CVE-2023-40679 in Master Addons for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/24/2025
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Jewel Theme Master Addons for Elementor allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Master Addons for Elementor: from n/a through 2.0.5.3.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40679 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Jewel Theme Master Addons for Elementor plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified beginning version through 2.0.5.3. This security weakness falls under the category of incorrect access control configuration, where the plugin fails to properly verify user permissions before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate authorization checks that allow unauthorized users to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute, effectively creating a backdoor for malicious actors to exploit the system's access control mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects the Elementor page builder plugin ecosystem, where the Jewel Theme Master Addons extends functionality with additional widgets and features. This misconfiguration enables attackers to bypass normal security boundaries that should restrict access to administrative functions and sensitive data processing capabilities. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's core authorization logic where it fails to validate whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to access specific features or execute particular commands. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to administrative interfaces, modify content, or potentially escalate their privileges within the compromised WordPress environment. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as the flaw allows for potential data manipulation and system compromise through the exploitation of improperly configured security levels.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests in the plugin's failure to enforce proper access control checks at multiple operational points within the Elementor integration framework. The missing authorization mechanism specifically affects how the plugin handles user roles and permissions when processing requests for enhanced features provided by the Jewel Theme Master Addons. This flaw operates at the application level where the plugin does not adequately validate the authenticated user's capabilities before allowing execution of privileged operations. The vulnerability creates a path for attackers to exploit the plugin's extended functionality without proper authentication, potentially allowing them to access administrative panels or perform operations such as content modification, plugin configuration changes, or data extraction. The flaw demonstrates poor security implementation practices where access control decisions are either completely absent or improperly enforced, creating an environment where any authenticated user can potentially perform actions reserved for administrators or privileged users. This misconfiguration aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all access control implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends significantly within WordPress environments where Elementor and Jewel Theme Master Addons are deployed, as it creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The flaw allows for unauthorized modification of website content, potential data exfiltration, and could serve as a foothold for further attacks within the compromised system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive administrative functions without requiring elevated credentials, making the exploitation particularly dangerous for websites that rely heavily on Elementor for content management. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's security architecture that was not adequately addressed through version updates, leaving users exposed to ongoing risk. Organizations utilizing this plugin face potential reputational damage, data loss, and compliance violations if the vulnerability is exploited successfully. The impact is amplified in environments where the plugin is widely used, as the vulnerability affects not just individual sites but entire ecosystems of websites that share similar security configurations and access control implementations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40679 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, as well as implementing additional security controls to reduce the potential impact of exploitation. System administrators should conduct thorough security assessments of their Elementor implementations to identify any other plugins or themes that may exhibit similar access control vulnerabilities. The implementation of network-level access controls, including firewall rules and IP whitelisting for administrative interfaces, can provide additional layers of protection against unauthorized access attempts. Regular security audits should be conducted to ensure that all plugins and themes maintain proper authorization mechanisms and that access control configurations remain properly enforced. Organizations should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to access administrative functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and emphasizes the need for continuous vulnerability assessment within WordPress environments. Security teams should establish procedures for rapid response to security advisories and maintain comprehensive backup strategies to ensure quick recovery from potential exploitation events. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper access control implementation in web applications and the potential consequences of failing to enforce authorization checks at all levels of the application stack.