CVE-2022-1329 in Elementor Website Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/20/2022
The Elementor Website Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized execution of several AJAX actions due to a missing capability check in the ~/core/app/modules/onboarding/module.php file that make it possible for attackers to modify site data in addition to uploading malicious files that can be used to obtain remote code execution, in versions 3.6.0 to 3.6.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1329 affects the Elementor Website Builder plugin for WordPress, a widely used website building tool that has been installed on millions of websites globally. This security flaw exists within the core application architecture specifically in the onboarding module located at ~/core/app/modules/onboarding/module.php. The vulnerability represents a critical authorization bypass that allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit multiple AJAX actions within the plugin's functionality, fundamentally compromising the security posture of affected WordPress installations. The issue stems from a missing capability check that should have validated user permissions before executing sensitive operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to perform unauthorized modifications to website data and potentially achieve remote code execution.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper access control validation within the plugin's AJAX handling mechanism. When the onboarding module processes certain AJAX requests, it fails to verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges or capabilities required to perform the operations. This missing validation creates a direct vector for privilege escalation attacks where attackers can manipulate the plugin's AJAX endpoints to execute actions that should only be available to authenticated administrators. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to upload malicious files to the server, which can then be executed to establish persistent access to the compromised website. This capability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities where insufficient checks allow unauthorized users to perform privileged operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification, as it creates a complete compromise scenario for affected websites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to upload web shells, malware, or other malicious payloads that provide them with remote code execution capabilities. Once an attacker gains the ability to upload files, they can establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive data, deface websites, or use the compromised server for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects versions 3.6.0 through 3.6.2 of the Elementor plugin, making it particularly concerning as these versions were widely deployed across the WordPress ecosystem. This exposure creates a significant risk for website owners who may not be aware of the vulnerability until it is actively exploited, as the attack surface includes not only the website's content management system but potentially the entire underlying server infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including updating to the patched version of the Elementor plugin or implementing temporary workarounds such as restricting access to AJAX endpoints or implementing additional authentication layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper capability checks in web applications, particularly in plugins that provide extensive administrative functionality to websites. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify any other potential access control vulnerabilities and ensure that all plugins and themes maintain proper authorization validation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, where attackers leverage missing access controls to gain elevated system privileges. This vulnerability also relates to the web shell deployment and command execution tactics commonly used in web application attacks, making it a significant concern for organizations that rely on WordPress-based websites for their digital presence and business operations.