicious activity or unauthorized content alterations, which might indicate exploitation.
  • Alternate Plugins: While the patched version addresses this specific vulnerability, users may consider exploring alternative Elementor addons that meet their needs, especially if they are concerned about ongoing security.
  • Stay Updated: Keeping all WordPress themes and plugins updated is crucial in protecting against known vulnerabilities and maintaining a secure online presence.

Conclusion:

The discovery and subsequent patching of CVE-2024-1419 within The Plus Addons for Elementor plugin serve as a vital reminder of the continuous threats facing web platforms today. Users are encouraged to apply the latest updates promptly and maintain vigilance in monitoring their websites, ensuring the security of their digital assets against potential threats.

References:

In today's digital landscape, where websites are the lifelines of businesses and personal brands, the discovery of a vulnerability within a widely used WordPress plugin, "The Plus Addons for Elementor," serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present need for vigilant cybersecurity measures. The identified vulnerability, known as CVE-2024-1419, exposes a critical gap in the plugin's security, potentially compromising the integrity of countless websites and the safety of their users. This incident not only highlights the inherent risks associated with digital tools but also underscores the paramount importance of keeping such tools up to date to safeguard against malicious exploits.

Plugin Overview:

"The Plus Addons for Elementor" is a notable plugin designed to enhance the capabilities of the Elementor page builder, offering a range of additional widgets and functionalities to WordPress users. Developed by posimyththemes, it boasts over 2 million downloads and 100,000 active installations, making it a significant asset in the WordPress ecosystem. Regular updates by the software author ensure that the plugin remains compatible with the latest WordPress versions and web technologies.

Vulnerability Details:

CVE-2024-1419 specifically targets the plugin's Header Meta Content widget, where the ‘_id’ attribute was found to be vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This flaw allows attackers with contributor-level permissions to inject harmful scripts into web pages, which are then executed by any user accessing these pages. Publicly disclosed by researcher Wesley on March 6, 2024, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to websites using versions up to and including 5.4.0.

Risks and Potential Impacts:

The implications of this vulnerability are far-reaching, with the potential for data breaches, unauthorized website access, and the compromise of user information. For small business owners, such security breaches can result in significant reputational damage, eroding customer trust and potentially leading to financial losses.

Remediation and Prevention:

In response to this threat, a patched version of the plugin, 5.4.1, has been released to address and mitigate the vulnerability. Website owners and administrators are urged to update their installations immediately to this latest version to protect their sites. Additionally, regular monitoring for unusual website activity and considering alternative plugins with a strong security track record can further bolster web security.

Previous Vulnerabilities:

This is not the first challenge faced by "The Plus Addons for Elementor," with four previous vulnerabilities reported since April 13, 2021. These incidents serve as a testament to the dynamic nature of web security and the ongoing battle against cyber threats.

The discovery of CVE-2024-1419 within "The Plus Addons for Elementor" serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining the security of digital tools, especially for small business owners who rely heavily on their online presence. Staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, promptly applying software updates, and employing best practices in web security are essential steps in safeguarding digital assets against evolving cyber threats. In the fast-paced world of technology, proactive measures are not just beneficial—they are necessary for the continued success and security of digital platforms.

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.

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The Plus Addons for Elementor – Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting Header Meta Content Widget – CVE-2024-1419 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

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