CVE-2026-57718 in for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2026
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Unlimited Elements Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) unlimited-elements-for-elementor allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates): from n/a through <= 2.0.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2026
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2.0.12. The flaw represents a classic reflected XSS attack vector where malicious input is not properly sanitized during web page generation processes. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to neutralize potentially harmful script code before it gets rendered in the browser context. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the victim's browser when they view pages containing the compromised content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the web page generation phase where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into HTML output without proper sanitization. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic cross-site scripting weakness where data enters an application through an untrusted source and flows to a web browser without proper validation or escaping. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious payload is reflected back to the user through the server's response, typically via URL parameters or form inputs that are not properly escaped before being rendered on the page.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive cookies, or redirect users to malicious sites. Attackers can craft specially designed URLs containing malicious payloads that, when visited by authenticated users with sufficient privileges, could lead to complete compromise of the affected WordPress installation. This vulnerability affects not only the end-users but also administrators who might inadvertently click on malicious links within the Elementor editor interface, potentially leading to privilege escalation or full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data flow pipeline. The recommended approach includes enforcing strict sanitization of all user inputs using established libraries like htmlspecialchars in PHP environments, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts, and ensuring that all dynamic content is properly escaped before rendering. Additionally, upgrading to version 2.0.13 or later would address the identified vulnerability as it contains necessary patches to neutralize input during web page generation processes. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under technique T1566.001 - Phishing with Social Engineering, where attackers can leverage reflected XSS to deliver malicious payloads through deceptive user interactions. The vulnerability aligns with the broader category of web application security flaws that require comprehensive input validation controls and secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten categories. Regular security audits and dependency updates remain crucial for maintaining protection against such vulnerabilities, particularly in content management systems where plugins frequently introduce new attack surfaces.
Security practitioners should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual patterns in user behavior or unexpected script loading that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where multiple users interact with the Elementor editor, as the attack surface expands beyond simple visitor interactions to include administrative functions and content creation workflows. Proper security configuration management and regular patch deployment cycles are essential for maintaining protection against this class of reflected XSS vulnerabilities.