CVE-2023-51407 in Split Test for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/16/2024
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Rocket Elements Split Test For Elementor.This issue affects Split Test For Elementor: from n/a through 1.6.9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
The Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-51407 resides within the Rocket Elements Split Test For Elementor plugin, a widely used tool for conducting A/B testing on websites built with the Elementor page builder. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions ranging from the initial release through 1.6.9, creating a significant security risk for WordPress sites that rely on this plugin for split testing functionality. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper CSRF protection mechanisms, leaving websites vulnerable to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of authenticated users.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's inability to validate the origin of HTTP requests, particularly those related to split test configurations and modifications. When a user with administrative privileges accesses the plugin's administrative interface, malicious actors can craft specially crafted requests that appear legitimate to the web application. This occurs because the plugin does not implement anti-forgery tokens or other validation mechanisms that would verify the request originates from the intended source. The vulnerability falls under CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery conditions, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for the initial access phase through spearphishing attachments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to modify split test configurations, alter campaign settings, or even disable critical testing functionality. In a compromised environment, unauthorized modifications could lead to incorrect analytics data, disrupted user experiences, or even serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core administrative functionality of the plugin, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate user behavior testing data or redirect traffic patterns without the knowledge of site administrators. This could result in significant business impact, especially for e-commerce sites or marketing platforms that rely heavily on split testing for conversion optimization.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the CSRF vulnerability, as well as implementing additional security measures such as ensuring proper authentication protocols and monitoring for unusual administrative activities. Site administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and network-level protections to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of CSRF protection in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions, and reinforces the necessity of regular security audits and keeping third-party plugins updated. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and monitoring systems to detect unauthorized changes to split testing configurations, as these modifications could indicate successful exploitation of the CSRF vulnerability.