CVE-2026-13392 in Elementor Addons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/31/2026
The ElementsKit Elementor Addons WordPress plugin before 3.10.01 does not prevent a custom-widget definition saved by a user with administrative capabilities from being written verbatim into a generated PHP file that the ElementsKit Elementor Addons WordPress plugin before 3.10.01 subsequently executes, allowing arbitrary PHP code to run on the server; on a multisite network this lets a non-super subsite Administrator, who is otherwise denied code/file editing, reach host-level code execution beyond the privileges the network grants them.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2026
The ElementsKit Elementor Addons WordPress plugin vulnerability represents a critical server-side code execution flaw that undermines fundamental security boundaries within WordPress environments. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 3.10.01 and stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's custom widget handling functionality. The flaw allows authenticated users with administrative privileges to inject malicious PHP code through the plugin's interface, which is then persisted in generated PHP files and subsequently executed by the web server. This creates a persistent backdoor condition that can be exploited for arbitrary code execution on the target system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user input when processing custom widget definitions. When administrators create or modify widgets through the Elementor interface, the plugin stores these definitions in PHP files without adequate validation of the content being written. This behavior directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-94, which addresses the execution of untrusted code, and specifically relates to CWE-74, which deals with injection flaws where data is not properly sanitized before being used in dynamic code execution contexts. The vulnerability creates a path for privilege escalation attacks as it allows an attacker with administrative access to elevate their capabilities beyond what would normally be permitted.
In multisite WordPress networks, this vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous as it enables non-super admins from subsites to gain host-level privileges that exceed their intended permissions within the network structure. This represents a significant bypass of WordPress multisite security controls and can result in complete compromise of the hosting environment. The exploitation chain allows an attacker to leverage their administrative capabilities in one subsite to execute arbitrary code across the entire network, effectively neutralizing the isolation benefits typically provided by multisite configurations. This aspect of the vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing native commands and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it exploits legitimate administrative access to achieve unauthorized code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise potential. Attackers can use the executed code to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify website content, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability's persistence mechanism means that even if the initial attack vector is closed, the malicious code remains active and operational. Organizations using affected plugin versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory violations due to unauthorized access to their systems. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of the entire WordPress ecosystem as it allows attackers to modify core functionality through legitimate administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 3.10.01 or later, which addresses the input sanitization issues in the custom widget handling code. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit administrative privileges where possible, though this does not fully address the inherent risk of the vulnerability itself. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file modifications in plugin directories and PHP execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically targeting malicious code injection patterns can provide additional defense-in-depth layers. The remediation process should include thorough scanning of affected systems for any signs of compromise, as the vulnerability's persistence mechanism makes post-exploitation cleanup complex and potentially incomplete without complete system reinstallation.