CVE-2023-39157
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2023-39157 is an authenticated remote code execution vulnerability in the Crocoblock JetElements for Elementor WordPress plugin. Attackers with contributor-level or higher access can inject arbitrary PHP code, leading to complete server compromise. This affects all WordPress sites using JetElements versions up to 2.6.10.
💻 Affected Systems
- Crocoblock JetElements for Elementor WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Jetelements by Crocoblock
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, install backdoors, steal data, deface websites, or pivot to internal networks.
Likely Case
Attackers with authenticated access (contributor or higher) execute malicious code to gain administrative privileges, install malware, or exfiltrate sensitive data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and network segmentation, impact is limited to the affected WordPress instance, but code execution still allows significant damage.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once credentials are obtained. Public exploit code is available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.6.11 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://wordpress.org/plugins/jet-elements/#developers
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'JetElements for Elementor'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.6.11+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Temporary Plugin Deactivation
allDisable the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate jet-elements
Restrict User Roles
allTemporarily remove contributor and author roles, or implement strict access controls
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately deactivate the JetElements plugin and use alternative Elementor widgets
- Implement web application firewall rules to block suspicious POST requests containing PHP code patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → JetElements for Elementor version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin get jet-elements --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 2.6.11 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with 'action' parameter containing 'jet_engine_ajax'
- PHP code execution attempts in web server logs
- Unauthorized plugin or theme installations
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious outbound connections from WordPress server to unknown IPs
- Unexpected file uploads via WordPress admin endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri_path="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" AND post_data CONTAINS "jet_engine_ajax")🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/jet-elements/wordpress-jetelements-for-elementor-plugin-2-6-10-authenticated-remote-code-execution-rce-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/jet-elements/wordpress-jetelements-for-elementor-plugin-2-6-10-authenticated-remote-code-execution-rce-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
