CVE-2023-0329: Elementor Website Builder SQLi Vulnerability

CVE-2023-0329 Overview

CVE-2023-0329 is a SQL Injection vulnerability in the Elementor Website Builder WordPress plugin before version 3.12.2. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not properly sanitize and escape the Replace URL parameter in the Tools module before using it in a SQL statement. This flaw allows authenticated users with Administrator role privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the WordPress database.

Critical Impact

Authenticated administrators can exploit this SQL injection vulnerability to read, modify, or delete sensitive database content, potentially leading to full database compromise and site takeover.

Affected Products

• Elementor Website Builder versions prior to 3.12.2
• WordPress installations running vulnerable Elementor plugin versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-05-30 - CVE-2023-0329 published to NVD
• 2025-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-0329

Vulnerability Analysis

This SQL Injection vulnerability resides in the Tools module of the Elementor Website Builder plugin. The "Replace URL" functionality allows administrators to perform find-and-replace operations across the WordPress database, which is commonly used during site migrations. However, due to insufficient input sanitization, an attacker with administrator access can inject malicious SQL statements through this parameter.

While the vulnerability requires administrator privileges for exploitation, it represents a significant security risk in multi-administrator environments or scenarios where admin credentials have been compromised. The vulnerability allows direct interaction with the underlying database, bypassing normal WordPress data access controls.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper input validation and insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data in the Replace URL parameter within the Tools module. The plugin fails to properly escape special characters before incorporating user input into SQL queries, creating a classic SQL injection vector. This allows attackers to break out of the intended query structure and execute arbitrary SQL commands.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires authenticated access with Administrator role permissions. An attacker who has obtained or already possesses administrator credentials can navigate to the Elementor Tools module and manipulate the Replace URL parameter to inject malicious SQL payloads. The injected SQL executes in the context of the WordPress database user, potentially allowing:

• Extraction of sensitive data including user credentials and hashed passwords
• Modification of existing database records
• Creation of new administrative accounts
• Deletion or corruption of database tables
• Potential escalation to remote code execution via SQL-based techniques

Due to the sensitive nature of this vulnerability, specific exploitation details are available in the Packet Storm SQL Injection Exploit advisory for security research purposes.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-0329

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual SQL error messages in WordPress debug logs related to Elementor Tools module
• Unexpected database queries containing SQL injection patterns such as UNION SELECT, --, or ' OR 1=1
• Modifications to WordPress database tables without corresponding admin actions
• New administrator accounts created without proper authorization
• Suspicious activity in the Elementor Tools module access logs

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web application firewall (WAF) logs for SQL injection patterns targeting Elementor plugin endpoints
• Implement database activity monitoring to detect anomalous queries originating from WordPress
• Review WordPress audit logs for unusual administrator activity in the Elementor Tools section
• Deploy intrusion detection rules to identify SQL injection payloads in HTTP POST requests

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable WordPress debug logging and monitor for database-related errors
• Implement real-time alerting for SQL injection signatures in web traffic
• Regularly audit administrator accounts and their recent activities
• Monitor database query logs for unusual patterns or unauthorized data access

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-0329

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Elementor Website Builder plugin to version 3.12.2 or later immediately
• Review administrator account list and remove any unauthorized or suspicious accounts
• Audit recent database changes for signs of compromise
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block SQL injection attempts
• Consider temporarily disabling the Elementor Tools module until patching is complete

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been addressed in Elementor Website Builder version 3.12.2. Site administrators should update to this version or later through the WordPress plugin update mechanism. For detailed information, consult the WPScan Vulnerability Advisory.

Workarounds

• Restrict access to the WordPress admin panel to trusted IP addresses only
• Implement additional authentication mechanisms such as two-factor authentication for administrator accounts
• Use a Web Application Firewall with SQL injection protection rules
• Limit the number of users with Administrator role privileges
• Regularly back up the WordPress database to enable recovery if compromise occurs

# Example: Restrict wp-admin access by IP in .htaccess
<Files wp-login.php>
    Order Deny,Allow
    Deny from all
    Allow from 192.168.1.100
    Allow from 10.0.0.0/24
</Files>