CVE-2023-51676 in Happy Addons for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/29/2023
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in Leevio Happy Addons for Elementor.This issue affects Happy Addons for Elementor: from n/a through 3.9.1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2024
The CVE-2023-51676 vulnerability represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw within the Leevio Happy Addons for Elementor plugin, a popular WordPress extension that enhances website functionality through various interactive elements and widgets. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 3.9.1.1, creating a significant security risk for WordPress sites utilizing this plugin. The flaw allows malicious actors to manipulate the plugin's server-side processing capabilities, potentially enabling unauthorized access to internal systems and data. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's request handling processes, which fail to properly validate external URLs or resources that the plugin might attempt to access on behalf of the server.
The technical implementation of this SSRF vulnerability occurs when the Happy Addons plugin processes user-provided input through its various widget configurations or API integrations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that trick the server into making unintended requests to internal network resources or external malicious servers. The vulnerability typically manifests when the plugin accepts URL parameters or external resource references without proper validation, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary destinations for server requests. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be particularly dangerous because it leverages the server's trusted network position to bypass traditional network security controls. The attack vector often involves manipulating form fields, API endpoints, or configuration settings within the plugin's user interface to inject malicious URLs that the server will subsequently process.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-51676 extends beyond simple data theft or service disruption, as it can enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities, access internal systems, or even escalate privileges within the affected environment. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the Happy Addons plugin face potential exposure to lateral movement attacks, where attackers use the compromised plugin as a stepping stone to access other internal resources. The vulnerability can also facilitate data exfiltration, denial of service conditions, or the execution of malicious code on the target server. This threat is particularly concerning for WordPress installations that host sensitive information or operate within regulated environments where compliance requirements mandate strict access controls and data protection measures. The vulnerability's exploitation can result in significant financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties for affected organizations.
Security mitigations for CVE-2023-51676 primarily focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the SSRF vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize updating their Happy Addons plugin to the latest available version that contains the necessary security patches. Additionally, implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict outbound connections from the web server can help limit the potential impact of exploitation. Input validation should be strengthened throughout the application to ensure that any external URL references are properly sanitized and validated against a whitelist of approved domains. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of protection by detecting and blocking suspicious request patterns. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potential vulnerabilities and ensure that all plugins and themes are running supported, secure versions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery, and represents a significant concern within the ATT&CK framework under the reconnaissance and initial access phases of cyber attacks.