WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – Elementor Website Builder – Authenticated(Contributor+) Arbitrary File Upload to Remote Code Execution via Template Import

Q: What exactly is the vulnerability?

What exactly is the vulnerability? The vulnerability allows users with contributor access or higher in WordPress to upload arbitrary PHP files to the server through Elementor's template importer. Once uploaded, these malicious files can be executed remotely, enabling serious attacks like remote code execution, backdoor creation, and data theft. It stems from improper validation of uploaded template files.

Q: What versions of Elementor are affected?

What versions of Elementor are affected? All versions of Elementor up to and including the latest 3.18.0 contain this vulnerability. Elementor has not yet released a patched version as of December 2023. Any site running Elementor at 3.18.0 or lower is critically exposed.

Q: How can I tell if my site has been compromised?

How can I tell if my site has been compromised? Check Elementor immediately to confirm your version is not vulnerable. Review logs closely over the past month for any unauthorized changes. Scan files for unfamiliar uploads or code injections. Monitor site behavior and traffic levels for anomalies that could indicate compromise. Enlist help from a WordPress security professional if you lack experience.

Q: Should I just delete Elementor for now?

Should I just delete Elementor for now? Deleting Elementor may severely damage your site if you rely on it for page building. Consider restricting contributor permissions and monitoring for a patch instead. Be prepared to switch plugins if updates do not arrive promptly. Deleting may still be wise for low-traffic sites not yet built out in Elementor.

Q: Is there any short-term fix I can implement?

Is there any short-term fix I can implement? Restricting user roles like author and contributor can mitigate risk slightly by limiting those who can exploit it. But restrictions are not enough, the underlying flaw remains open. Still restrict access and watch closely for patch updates. Enforcing two-factor authentication and changing all passwords may also help guard access.

Q: What is the long-term solution?

What is the long-term solution? Updating Elementor to patched versions as soon as they become available is the only full, long-term resolution. Partnering with a service provider who can update software for you can also strengthen security moving forward. Adopting proactive security habits will help address issues before they escalate to compromise.

Q: Should I switch from Elementor for good?

Should I switch from Elementor for good? Elementor overall still offers excellent site-building capabilities for WordPress users. Their response in developing a patch also demonstrates their security commitments. This situation primarily underscores the need to promptly update plugins when vulnerabilities emerge. Unless Elementor responses prove exceptionally poor, migrating may be unnecessary if you take actions to lock down access in the interim.

Q: What security steps should I prioritize right now?

What security steps should I prioritize right now? Confirm your Elementor version. Restrict contributor permissions immediately. Develop monitoring to check logs and files for changes regularly. Enforce two-factor login requirements if possible. Back up your Elementor templates and site database in case you need to migrate plugins or restore content. Sign up for Elementor update alerts so you can patch quickly.

Q: Who is most at risk from this attack vector?

Who is most at risk from this attack vector? Small businesses and average site owners are most vulnerable since they frequently lack resources to detect or respond quickly to emerging threats. Sites granting author and contributor access also widen exposure greatly by expanding who can exploit it. Unfortunately the prevalence of outdated software makes much of the web susceptible regardless of size.

Q: Why wasn't this caught during development?

Why wasn't this caught during development? Even rigorous coding practices often fail to catch every potential vulnerability. The incredibly complex nature of content management systems like WordPress with their databases, files access, user roles, and endless plugin integrations offer hackers an abundance of angles for exploitation. While standards are improving, new threats may emerge in any piece of software.

By Your WP Guy | December 6, 2023

Plugin Name: Elementor Website Builder

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: elementor
Software Status: Active
Software Author: elemntor
Software Downloads: 357,725,852
Active Installs: 5,000,000
Last Updated: December 6, 2023
Patched Versions: No patched version
Affected Versions: <= 3.18.0

Vulnerability Details:

Name: Elementor <= 3.18.0 Authenticated(Contributor+) Arbitrary File Upload to Remote Code Execution via Template Import
Title: Authenticated(Contributor+) Arbitrary File Upload to Remote Code Execution via Template Import
Type: Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
Publicly Published: December 6, 2023
Description: The Elementor Website Builder – More than Just a Page Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution via file upload in all versions up to and including 3.18.0 via the template import functionality. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to upload files and execute code on the server.

Summary:

The Elementor Website Builder for WordPress has a high severity vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.18.0 that allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to upload arbitrary files and execute remote code on the server via the template import functionality. This vulnerability has not yet been patched.

Detailed Overview:

On December 6th, 2023, a critical remote code execution vulnerability was publicly disclosed, impacting the popular Elementor Website Builder plugin, active on over 5 million WordPress sites. This vulnerability allows users with contributor-level access or higher to upload arbitrary PHP files to the server via the template import function. Once uploaded, these files can be accessed and executed remotely, enabling full server compromise.

The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and restrictions on the template import feature. By uploading a PHP file masked as a template export file, attackers can bypass filters and upload executable code. When accessed, this code runs with the same privileges as the web server itself.

This severe flaw enables remote code execution, PHP shell uploads, backdoor creation, data exfiltration, and a range of other attacks. Sites running vulnerable Elementor versions should immediately restrict contributor permissions and urgently update when patches become available.

Advice for Users:

Immediate Action: Restrict contributor permissions to mitigate risk until update is available.
Check for Signs of Compromise: Review logs and file manager for unauthorized changes.
Alternate Plugins: Consider alternative page builders like Beaver Builder if risk is unacceptable.
Stay Updated: Ensure Elementor and all plugins run latest versions when updates are released.

Conclusion:

This dangerous vulnerability requires urgent action from Elementor users and developers. Restricting contributor permissions can offer temporary protection, but sites remain critically exposed without an official patch. Users should closely monitor Elementor communications for new version releases, which should be applied immediately once available. Promptly restricting access and updating software remains the best way to avoid compromise.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/elementor

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/elementor/elementor-3180-authenticatedcontributor-arbitrary-file-upload-to-remote-code-execution-via-template-import

Detailed Report:

A dangerous website security threat has recently emerged that puts millions of WordPress sites at risk of compromise. A severe vulnerability was publicly disclosed this week in Elementor, one of the most popular WordPress page builder plugins, actively running on over 5 million websites. This flaw allows authenticated users with author or contributor access to remotely execute code on vulnerable servers, opening the door for serious hacks.

Elementor is a drag and drop website builder used by many small businesses to easily create WordPress pages and posts without needing to code. It has over 5 million active installs and has been downloaded over 357 million times, underscoring its immense popularity. Unfortunately, a critical security flaw has been found impacting all versions up to and including the latest 3.18.0.

This vulnerability allows users with contributor-level access or higher to upload arbitrary PHP files to the server via the template import function. Once uploaded, these files can be executed remotely, enabling full server compromise, remote code execution, backdoor creation, and data theft. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation on the template importer.

For small business owners without large security teams, this is an urgent threat. Hacks of this nature can lead to disruption of online operations, theft of customer data, reputational damage, blackmail, and even threats to physical safety. Prompt action is essential.

To mitigate risk, users should immediately restrict contributor permissions if possible and closely monitor the plugin for a patched update. However, restricting access may not be enough, and the underlying flaw leaves sites critically exposed without an official fix. Small business owners should consider proactive monitoring for unauthorized changes and be prepared to switch plugins if updates do not arrive soon.

This flaw highlights why staying on top of plugin and platform updates is so essential. New vulnerabilities emerge frequently, getting stealthily patched in newer versions. Without prompt updates, outdated software leaves the door unlocked for attackers. Unfortunately outdated plugins and themes are rampant across the web.

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.

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – Elementor Website Builder – Authenticated(Contributor+) Arbitrary File Upload to Remote Code Execution via Template Import FAQs

What exactly is the vulnerability?

The vulnerability allows users with contributor access or higher in WordPress to upload arbitrary PHP files to the server through Elementor's template importer. Once uploaded, these malicious files can be executed remotely, enabling serious attacks like remote code execution, backdoor creation, and data theft. It stems from improper validation of uploaded template files.

What versions of Elementor are affected?

How can I tell if my site has been compromised?

Check Elementor immediately to confirm your version is not vulnerable. Review logs closely over the past month for any unauthorized changes. Scan files for unfamiliar uploads or code injections. Monitor site behavior and traffic levels for anomalies that could indicate compromise. Enlist help from a WordPress security professional if you lack experience.

Should I just delete Elementor for now?

Is there any short-term fix I can implement?

What is the long-term solution?

Should I switch from Elementor for good?

Elementor overall still offers excellent site-building capabilities for WordPress users. Their response in developing a patch also demonstrates their security commitments. This situation primarily underscores the need to promptly update plugins when vulnerabilities emerge. Unless Elementor responses prove exceptionally poor, migrating may be unnecessary if you take actions to lock down access in the interim.

What security steps should I prioritize right now?

Confirm your Elementor version.
Restrict contributor permissions immediately.
Develop monitoring to check logs and files for changes regularly.
Enforce two-factor login requirements if possible.
Back up your Elementor templates and site database in case you need to migrate plugins or restore content.
Sign up for Elementor update alerts so you can patch quickly.

Who is most at risk from this attack vector?

Small businesses and average site owners are most vulnerable since they frequently lack resources to detect or respond quickly to emerging threats. Sites granting author and contributor access also widen exposure greatly by expanding who can exploit it. Unfortunately the prevalence of outdated software makes much of the web susceptible regardless of size.

Why wasn't this caught during development?

Even rigorous coding practices often fail to catch every potential vulnerability. The incredibly complex nature of content management systems like WordPress with their databases, files access, user roles, and endless plugin integrations offer hackers an abundance of angles for exploitation. While standards are improving, new threats may emerge in any piece of software.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged compromise, Contributor, Elementor, hacking, permissions, Plugin, remote code execution, security, Small Business, updates, vulnerability, website, WordPress

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – Elementor Website Builder – Authenticated(Contributor+) Arbitrary File Upload to Remote Code Execution via Template Import

Plugin Name: Elementor Website Builder

Key Information:

Vulnerability Details:

Summary:

Detailed Overview:

Advice for Users:

Conclusion:

References:

Detailed Report:

WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report – Elementor Website Builder – Authenticated(Contributor+) Arbitrary File Upload to Remote Code Execution via Template Import FAQs

What exactly is the vulnerability?

What exactly is the vulnerability?

What versions of Elementor are affected?

What versions of Elementor are affected?

How can I tell if my site has been compromised?

How can I tell if my site has been compromised?

Should I just delete Elementor for now?

Should I just delete Elementor for now?

Is there any short-term fix I can implement?

Is there any short-term fix I can implement?

What is the long-term solution?

What is the long-term solution?

Should I switch from Elementor for good?

Should I switch from Elementor for good?

What security steps should I prioritize right now?

What security steps should I prioritize right now?

Who is most at risk from this attack vector?

Who is most at risk from this attack vector?

Why wasn't this caught during development?

Why wasn't this caught during development?

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