CVE-2017-18596 in elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The elementor plugin before 1.8.0 for WordPress has incorrect access control for internal functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18596 affects the Elementor page builder plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.8.0, and represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security posture of affected websites. This issue stems from improper validation of user permissions within the plugin's internal functions, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to execute administrative actions without proper authentication. The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass the standard WordPress permission checks that should restrict access to sensitive plugin features, potentially enabling full control over the affected WordPress installation.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to properly verify user roles and capabilities when invoking internal functions. Elementor's internal APIs and administrative endpoints do not adequately validate whether the requesting user possesses sufficient privileges to perform the requested operations. This improper access control mechanism creates a direct attack vector where malicious actors can exploit the vulnerability to perform actions such as modifying plugin settings, adding or removing users, accessing sensitive data, or executing arbitrary code within the WordPress environment. The flaw operates at the application level, specifically within the plugin's core architecture where it fails to implement proper authorization checks before executing privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to compromised WordPress sites. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain administrative control over the entire website, potentially leading to data breaches, defacement, or the installation of malware. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations running Elementor plugin versions below 1.8.0, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of this popular page builder tool. Additionally, the flaw can compound other security issues, as it may allow attackers to bypass security measures implemented by other plugins or security hardening efforts. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to escalate their privileges further within the WordPress environment, potentially accessing database credentials or other sensitive system information.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately update to Elementor version 1.8.0 or later, which includes proper access control mechanisms and authorization checks. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of their WordPress installations to identify any compromised systems and implement additional monitoring for suspicious administrative activities. The mitigation strategy should include regular security updates, proper role management, and the implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in cybersecurity. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can enable attackers to move laterally within compromised environments, potentially leading to broader security breaches and persistent threats.