CVE-2024-30496 in Element Pack Elementor Addons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2024
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in BdThemes Element Pack Elementor Addons.This issue affects Element Pack Elementor Addons: from n/a through 5.5.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2024-30496 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the BdThemes Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 5.5.3. This weakness stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly neutralize special elements within SQL commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into SQL statements without proper validation or escaping, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary SQL code that can be executed by the database server. The affected plugin serves as a popular addon for Elementor page builder, extending its functionality with various design elements and features that are commonly used across WordPress websites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of parameters within database queries, which aligns with CWE-89, the standard classification for SQL injection attacks. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious input that gets processed into SQL commands, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even execute administrative operations on the affected system. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's database interaction logic where user inputs are not adequately filtered or escaped before being incorporated into SQL queries, creating a persistent risk that can be exploited across multiple database operations within the plugin's functionality. This type of injection vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through various plugin features that interact with database storage, including form submissions, content management functions, and configuration settings that utilize database queries.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-30496 extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the WordPress database. Attackers may gain access to user credentials, personal data, configuration files, and other sensitive information that could be used for further attacks or monetization. The vulnerability affects not just individual websites but potentially entire networks of sites using the compromised plugin version, making it a significant concern for WordPress administrators and security teams managing multiple installations. The exploitation can occur through various attack vectors including web application attacks, where malicious payloads are injected through plugin interfaces, or through more sophisticated techniques that leverage the database access to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to version 5.5.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement input validation and output escaping mechanisms at multiple layers of their web applications to prevent similar issues in other components. The remediation process should involve thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that all plugin functionalities remain operational while addressing the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify any other potentially vulnerable components, implementing the principle of least privilege for database access and regular security monitoring to detect anomalous database activities. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and following the ATT&CK framework's guidance on preventing injection attacks, particularly in web applications where database interactions are common.