CVE-2024-39667 in Element Pack Elementor Addons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in BdThemes Element Pack Elementor Addons allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Element Pack Elementor Addons: from n/a through 5.6.11.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the BdThemes Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin, which is widely used for extending Elementor page builder functionality. The issue manifests as a stored XSS vulnerability that occurs during web page generation when user input is improperly neutralized, allowing malicious scripts to be permanently stored and executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability affects versions ranging from the initial release through 5.6.11, indicating a long-standing security gap that has persisted across multiple iterations of the plugin. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of how user-supplied data can be maliciously injected into web applications. The stored nature of this XSS means that once exploited, the malicious payload remains persistent and will execute every time affected pages are loaded by other users, potentially affecting thousands of website visitors who interact with compromised sites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when administrators or users with appropriate privileges input malicious scripts into fields that are then processed and stored within the plugin's database or configuration files. These stored scripts are subsequently served to other users when their browsers render the affected web pages, creating a chain of execution that bypasses normal security controls. The flaw demonstrates how Elementor addon plugins can become attack vectors when proper input validation and output sanitization mechanisms are not implemented. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious sites, or even install backdoors on compromised websites. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Elementor and its addons, meaning that successful exploitation could affect numerous websites that rely on this popular page building platform. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks through malicious content, and specifically addresses the execution of malicious scripts in user contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass significant risks for website owners, their visitors, and the broader web ecosystem. Organizations using affected versions of the Element Pack plugin face potential data breaches, loss of user trust, and possible regulatory compliance violations if user data is compromised through session hijacking or other malicious activities. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that damage can compound over time, with attackers having extended periods to refine their payloads and maximize impact. Security teams must consider that this vulnerability could be exploited to establish persistent access to compromised websites, potentially allowing attackers to modify content, steal sensitive information, or use compromised sites as launching points for further attacks. Organizations should immediately assess their exposure by checking for vulnerable plugin versions and implementing immediate mitigations, as the vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The remediation process involves updating to patched versions of the Element Pack plugin, but security teams must also conduct thorough audits of affected websites to identify and remove any malicious payloads that may have already been injected. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party plugins and implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices in web applications to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future.