CVE-2025-1005: Medium Vulnerability in wpmet ElementsKit Elementor Addons

CVE-2025-1005 pertains to a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability found in the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts via the plugin's Image Accordion widget. Insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes lead to this critical security flaw. Organizations using versions up to and including 3.4.0 are at risk.

The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.4, categorizing it as medium severity. This scoring reflects a potential attack vector over the network with low complexity and low privileges required. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized script execution, which can compromise user data and session integrity. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.

As of now, there is no confirmed public exploit available for this vulnerability, but the potential for exploitation remains a concern. It is crucial for organizations using the affected plugin to monitor for any updates or patches released by the vendor. Prompt action will mitigate the associated risks.

Organizations should also consider conducting security assessments to validate their defenses against potential exploitation of this vulnerability. This should include reviewing configurations and user access levels to minimize the attack surface.

Vulnerability Details

The ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting via the plugin's Image Accordion widget in all versions up to and including 3.4.0 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes. The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-79.

The specific CVSS scores are as follows: the primary source from NVD rates it with a score of 5.4 while a secondary source from Wordfence rates it at 6.4. This indicates that while the vulnerability is categorized as medium severity, the potential impact varies based on the source of the assessment.

The disclosure date for this vulnerability was February 15, 2025, and it remains analyzed as per the current status. Organizations utilizing this plugin should ensure they are on versions beyond 3.4.0 to avoid this risk.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of CVE-2025-1005 is the insufficient sanitization of user inputs in the ElementsKit Elementor plugin, specifically through the Image Accordion widget. The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability remotely.

The attack complexity is low, meaning that it is relatively easy for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability without significant technical skill. Attackers require low privileges, and no user interaction is needed to trigger the execution of injected scripts.

In terms of impact, confidentiality and integrity are both rated as low, indicating that the potential damage from an exploit is manageable but still poses a risk. There is no availability impact expected from this vulnerability.

Risk & Impact Analysis

The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2025-1005 is significant. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary web scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking or data theft. The blast radius could extend to all users accessing affected pages, which amplifies the urgency for remediation.

Organizations should assess their current use of the ElementsKit Elementor plugin and ensure they are running a patched version. The urgency based on CVSS ratings indicates that this vulnerability should be addressed in the priority patch cycle to prevent any exploitation.

With the current EPSS score of 0.00188, the likelihood of exploitation remains low; however, organizations cannot afford to be complacent. Proactive measures and timely patching are essential.

Affected Versions

The vulnerability affects all versions of the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin prior to version 3.4.1. Organizations should ensure they are using the latest version to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2025-1005.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations are advised to update the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin to the latest version to remediate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable or immediate update is not feasible, consider implementing input validation and output encoding as temporary workarounds.

Configuration hardening should also be applied to limit access rights to the plugin. Regular monitoring of user activity and access logs is recommended to detect any unusual behavior.

For further assistance, organizations can consider engaging in continuous penetration testing to identify any potential weaknesses.

Detection Guidance

Monitoring for log indicators related to unauthorized script execution is vital. Organizations should also be aware of behavioral anomalies, especially around user sessions that interact with the ElementsKit Elementor plugin.

Implementing network signatures to detect potential XSS payloads can help in early detection of exploitation attempts. Regular reviews of system changes associated with the plugin will also aid in identifying potential attacks.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2025-1005 highlights the importance of input sanitization in web applications, particularly in plugin development for platforms like WordPress. Security teams must remain vigilant against such vulnerabilities, as they can lead to significant breaches.

This incident serves as a reminder to implement robust security measures during the development phase. It also underscores the need for continuous security assessments to adapt to evolving threats.

For more insights on vulnerability management, organizations can explore the following resources: vulnerability management program, penetration testing methodology, and API penetration testing guide to strengthen overall security posture.