CVE-2026-22350 Overview
CVE-2026-22350 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability affecting the PDF for Elementor Forms + Drag And Drop Template Builder plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels, potentially enabling unauthorized actions within the WordPress environment. The flaw exists in all versions of the plugin from initial release through version 6.3.1.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers with minimal privileges can bypass authorization controls, potentially leading to unauthorized data modification within WordPress sites utilizing this popular Elementor plugin.
Affected Products
- PDF for Elementor Forms + Drag And Drop Template Builder plugin versions <= 6.3.1
- WordPress installations utilizing the pdf-for-elementor-forms plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-20 - CVE CVE-2026-22350 published to NVD
- 2026-02-25 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-22350
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from a Missing Authorization weakness (CWE-862) in the PDF for Elementor Forms plugin. The flaw allows authenticated users with low-level privileges to perform actions that should require elevated permissions. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without any user interaction, making it a concern for WordPress site administrators who have deployed this plugin.
The broken access control condition means that authorization checks are either missing entirely or improperly implemented for certain plugin functionality. An attacker who has obtained even basic authenticated access to a WordPress site can leverage this flaw to manipulate plugin settings or data that should be restricted to administrators only.
Root Cause
The root cause is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization). The plugin fails to properly verify whether a user has the necessary privileges before allowing access to sensitive functionality. This type of vulnerability commonly occurs when developers implement authentication (verifying who the user is) but neglect to implement proper authorization checks (verifying what the user is allowed to do).
In WordPress plugins, this often manifests as missing current_user_can() checks or improperly configured capability requirements for AJAX handlers, REST API endpoints, or administrative functions.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable via network-based attacks requiring authenticated access. An attacker needs at least low-level privileges (such as a subscriber account) on the target WordPress site. Once authenticated, the attacker can interact with improperly protected plugin functionality to bypass intended authorization controls.
The attack does not require user interaction, meaning the attacker can exploit the vulnerability directly without needing to trick an administrator or other user into performing specific actions.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-22350
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected modifications to PDF template configurations or settings
- Unauthorized changes to Elementor Forms integration settings
- Audit log entries showing low-privilege users accessing administrative plugin functions
- Unusual API calls or AJAX requests to the pdf-for-elementor-forms plugin endpoints
Detection Strategies
- Monitor WordPress audit logs for users accessing plugin administrative functions without appropriate roles
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests to the plugin's endpoints
- Review user activity logs for unauthorized access patterns to Elementor-related functionality
- Deploy file integrity monitoring to detect unexpected changes to plugin configurations
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive WordPress activity logging with plugins like WP Activity Log
- Configure alerts for any privilege-related activities involving the PDF for Elementor Forms plugin
- Regularly audit user roles and capabilities within WordPress to identify over-privileged accounts
- Monitor for new user account creation that could be used to exploit this vulnerability
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-22350
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the PDF for Elementor Forms + Drag And Drop Template Builder plugin to the latest available version beyond 6.3.1
- Audit all user accounts with access to the WordPress installation and remove unnecessary privileges
- Review plugin settings and configurations for any unauthorized modifications
- Consider temporarily deactivating the plugin if no patched version is available
Patch Information
Organizations should update to a patched version of the PDF for Elementor Forms plugin when available. For detailed vulnerability information and patch status, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin area using IP allowlisting
- Implement additional authentication mechanisms such as two-factor authentication for all users
- Use a Web Application Firewall to filter malicious requests targeting the plugin
- Temporarily disable the plugin until an official patch is released if the functionality is not critical
# WordPress CLI: Temporarily disable the vulnerable plugin
wp plugin deactivate pdf-for-elementor-forms
# Verify the plugin is deactivated
wp plugin list --status=inactive | grep pdf-for-elementor
# Once patched version is available, update and reactivate
wp plugin update pdf-for-elementor-forms
wp plugin activate pdf-for-elementor-forms
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
