CVE-2024-5329 in Unlimited Elements for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/06/2024
The Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to blind SQL Injection via the ‘data[addonID]’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.109 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 • 06/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5329 affects the Unlimited Elements For Elementor WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.5.109. This represents a critical security flaw that exploits blind SQL injection techniques, allowing authenticated attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher to manipulate database queries through improper input validation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate parameter sanitization within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to extract sensitive information from the underlying database infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the 'data[addonID]' parameter which fails to properly escape or sanitize user input before incorporating it into existing SQL queries. This weakness enables attackers to append malicious SQL commands to pre-existing database operations, effectively bypassing normal query execution boundaries. The blind nature of this injection means that attackers cannot directly observe query results through error messages or response data, requiring them to infer information through indirect methods such as timing attacks or conditional responses. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to extract sensitive information from the WordPress database including user credentials, configuration settings, and potentially other stored data. Since the vulnerability requires only contributor-level access, it represents a significant risk to WordPress installations where multiple users have varying permission levels, as it allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. The implications are particularly severe for websites that store sensitive user information or business-critical data within their WordPress databases, as the vulnerability could be exploited to gain comprehensive access to stored information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5329 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the identified SQL injection vulnerability, as this represents the most direct solution to the problem. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, proper parameterized queries for all database interactions, and comprehensive monitoring of database access patterns for anomalous activity. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the importance of securing web applications against injection attacks. Additionally, implementing role-based access controls and limiting user permissions to the minimum required for their functions can reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, as the attack vector requires at least contributor-level privileges to be effective.