CVE-2024-43140
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in the Ultimate Bootstrap Elements for Elementor WordPress plugin allows attackers to include local PHP files through improper path validation. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Ultimate Bootstrap Elements for Elementor WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, and website defacement.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials) and limited file system access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions and web server restrictions in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Path traversal vulnerabilities are commonly exploited and weaponized quickly.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.4.5 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Ultimate Bootstrap Elements for Elementor'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.4.5+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate ultimate-bootstrap-elements-for-elementor
Web Server Restrictions
allAdd web server rules to block traversal attempts.
# Apache: RewriteRule ^.*\.\./.*$ - [F,L]
# Nginx: location ~ \.\./ { deny all; }
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the plugin entirely if not essential.
- Implement WAF rules to block path traversal patterns.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Ultimate Bootstrap Elements for Elementor version.Check Version:
wp plugin get ultimate-bootstrap-elements-for-elementor --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.4.5 or higher in WordPress admin.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' patterns to plugin files
- Unusual file access attempts in web server logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with path traversal sequences to /wp-content/plugins/ultimate-bootstrap-elements-for-elementor/
SIEM Query:
web.url:*../* AND web.url:*ultimate-bootstrap-elements-for-elementor*