CVE-2024-12059 in ElementInvader Addons for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
The ElementInvader Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.1 via the eli_option_value shortcode. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to extract arbitrary options from the wp_options table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2025
The ElementInvader Addons for Elementor plugin presents a significant security vulnerability classified as sensitive information exposure affecting versions up to and including 131. This flaw exists within the eli_option_value shortcode functionality which allows authenticated users with contributor level privileges or higher to access arbitrary data from the WordPress wp_options table. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the plugin's access control mechanisms and data handling procedures. Attackers exploiting this issue can retrieve sensitive configuration data, database credentials, API keys, and other potentially damaging information stored within WordPress options. The exposure occurs due to insufficient input validation and authorization checks within the shortcode implementation, allowing privilege escalation through carefully crafted requests that bypass normal access restrictions. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege by enabling users with minimal permissions to access data they should not be able to retrieve.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-supplied parameters within the eli_option_value shortcode. When processing requests through this endpoint, the plugin fails to validate whether the requesting user has legitimate authorization to access the specific option being requested. The shortcode likely accepts an option_name parameter that is directly used to query the wp_options table without adequate access control verification. This creates a path for authenticated attackers to systematically enumerate available options and extract sensitive data through multiple request iterations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and specifically relates to CWE-284, which covers inadequate access control mechanisms. The issue demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate privilege checking that allows unauthorized data access through legitimate plugin functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable further attacks within the WordPress environment. An attacker with contributor-level access can extract database connection strings, API keys for third-party services, plugin configurations, and other sensitive settings that could facilitate additional exploitation attempts. The exposure of wp_options table data may reveal information about the site's configuration, installed plugins, and potentially other system details that could be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability undermines the security model of WordPress by allowing users with minimal privileges to access sensitive system information that should remain protected. The impact is particularly severe because contributors typically have limited capabilities within WordPress but can now access data that would normally require administrator privileges. This makes the vulnerability especially dangerous in multi-user environments where contributors may have access to production systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate code-level fixes and access control improvements. The plugin developers must implement proper input validation and authorization checks within the eli_option_value shortcode to ensure that only users with appropriate permissions can access specific options. This includes validating that the requesting user has sufficient privileges to access the target option and implementing proper parameter sanitization to prevent malicious input from being processed. Organizations should also consider restricting contributor-level access to plugin functionality where possible and implementing additional monitoring for unusual option access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security audits of plugin code, implementation of proper access control mechanisms, and maintaining up-to-date security practices are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Additionally, administrators should monitor WordPress user activities and option access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.