CVE-2024-4779 in Unlimited Elements for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2024
The Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to SQL Injection via the ‘data[post_ids][0]’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.107 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4779 affects the Unlimited Elements For Elementor WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.5.107. This plugin, which provides free widgets, addons, and templates for the Elementor page builder, contains a critical SQL injection flaw that undermines the security of WordPress installations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's codebase, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with relatively low privileges.
The technical flaw manifests through the 'data[post_ids][0]' parameter which is improperly handled during SQL query construction. When user-supplied data is directly incorporated into database queries without proper escaping or parameterization, it creates an avenue for attackers to manipulate the intended query execution. This vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without adequate protection mechanisms. The insufficient escaping allows malicious input to alter the structure of existing SQL queries, enabling attackers to inject their own SQL commands that execute within the database context.
Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability to perform unauthorized database operations. The impact extends beyond simple data extraction to potentially include data modification, deletion, or even privilege escalation within the database. Attackers can append additional SQL queries to existing ones, creating a chaining effect that can reveal sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or administrative access details. This type of vulnerability represents a significant threat to WordPress sites as it allows attackers to operate with elevated privileges while remaining relatively undetected within the system's normal operational parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for WordPress administrators who rely on the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin for their website functionality. Organizations using this plugin are exposed to potential data breaches and unauthorized access to their database contents. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only contributor-level privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by users who have legitimate access to the WordPress administration interface but lack full administrative control. This scenario creates a significant risk for sites where multiple contributors or editors have access to the system, as any compromised account could serve as an entry point for database exploitation. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation, as attackers can use legitimate user credentials to gain access to sensitive database information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-4779 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability. WordPress administrators should ensure that all users with contributor-level access or higher are properly vetted and that appropriate security measures are implemented to prevent unauthorized access to the administration interface. Input validation and parameterization should be enforced throughout the plugin's codebase, with all user-supplied data properly escaped before being incorporated into database queries. Additionally, implementing database query logging and monitoring can help detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire WordPress ecosystem.