CVE-2023-47504
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an improper authentication vulnerability in Elementor Website Builder that allows users with contributor-level access to read arbitrary attachments they shouldn't have permission to access. The vulnerability affects all versions up to 3.16.4 and enables unauthorized access to sensitive files.
💻 Affected Systems
- Elementor Website Builder
📦 What is this software?
Website Builder by Elementor
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Contributors could access sensitive attachments containing confidential information, intellectual property, or user data, potentially leading to data breaches and compliance violations.
Likely Case
Contributors accessing attachments they shouldn't have permission to view, potentially exposing sensitive content or proprietary information.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, unauthorized access attempts would be detected and blocked, limiting exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires contributor-level access. The vulnerability is well-documented in public advisories.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.16.5 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/elementor/wordpress-elementor-plugin-3-16-4-contributor-arbitrary-attachment-read-vulnerability
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Elementor Website Builder. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 3.16.5+ from WordPress.org and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Contributor Permissions
allTemporarily limit contributor access to media library or disable contributor accounts until patched.
Implement Additional Access Controls
allUse WordPress security plugins to add extra access control layers for media library access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor contributor activity closely
- Consider temporarily disabling contributor accounts or limiting their permissions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Elementor plugin version in WordPress admin panel under Plugins > Installed PluginsCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=elementor --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Elementor version is 3.16.5 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual media access patterns from contributor accounts
- Multiple failed access attempts to restricted attachments
Network Indicators:
- Unusual requests to WordPress media endpoints from contributor accounts
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event_type="attachment_access" OR uri="/wp-content/uploads/") AND user_role="contributor"🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/elementor/wordpress-elementor-plugin-3-16-4-contributor-arbitrary-attachment-read-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/elementor/wordpress-elementor-plugin-3-16-4-contributor-arbitrary-attachment-read-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
