CVE-2023-39157 in JetElements Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/31/2023
Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') vulnerability in Crocoblock JetElements For Elementor.This issue affects JetElements For Elementor: from n/a through 2.6.10.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2026
The identified security flaw represents a critical instance of Improper Control of Generation of Code, commonly referred to as code injection, within the JetElements for Elementor plugin ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions ranging from the initial release up through version 2.6.10. As a widely used extension for the WordPress page builder platform known as Elementor, JetElements provides developers and designers with additional widgets and functionality. The presence of this flaw indicates that the software fails to adequately sanitize or validate user-supplied input before it is processed by internal code generation mechanisms. This lack of rigorous validation allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts or commands into the application's execution flow, potentially leading to unauthorized control over the affected web server environment.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes Improper Control of Generation of Code (Code Injection). The core issue lies in the failure to neutralize special elements that could be interpreted as code by the system. In the context of WordPress plugins, this often manifests when user input is directly passed to functions like eval(), preg_replace() with the /e modifier, or dynamic function calls without sufficient checks on the data's origin and format. An attacker who can interact with the vulnerable component may craft specific payloads that bypass existing filters. These payloads are then executed within the context of the web application, allowing for arbitrary code execution. This is distinct from simple cross-site scripting because it often involves server-side processing or more complex injection vectors that compromise the integrity of the underlying PHP environment rather than just client-side rendering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Successful exploitation can lead to full remote code execution, granting attackers complete control over the compromised WordPress site. This level of access enables a wide range of malicious activities, including but not limited to defacement, data exfiltration, installation of backdoors for persistent access, and pivoting into internal network segments if the server is part of a larger infrastructure. Furthermore, because Elementor plugins are often used on high-traffic commercial or informational sites, the compromise can result in significant reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and potential regulatory penalties under data protection laws such as GDPR or CCPA due to unauthorized access to personal user data stored within the database.
This vulnerability is also closely associated with ATT&CK technique T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically regarding how attackers leverage system utilities for execution. The ability to inject code effectively turns the legitimate application into a vector for delivering malicious payloads. Attackers may use this entry point to download additional malware, establish command-and-control channels, or manipulate database contents to serve phishing pages to unsuspecting visitors. The severity is compounded by the fact that many WordPress sites run with elevated privileges relative to other web applications, making the consequences of such an injection particularly damaging compared to less privileged environments.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate remediation and long-term hardening. The primary and most effective solution is to update JetElements for Elementor to a version newer than 2.6.10 as soon as possible after the vendor releases a patched release that addresses this specific code injection flaw. Until an official patch is available, administrators should consider disabling the plugin entirely if its features are not critical to current operations. Additionally, implementing Web Application Firewalls can help detect and block common patterns associated with code injection attempts, although such defenses are supplementary rather than definitive. Developers must also review any custom integrations or third-party add-ons that interact with JetElements to ensure they do not introduce similar vulnerabilities through improper input handling practices. Regular security audits and adherence to secure coding standards like OWASP Top Ten guidelines will help prevent recurrence of such issues in future updates.