CVE-2026-103338 Overview
CVE-2026-103338 is a Blind SQL Injection vulnerability in the Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all versions from an unspecified initial release through 2.0.20. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can inject SQL statements over the network because the plugin fails to neutralize special characters passed to database queries [CWE-89]. Exploitation can expose database contents and impact adjacent components beyond the plugin's security scope.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can perform Blind SQL Injection against the WordPress database, enabling data extraction from any table accessible to the WordPress database user.
Affected Products
- Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) WordPress plugin
- Versions from n/a through 2.0.20
- WordPress sites using the unlimited-elements-for-elementor plugin slug
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-10-01 - CVE-2026-103338 published to NVD
- 2026-10-01 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-103338
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands within the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin. User-supplied input reaches a database query without proper sanitization or parameterization. Because the attack produces no direct output, exploitation relies on inference techniques such as boolean-based or time-based blind SQL injection.
The scope change in the vulnerability profile indicates the impact extends beyond the plugin itself. A successful attack can read sensitive data stored in the WordPress database, including user credentials, session tokens, and configuration secrets stored in wp_options. The attacker requires only low-privilege authenticated access to the WordPress site.
Root Cause
The plugin concatenates untrusted input into SQL statements rather than using prepared statements with placeholder binding through $wpdb->prepare(). The absence of input validation or escaping on parameters passed to the vulnerable endpoint allows attackers to break out of the intended query context and append arbitrary SQL clauses.
Attack Vector
An authenticated user sends crafted requests to a vulnerable plugin endpoint. The injected payload modifies the backend SQL query, and the attacker observes response differences or timing variations to extract data byte-by-byte. The network attack vector and low attack complexity make automated exploitation straightforward once a valid session is obtained.
For technical specifics, see the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-103338
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual POST or GET requests to unlimited-elements-for-elementor plugin endpoints containing SQL metacharacters such as single quotes, UNION, SLEEP(, or BENCHMARK(.
- Spikes in response latency on requests to admin-ajax.php or REST routes exposed by the plugin, indicating time-based blind extraction.
- Authenticated low-privilege accounts generating high volumes of requests to the same plugin endpoint within short windows.
- Database query logs showing malformed or unusually long queries originating from the plugin's handlers.
Detection Strategies
- Enable WordPress query logging and alert on queries containing concatenated input patterns tied to the vulnerable plugin.
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall rule set targeting SQL injection payloads directed at /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action parameters belonging to the plugin.
- Correlate authentication events with anomalous plugin endpoint access to identify compromised low-privilege accounts.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor the wp_users and wp_usermeta tables for unauthorized reads or privilege changes following suspicious plugin requests.
- Track outbound traffic from the web server for data exfiltration patterns following plugin endpoint access.
- Review access logs for repeated requests with incremental changes to a single parameter, a signature of blind SQLi enumeration.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-103338
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin to a version later than 2.0.20 as soon as the vendor releases a fixed build.
- Audit WordPress user accounts and revoke unused low-privilege accounts that could be weaponized for authenticated exploitation.
- Rotate credentials, API keys, and secrets stored in the WordPress database if exploitation is suspected.
- Review database query logs and web access logs for indicators matching the detection patterns above.
Patch Information
The vulnerability affects versions through 2.0.20. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the fixed version number and apply the update through the WordPress plugin manager or WP-CLI.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the Unlimited Elements For Elementor plugin until a patched version is installed.
- Restrict access to /wp-admin/ and plugin AJAX endpoints via IP allowlisting at the web server or reverse proxy layer.
- Deploy a virtual patch through a WAF such as Patchstack, Wordfence, or ModSecurity with rules blocking SQL injection payloads to the plugin's handlers.
- Enforce the principle of least privilege for WordPress roles and disable self-registration where it is not required.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
