CVE-2023-49739
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to execute reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks in PowerPack Pro for Elementor WordPress plugin. Attackers can inject malicious scripts via crafted URLs that execute when users visit compromised pages. All WordPress sites using affected versions of this plugin are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- PowerPack Pro for Elementor WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or deface websites.
Likely Case
Attackers will typically use this to steal session cookies or redirect users to phishing pages to harvest credentials.
If Mitigated
With proper Content Security Policy (CSP) headers and input validation, impact is limited to potential UI manipulation without data theft.
🎯 Exploit Status
Reflected XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited and require minimal technical skill.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.9.24 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find PowerPack Pro for Elementor. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.9.24+ from vendor and upload via FTP.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate powerpack-elements
Implement WAF Rules
allAdd web application firewall rules to block XSS payloads in URLs.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict Content Security Policy headers to prevent script execution
- Use mod_security or similar WAF to filter malicious URL parameters
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → PowerPack Pro for Elementor version. If version is 2.9.23 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get powerpack-elements --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 2.9.24 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual URL parameters containing script tags or JavaScript in access logs
- Multiple 404 errors with suspicious parameters
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with script tags in query parameters
- Unusual redirects from your domain
SIEM Query:
source="web_access_logs" AND (uri="*<script*" OR uri="*javascript:*" OR uri="*onload=*" OR uri="*onerror=*")🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/powerpack-elements/vulnerability/wordpress-powerpack-pro-for-elementor-plugin-2-9-23-reflected-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/powerpack-elements/wordpress-powerpack-pro-for-elementor-plugin-2-9-23-reflected-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
