CVE-2025-9082 in Addons for Elementor Page Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2026
The WPBITS Addons For Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via multiple widget parameters in versions up to, and including, 1.8 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping when dynamic content is enabled. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions and above to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2026
The WPBITS Addons For Elementor plugin represents a popular extension for WordPress that enhances the functionality of the Elementor page builder through additional widgets and features. This particular vulnerability affects versions up to and including 1.8, making it a significant concern for WordPress administrators who rely on this plugin for their website functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, particularly when dynamic content is enabled. Security researchers have identified that the plugin fails to properly validate and sanitize user inputs that are processed through multiple widget parameters, creating a persistent security gap that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's widget parameters. This vulnerability operates by bypassing WordPress's built-in security mechanisms that typically prevent unauthorized code execution. When dynamic content is enabled, the plugin processes user inputs without adequate sanitization, storing the malicious payloads in the database. These stored scripts then execute whenever legitimate users access pages containing the injected content, making the attack vector particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users simultaneously. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize and escape output, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Contributors and higher-level users who have the ability to modify content are particularly at risk since they can inject scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can maintain access to compromised websites over extended periods. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which involves the use of malicious content to gain initial access, and T1059.001 which covers the execution of scripts through web applications. The stored nature of the XSS vulnerability means that the malicious code persists in the database and can affect users even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous for websites with high user traffic and sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the plugin to version 1.9 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. WordPress administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting contributor-level permissions to only essential functions, implementing content security policies to prevent script execution, and regularly auditing user permissions and plugin configurations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced where possible, ensuring that users have only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their duties. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, and conduct regular security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, the use of security monitoring tools that can detect anomalous user behavior and unauthorized code modifications can help in early detection of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output escaping in web application security, particularly in plugins that handle user-generated content and dynamic parameters.