CVE-2023-41656
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the Better Elementor Addons WordPress plugin that allows attackers to bypass access controls. It affects all WordPress sites using Better Elementor Addons versions up to 1.3.7. Attackers can exploit incorrectly configured security levels to perform unauthorized actions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Better Elementor Addons WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could modify plugin settings, inject malicious content, or potentially gain administrative privileges on the WordPress site.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users can access administrative functions they shouldn't have permission to use, potentially modifying site content or configurations.
If Mitigated
With proper authorization checks, only authenticated users with appropriate permissions can access administrative functions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of access to the WordPress site but bypasses authorization checks.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.8 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins
3. Find Better Elementor Addons
4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available
5. Alternatively, download version 1.3.8+ from WordPress repository and manually update
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate better-elementor-addons
Restrict Access
allImplement IP-based restrictions to WordPress admin area
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the Better Elementor Addons plugin entirely
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized administrative actions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for Better Elementor Addons versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get better-elementor-addons --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.3.8 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to plugin administrative functions
- Unexpected changes to plugin settings
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to plugin admin endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (plugin="better-elementor-addons" AND action="admin") AND user_role!="administrator"