{"description":"Trending threats, MITRE ATT\u0026CK coverage, and detection metadata. Fed continuously.","feed_url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/vendors/vertex-addons/feed.json","home_page_url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/","items":[{"_cs_actors":[],"_cs_cpes":[],"_cs_cves":[{"cvss":8.8,"id":"CVE-2026-4326"}],"_cs_exploited":false,"_cs_has_poc":false,"_cs_poc_references":[],"_cs_products":["Vertex Addons for Elementor"],"_cs_severities":["critical"],"_cs_tags":["wordpress","plugin","missing-authorization","privilege-escalation","cve-2026-4326","webserver"],"_cs_type":"advisory","_cs_vendors":["Vertex Addons"],"content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe Vertex Addons for Elementor plugin, a WordPress extension, is susceptible to a critical missing authorization vulnerability (CVE-2026-4326) affecting versions up to and including 1.6.4. This flaw stems from a failure to properly validate user permissions within the \u003ccode\u003eactivate_required_plugins()\u003c/code\u003e function. Although the code checks for the \u003ccode\u003einstall_plugins\u003c/code\u003e capability, it does not halt execution upon failure, allowing unauthorized plugin installation and activation to proceed.  The vulnerability enables authenticated attackers with as little as subscriber-level access to install and activate plugins from the WordPress repository. This poses a significant risk, as malicious plugins can compromise the entire WordPress site, leading to complete system takeover, data theft, or defacement. This vulnerability requires immediate attention from website administrators using the vulnerable plugin.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"attack-chain\"\u003eAttack Chain\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttacker gains subscriber-level access to a WordPress site running the vulnerable Vertex Addons for Elementor plugin (version \u0026lt;= 1.6.4). This could be achieved through compromised credentials or by simply registering a new user account if registration is enabled.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttacker crafts a malicious request to trigger the \u003ccode\u003eactivate_required_plugins()\u003c/code\u003e function. This request would typically be sent to the WordPress admin-ajax.php endpoint.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003ccode\u003eactivate_required_plugins()\u003c/code\u003e function executes, initiating a capability check via \u003ccode\u003ecurrent_user_can('install_plugins')\u003c/code\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe capability check fails because a subscriber does not have the \u003ccode\u003einstall_plugins\u003c/code\u003e capability. However, the code does not terminate execution at this point.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe code proceeds to install and activate a plugin specified in the attacker's request. The plugin is retrieved from the WordPress plugin repository.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe malicious plugin is activated and its code is executed, granting the attacker complete control over the WordPress site.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker leverages the plugin to inject malicious code, create administrative accounts, or exfiltrate sensitive data.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe attacker successfully escalates privileges to administrator level and gains full control of the WordPress installation.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"impact\"\u003eImpact\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuccessful exploitation of CVE-2026-4326 allows attackers with minimal privileges (subscriber) to install and activate arbitrary plugins on a WordPress site. This leads to complete site compromise, including the potential for data theft, defacement, or deployment of malicious code to visitors. The number of affected websites depends on the install base of the Vertex Addons for Elementor plugin. Given the severity, any unpatched website is at immediate risk of complete takeover.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"recommendation\"\u003eRecommendation\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImmediately update the Vertex Addons for Elementor plugin to the latest available version, which includes a patch for CVE-2026-4326.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor web server logs for suspicious requests to the \u003ccode\u003eadmin-ajax.php\u003c/code\u003e endpoint, specifically those targeting the \u003ccode\u003eactivate_required_plugins()\u003c/code\u003e function. Implement the Sigma rule \u003ccode\u003eDetect Vertex Elementor Plugin Install Attempt via AJAX\u003c/code\u003e to identify such attempts.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImplement the Sigma rule \u003ccode\u003eDetect WordPress Plugin Installation via Subscriber\u003c/code\u003e to detect plugin installations performed by users with subscriber-level privileges.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRestrict WordPress user registration to trusted individuals. If user registration is necessary, consider implementing stricter account verification and monitoring procedures.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","date_modified":"2024-01-31T12:00:00Z","date_published":"2024-01-31T12:00:00Z","id":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/briefs/2024-01-vertex-elementor-auth-bypass/","summary":"The Vertex Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress up to version 1.6.4 is vulnerable to missing authorization, allowing authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access to install and activate arbitrary plugins.","title":"Vertex Addons for Elementor WordPress Plugin Missing Authorization Vulnerability (CVE-2026-4326)","url":"https://feed.craftedsignal.io/briefs/2024-01-vertex-elementor-auth-bypass/"}],"language":"en","title":"CraftedSignal Threat Feed - Vertex Addons","version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1"}