CVE-2024-49251 in Maan Addons For Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program ('PHP Remote File Inclusion') vulnerability in Acnoo Maan Addons For Elementor maan-elementor-addons allows Local Code Inclusion.This issue affects Maan Addons For Elementor: from n/a through <= 1.0.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
The CVE-2024-49251 vulnerability represents a critical PHP Remote File Inclusion flaw in the Acnoo Maan Addons For Elementor plugin, specifically impacting versions up to and including 1.0.1. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper control of filename for include/require statements, which is classified as CWE-98 within the CWE database. The issue arises when the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is used in PHP include or require statements, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for local code inclusion, meaning attackers can potentially load and execute malicious code from local files on the server, rather than just remote URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the plugin's handling of file inclusion operations where user input is directly incorporated into PHP include/require directives without adequate sanitization or validation. When an attacker can manipulate parameters that are passed to these include statements, they can potentially load arbitrary PHP files from the local filesystem, enabling code execution with the privileges of the web server. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in content management systems like WordPress where plugins often have extensive access to server resources and can interact with sensitive data. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it represents a common attack vector through web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability allows for the execution of arbitrary PHP code on the server, which could lead to data theft, defacement, or the establishment of backdoors. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to upload malicious files, create new user accounts, or even install malware that persists across server reboots. The risk is amplified by the fact that this affects a widely used Elementor addon, meaning that vulnerable sites could be easily identified and targeted by automated scanning tools.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the include/require statement validation issues. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data used in include/require operations is properly escaped or validated before processing. Additional protective measures include restricting file permissions on the web server, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious include/require patterns, and monitoring server logs for unusual file access patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for web server processes, limiting the damage that could be caused by successful exploitation. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins or themes that may present similar attack vectors, as this type of vulnerability is commonly found in poorly validated file inclusion operations across various web applications.