CVE-2023-48777: Elementor Path Traversal Vulnerability

CVE-2023-48777 Overview

CVE-2023-48777 is an Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability (CWE-434) affecting the Elementor Website Builder plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files, including potentially malicious scripts, to vulnerable WordPress installations running affected versions of the Elementor plugin.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can upload dangerous file types, potentially leading to remote code execution, complete site compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Affected Products

• Elementor Website Builder versions 3.3.0 through 3.18.1
• WordPress installations running vulnerable Elementor plugin versions
• Both free and premium versions of Elementor Website Builder

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-03-26 - CVE-2023-48777 published to NVD
• 2025-01-28 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-48777

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from insufficient file type validation in the Elementor Website Builder plugin's file upload functionality. The plugin fails to properly restrict the types of files that authenticated users can upload, allowing attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher to upload files with dangerous extensions.

The arbitrary file upload vulnerability is particularly severe in WordPress environments because successful exploitation can lead to webshell deployment, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. Once a malicious file is uploaded, the attacker can access it directly through the web server to trigger code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2023-48777 lies in improper input validation within Elementor's file upload handling mechanism. The plugin does not adequately verify file extensions and MIME types before allowing uploads, relying instead on insufficient client-side or easily bypassed server-side checks. This allows attackers to circumvent intended file type restrictions by manipulating request parameters or using techniques like double extensions.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires low-privilege authentication (contributor-level access). An attacker would need to:

1. Obtain valid credentials for a WordPress account with contributor-level or higher privileges
2. Access the Elementor plugin's upload functionality
3. Craft a malicious upload request containing a dangerous file type (such as a PHP webshell)
4. Bypass any client-side validation by manipulating the request
5. Successfully upload the malicious file to the server
6. Access the uploaded file directly to execute the payload

The vulnerability requires no user interaction beyond the initial authentication, making it relatively straightforward to exploit once valid credentials are obtained.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-48777

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected PHP files or files with unusual extensions in WordPress upload directories (wp-content/uploads/elementor/)
• Suspicious file uploads in web server access logs containing uncommon file extensions
• New or modified files in Elementor-related directories with recent timestamps
• Webshell signatures or obfuscated PHP code in uploaded files

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system integrity for unauthorized file creations in WordPress upload directories
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious file upload attempts
• Review WordPress and web server logs for unusual POST requests to Elementor endpoints
• Scan uploaded files for known webshell patterns and malicious code signatures

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for WordPress file upload activities
• Configure SIEM alerts for file creation events in wp-content/uploads/ directories
• Implement real-time file integrity monitoring on WordPress installations
• Monitor for unusual outbound network connections from the web server that may indicate webshell communication

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-48777

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Elementor Website Builder to version 3.18.2 or later immediately
• Audit WordPress user accounts and remove unnecessary contributor-level access
• Review recent file uploads for suspicious content and remove any unauthorized files
• Implement additional file upload restrictions at the web server level

Patch Information

The vulnerability was addressed in Elementor Website Builder version 3.18.2. Organizations should update to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. The patch implements proper file type validation and restricts the upload of potentially dangerous file types.

For detailed vulnerability information, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Restrict WordPress user permissions to minimize accounts with contributor-level or higher access
• Implement server-level file upload restrictions using .htaccess or web server configuration
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block suspicious file uploads
• Disable the Elementor plugin temporarily if immediate patching is not possible

# Apache .htaccess configuration to restrict PHP execution in uploads
<Directory "/var/www/html/wp-content/uploads">
    <FilesMatch "\.php$">
        Require all denied
    </FilesMatch>
</Directory>

# Nginx configuration to block PHP execution in uploads
location ~* /wp-content/uploads/.*\.php$ {
    deny all;
}