CVE-2026-1793: Element Pack Addons File Read Vulnerability

CVE-2026-1793 Overview

CVE-2026-1793 is an arbitrary file read vulnerability affecting the Element Pack Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 8.3.17 and is caused by insufficient file validation in the render_svg function within the SVG widget. This path traversal flaw (CWE-22) allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data, credentials, and other confidential information.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers with contributor-level WordPress access can read arbitrary server files, including sensitive configuration files like wp-config.php, database credentials, and other confidential data stored on the web server.

Affected Products

• Element Pack Addons for Elementor (WordPress Plugin) versions up to and including 8.3.17
• WordPress installations using the bdthemes-element-pack-lite plugin
• Websites with Elementor page builder utilizing the SVG Image widget

Discovery Timeline

• February 15, 2026 - CVE-2026-1793 published to NVD
• February 18, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-1793

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as Path Traversal (CWE-22), which occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input used in file path construction. The render_svg function in the SVG Image widget module does not adequately validate file paths before reading file contents, allowing attackers to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended scope.

The vulnerability requires authentication with at least contributor-level privileges, meaning an attacker must have valid WordPress credentials with the ability to create or edit posts/pages. Once authenticated, the attacker can exploit the SVG widget functionality to read arbitrary files from the server filesystem.

The impact is primarily focused on confidentiality, as attackers can exfiltrate sensitive information but cannot directly modify files or cause system unavailability through this vulnerability alone. However, the information obtained (such as database credentials from wp-config.php) could enable further attacks.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-1793 lies in the render_svg function located in /modules/svg-image/widgets/svg-image.php. The function fails to implement proper path validation and sanitization before processing file read operations. Specifically, the function does not verify that the requested file path remains within expected directories, allowing path traversal sequences such as ../ to escape the intended file scope and access sensitive system files.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires low complexity to execute. An authenticated attacker with contributor-level WordPress access can craft a malicious request through the SVG widget interface. By manipulating the file path parameter with directory traversal sequences, the attacker can instruct the vulnerable function to read files from arbitrary locations on the server.

The attack scenario typically involves creating or editing a page/post with the Elementor editor and configuring the SVG Image widget with a specially crafted path that traverses to sensitive files like /etc/passwd or WordPress configuration files. The file contents are then rendered or exposed to the attacker.

For technical details on the vulnerable code, see the WordPress Plugin Code Reference.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-1793

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual file access patterns in web server logs showing path traversal attempts (e.g., requests containing ../ sequences)
• SVG widget configurations referencing system files or paths outside the WordPress uploads directory
• Unexpected access attempts to sensitive files like wp-config.php, /etc/passwd, or database configuration files
• Contributor or author-level user accounts exhibiting suspicious activity in the Elementor editor

Detection Strategies

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal patterns in HTTP requests
• Monitor WordPress audit logs for unusual SVG widget usage or page edits by contributor-level accounts
• Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive configuration files
• Review Elementor widget configurations for suspicious file path references

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging on the web server to capture detailed request information
• Configure SIEM alerts for path traversal attack patterns targeting WordPress installations
• Monitor for unusual read operations on sensitive system and configuration files
• Track user activity for accounts with contributor-level access to identify potential exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-1793

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Element Pack Addons for Elementor to version 8.3.18 or later immediately
• Review user accounts with contributor-level access and above for any suspicious activity
• Audit recent page/post edits using the SVG Image widget for potential exploitation attempts
• Consider temporarily disabling the SVG Image widget until the patch is applied

Patch Information

The vulnerability has been addressed in versions after 8.3.17. The fix implements proper file path validation in the render_svg function to prevent directory traversal attacks. Administrators should update to the latest version of the Element Pack Addons plugin through the WordPress dashboard or by applying the security patch manually.

For details on the specific code changes, refer to the WordPress Plugin Changeset. Additional information is available in the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only until the patch can be applied
• Implement server-side WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences
• Disable the SVG Image widget functionality in the Elementor editor if not actively required
• Apply file permission restrictions to limit the web server's ability to read sensitive system files

# Configuration example: Restrict access to sensitive files via .htaccess
<FilesMatch "wp-config\.php">
    Order Allow,Deny
    Deny from all
</FilesMatch>

# Block path traversal attempts in Apache
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{QUERY_STRING} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC,OR]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} (\.\./|\.\.\\) [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F,L]