CVE-2025-48244 in Exclusive Addons Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/19/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Tim Strifler Exclusive Addons Elementor allows Stored XSS. This issue affects Exclusive Addons Elementor: from n/a through 2.7.9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-48244 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Exclusive Addons Elementor plugin, a popular WordPress extension that enhances Elementor page builder functionality. This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization during web page generation processes, creating a persistent security risk that can affect numerous WordPress installations. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 2.7.9, indicating a broad attack surface that has remained unpatched for an extended period. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the dynamic generation of web pages within the Elementor framework. When users interact with the plugin's administrative interfaces or frontend components, the application fails to adequately sanitize or escape potentially malicious input before storing it in the database or rendering it in subsequent page requests. This failure creates a persistent XSS vector where attacker-controlled scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 category of Cross-site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a stored XSS variant where the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server and executed whenever affected pages are accessed. This classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content and T1059.001 for command and control through script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating potential pathways for extensive compromise of affected WordPress environments. Attackers can leverage this stored XSS to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface websites, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that once exploited, the malicious code continues to execute for all users who access the affected pages, potentially allowing for prolonged surveillance or data exfiltration. Additionally, the vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, enabling attackers to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within the compromised WordPress environment. The broad version range affected suggests that numerous websites remain exposed to this risk, particularly those that have not implemented proper security monitoring or automated patching processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Exclusive Addons Elementor plugin to version 2.7.10 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before storage or rendering. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all installed WordPress plugins and themes, particularly those with administrative interfaces that process user input. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not replace proper code-level fixes. Regular security monitoring and automated patch management processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed for extended periods, as demonstrated by the prolonged exposure period of this particular flaw. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and conducting regular security audits of third-party components used in web applications, as per industry standards established by organizations such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.