CVE-2023-41656 in Better Elementor Addons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/30/2025
Missing Authorization vulnerability in wpdive Better Elementor Addons allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Better Elementor Addons: from n/a through 1.3.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2025
The CVE-2023-41656 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the wpdive Better Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 1.3.7. This vulnerability stems from improperly configured access control security levels that allow unauthorized users to exploit functionalities intended for administrators or authorized personnel only. The flaw resides in the plugin's permission system where proper authorization checks are either absent or incorrectly implemented, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in content management systems where plugins often provide extensive administrative capabilities that, when improperly secured, can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this missing authorization vulnerability manifests through insufficient validation of user roles and capabilities within the plugin's codebase. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific requests that target administrative functions or sensitive data retrieval mechanisms without possessing the required privileges. This misconfiguration typically occurs when the plugin fails to verify whether the requesting user has appropriate permissions before executing privileged operations. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.101 focusing on valid accounts and credential access. The flaw essentially allows attackers to perform actions such as modifying plugin settings, accessing restricted content, or potentially executing arbitrary code depending on the scope of functionality exposed through the vulnerable endpoints.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-41656 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential full system compromise and data breach scenarios. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to gain administrative control over WordPress installations, potentially leading to website defacement, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors. The affected plugin's functionality likely includes various administrative interfaces, settings modifications, and content management features that, when accessible to unauthorized users, can result in significant operational disruption. Organizations running vulnerable versions face risks including reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses from data breaches. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests a fundamental flaw in the plugin's security architecture rather than a simple patchable oversight.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-41656 require immediate action to address the authorization gaps within the wpdive Better Elementor Addons plugin. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest available version where the vulnerability has been patched, ensuring that all plugin components receive proper authorization checks. System administrators should implement additional security measures including regular security audits, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, and implementing network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The remediation process should involve thorough code review to identify similar authorization flaws in other plugins and themes, as well as implementing principle of least privilege configurations. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, while maintaining regular vulnerability scanning to identify other potential access control weaknesses in their WordPress environments.