CVE-2023-3124 in Elementor Pro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/07/2023
The Elementor Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized data modification due to a missing capability check on the update_page_option function in versions up to, and including, 3.11.6. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber-level capabilities to update arbitrary site options, which can lead to privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3124 affects the Elementor Pro plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization flaw that undermines the security model of the platform. This issue stems from a missing capability check within the update_page_option function, which is part of the plugin's core functionality designed to manage page options and settings. The flaw exists in versions up to and including 3.11.6, making a substantial user base potentially vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability specifically targets the authorization mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized modifications to critical site settings, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal security controls that typically restrict access based on user roles and permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers who possess subscriber-level capabilities to manipulate arbitrary site options through the compromised update_page_option function. This represents a significant privilege escalation vector since subscribers normally should not have access to modify core site configuration parameters that could affect the entire website's operation and security posture. The missing capability check means that the plugin fails to verify whether the requesting user has sufficient privileges to perform the requested modification, effectively allowing lower-privileged users to execute actions that should be restricted to administrators or editors. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in the access control implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized modifications, as it provides attackers with the means to alter critical site configuration parameters that could compromise the entire WordPress installation. Attackers could potentially modify core settings such as plugin configurations, theme options, or even security-related parameters that might enable them to establish persistent access or further compromise the site. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the site's behavior in ways that could lead to data exfiltration, service disruption, or the establishment of backdoors. This type of privilege escalation vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to gain increased control over the affected WordPress installation without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3124 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the missing capability check in the update_page_option function. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring and logging of configuration changes to detect suspicious modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle that access controls should be enforced at the application level. Organizations should consider implementing network-based monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns of configuration changes and maintain regular security audits of their WordPress installations to identify similar authorization flaws that might exist in other plugins or themes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of application-specific flaws to gain elevated system access.