CVE-2024-2662
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated WordPress administrators to execute arbitrary commands on the server through the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin. Attackers with admin access can inject malicious commands via template attributes in custom widgets, potentially compromising the entire server. All WordPress sites using vulnerable plugin versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
Unlimited Elements For Elementor by Unlimited Elements
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, lateral movement to other systems, and complete site takeover.
Likely Case
Malicious code execution leading to backdoor installation, data exfiltration, or cryptocurrency mining.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls and monitoring are in place, potentially only affecting the WordPress installation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires administrator credentials but is straightforward once access is obtained. The vulnerability is in template attribute handling.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.5.103 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3071404/unlimited-elements-for-elementor/trunk/inc_php/unitecreator_template_engine.class.php
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Unlimited Elements For Elementor'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.5.103+ from WordPress.org and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate unlimited-elements-for-elementor
Restrict admin access
allImplement strict access controls and multi-factor authentication for WordPress administrators
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove administrator access from all non-essential users
- Implement web application firewall rules to block command injection patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin under Plugins → Installed Plugins. Look for Unlimited Elements For Elementor version 1.5.102 or earlier.Check Version:
wp plugin get unlimited-elements-for-elementor --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.5.103 or later. Check that template attributes are properly sanitized in custom widgets.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual command execution in web server logs
- Suspicious POST requests to template-related endpoints
- Unexpected process creation from web server user
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to suspicious IPs from web server
- Unusual data exfiltration patterns
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (url="*unitecreator_template*" OR process="*sh*" OR process="*cmd*")🔗 References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3071404/unlimited-elements-for-elementor/trunk/inc_php/unitecreator_template_engine.class.php
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/58492dbb-b9e0-4477-b85d-ace06dba954c?source=cve
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3071404/unlimited-elements-for-elementor/trunk/inc_php/unitecreator_template_engine.class.php
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/58492dbb-b9e0-4477-b85d-ace06dba954c?source=cve
