CVE-2023-4690 : What You Need to Know

This CVE reference describes a vulnerability in the Elementor Addon Elements plugin for WordPress, allowing unauthenticated attackers to perform Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks up to version 1.12.7.

Understanding CVE-2023-4690

This section will provide an insight into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-4690.

What is CVE-2023-4690?

CVE-2023-4690 refers to a Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability present in the Elementor Addon Elements plugin for WordPress. Attackers can exploit this flaw to manipulate configuration settings via forged requests, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications if a site administrator is tricked into taking specific actions.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4690

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthenticated attackers to potentially alter plugin configuration settings, leading to a compromise of the affected WordPress site's functionality and security. This could result in unauthorized changes and actions being performed without proper authorization.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4690

In this section, we will delve into the specific technical aspects of CVE-2023-4690.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from missing or incorrect nonce validation on the eae_save_config function within the Elementor Addon Elements plugin for WordPress. This oversight enables unauthenticated attackers to execute CSRF attacks by manipulating configuration settings through forged requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Elementor Addon Elements plugin versions up to and including 1.12.7 are vulnerable to CVE-2023-4690. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of potential CSRF attacks targeting the plugin's configuration settings.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-4690 involves crafting a malicious request to manipulate the plugin's configuration settings via CSRF attacks, bypassing authentication requirements. By tricking a site administrator into interacting with a forged request, attackers can successfully alter crucial settings.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section discusses the steps that users can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-4690.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators should promptly update the Elementor Addon Elements plugin to a version beyond 1.12.7 to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and user authentication mechanisms can help prevent unauthorized changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, it is advisable to regularly monitor plugin updates and security advisories. Conducting security audits, implementing web application firewalls, and educating users about potential CSRF threats are also essential long-term security practices.

Patching and Updates

Plugin developers should release patches that address the CSRF vulnerability in a timely manner. Users are encouraged to promptly apply these patches and keep their software up to date to safeguard against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-4690.

By proactively addressing and mitigating CVE-2023-4690, site owners and developers can enhance the security of their WordPress websites and protect against potential exploitation of this CSRF vulnerability.