CVE-2026-24386: Element Invader Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2026-24386 Overview

CVE-2026-24386 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) affecting the Element Invader – Template Kits for Elementor WordPress plugin. This broken access control vulnerability allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected functionality or data within WordPress sites using this plugin.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers with low privileges can bypass authorization checks to access restricted functionality, potentially leading to information disclosure within affected WordPress installations.

Affected Products

• Element Invader – Template Kits for Elementor plugin versions up to and including 1.2.4
• WordPress installations with the elementinvader plugin active
• Sites using Elementor page builder with Element Invader template kits

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE CVE-2026-24386 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-24386

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from missing authorization checks within the Element Invader plugin for WordPress. The plugin fails to properly verify user permissions before allowing access to certain functionality, enabling authenticated users with minimal privileges to access features that should be restricted to higher-privileged users such as administrators.

The vulnerability requires network access and a low-privileged authenticated session to exploit. Once authenticated, an attacker can bypass the intended access control mechanisms without requiring any user interaction. The primary impact is unauthorized information disclosure, as the vulnerability allows reading of data that should be protected by proper authorization controls.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2026-24386 is the absence of proper capability checks in the Element Invader plugin's code paths. WordPress plugins are expected to verify user capabilities using functions like current_user_can() before executing privileged operations. The Element Invader plugin fails to implement these authorization checks in certain functions, allowing any authenticated user to invoke functionality that should be restricted based on user roles and capabilities.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based and requires the attacker to have a valid authenticated session on the target WordPress site. The exploitation flow involves:

1. An attacker obtains or creates a low-privileged WordPress account (such as a Subscriber role)
2. The attacker authenticates to the WordPress installation
3. The attacker directly accesses vulnerable endpoints or functions within the Element Invader plugin
4. Due to missing authorization checks, the plugin processes the request without verifying proper user capabilities
5. The attacker gains access to information or functionality that should be restricted to higher-privileged users

This vulnerability is exploitable through direct requests to vulnerable plugin endpoints. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Patchstack security advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24386

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual access patterns from low-privileged WordPress user accounts to Element Invader plugin functions
• WordPress audit logs showing unauthorized access attempts to plugin-specific AJAX endpoints
• Unexpected data queries or exports originating from non-administrative user sessions

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress access logs for requests to elementinvader plugin endpoints from non-administrator accounts
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and alert on suspicious plugin access patterns
• Review WordPress user activity logs for privilege escalation attempts or unauthorized function calls
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions to monitor for anomalous WordPress plugin interactions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive WordPress activity logging with plugins like WP Activity Log
• Configure alerts for any access to Element Invader administrative functions from Subscriber or Contributor accounts
• Regularly audit WordPress user accounts and their associated permissions
• Monitor for new user account creation that could be used to exploit this vulnerability

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24386

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Element Invader – Template Kits for Elementor plugin to a patched version when available
• Review and restrict user registration on affected WordPress sites to prevent unauthorized account creation
• Audit existing WordPress user accounts and remove any unnecessary low-privileged accounts
• Consider temporarily deactivating the Element Invader plugin until a patch is available

Patch Information

At the time of publication, administrators should check the Patchstack vulnerability database for the latest patch information and update guidance. The vulnerability affects versions through 1.2.4, so administrators should update to a version higher than 1.2.4 once released by the plugin author.

Workarounds

• Disable user registration on WordPress sites where it is not strictly required
• Implement IP-based access restrictions to the WordPress admin area and plugin endpoints
• Use a WordPress security plugin to enforce additional authorization checks
• Apply the principle of least privilege by regularly auditing and limiting user capabilities

# WordPress configuration to disable user registration
# Add to wp-config.php or use WordPress admin settings

# Check current user registration status via WP-CLI
wp option get users_can_register

# Disable user registration if enabled
wp option update users_can_register 0

# List all users with their roles for audit
wp user list --fields=ID,user_login,user_email,roles