CVE-2026-12869 in Header Footer Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2026
The Header Footer Builder for Elementor WordPress plugin before 1.2.1 does not require an administrative capability for its dashboard template-import action (it allows any edit_posts user), so a Contributor can import a template containing an Elementor HTML widget configured to display site-wide, injecting JavaScript that executes in the session of any visitor or administrator who loads the site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2026
The vulnerability in the Header Footer Builder for Elementor WordPress plugin affects versions prior to 1.2.1 and represents a critical privilege escalation issue that undermines the security model of WordPress content management systems. This flaw allows users with minimal permissions to execute arbitrary code on behalf of other users, creating a significant vector for cross-site scripting attacks and potential system compromise. The vulnerability specifically targets the dashboard template-import functionality which should require administrative privileges but instead accepts any user with edit_posts capability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control validation within the plugin's template import mechanism. When a user with contributor-level permissions attempts to import a template through the Elementor dashboard interface, the system fails to verify whether the requesting user possesses sufficient privileges to perform this action. This failure creates an authorization bypass that enables malicious actors to upload templates containing HTML widgets configured to execute site-wide JavaScript code. The imported template can contain embedded scripts that will execute whenever any visitor or administrator loads the site, effectively creating a persistent cross-site scripting vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection and represents a sophisticated attack surface that could enable attackers to perform various malicious activities. Any user with contributor access can potentially inject JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' sessions, which may include administrators with elevated privileges. This capability allows for session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and potential privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the Elementor platform's legitimate functionality to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more difficult and increasing the attack surface within WordPress installations.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) in threat modeling contexts. The flaw demonstrates a classic insufficient authorization pattern where the system assumes that any authenticated user can perform administrative actions without proper verification of their privileges. This vulnerability directly impacts WordPress security best practices and represents a failure to implement proper role-based access controls within the plugin's administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to version 1.2.1 or later, where the authorization checks have been properly implemented to require administrator-level privileges for template import operations. Administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting contributor user capabilities, monitoring template import activities through security plugins, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments of installed WordPress plugins. The patch addresses the root cause by enforcing proper authorization checks that validate user roles before permitting template import actions, ensuring that only users with appropriate administrative privileges can perform these operations.