CVE-2026-0920 is a critical vulnerability affecting the LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to create administrative user accounts due to improper role validation in the 'ajax_register_handle' function. The issue exists in all versions up to and including 1.5.6.3. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by supplying the 'lakit_bkrole' parameter during user registration, thereby gaining unauthorized administrator access to the site.
With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical. The high score reflects the significant risk posed, particularly because it allows unauthenticated users to gain elevated privileges without any interaction required from legitimate users. Organizations utilizing this plugin should act swiftly to mitigate this risk.
The urgency for defenders is underscored by the exploitability of this vulnerability. There have been confirmed exploits available, indicating that attackers may leverage this gap to compromise affected systems. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to safeguard their environments.
In the context of real-world impact, if exploited, the vulnerability could lead to full administrative control over WordPress sites, allowing attackers to alter site content, steal sensitive information, or deploy malicious code. The implications of such actions can be devastating, making this a critical issue for all users of the affected plugin.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described in CVE-2026-0920 is due to the lack of restrictions on user roles during the registration process within the LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor plugin. Specifically, the 'ajax_register_handle' function permits users to set their role without validation, which could lead to unauthorized administrative access.
The CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a critical severity level, with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This vulnerability falls under CWE-269, which pertains to improper privilege management.
The vulnerability was published on January 22, 2026, and it is crucial for organizations using the affected plugin to check for updates and apply patches as soon as they are available.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-0920 is the inadequate validation of user roles when registering new accounts. This oversight allows for arbitrary role assignments, including the assignment of administrative privileges to unauthenticated users.
The attack vector is classified as network-based, meaning that exploitation can occur remotely without physical access to the system. The complexity of the attack is low, requiring no significant technical skill, thereby making it accessible to a wide range of attackers.
No privileges are required to perform the attack, and user interaction is not necessary. Successful exploitation can result in high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers could completely control the affected WordPress site.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of the LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor plugin poses a significant risk to organizations, particularly those managing sensitive content or customer data. The ability for an attacker to create administrative accounts means that they can manipulate site content, access sensitive information, and potentially execute further attacks.
The blast radius of this vulnerability is substantial. Any organization using this plugin is at risk, especially if they do not implement additional security measures to restrict access to registration functionalities. The urgency assessment, supported by the CVSS score of 9.8, indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations are urged to take immediate action by updating the plugin to prevent unauthorized access and protect their digital assets.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of the LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor plugin prior to version 1.5.6.4 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to the latest version to mitigate the risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize applying the latest patches for the LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor plugin. Specifically, upgrading to version 1.5.6.4 or later will remediate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not possible, organizations should implement strict access controls to mitigate the risk of unauthorized registration.
Additionally, organizations should consider conducting regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their web applications. For more detailed guidance, refer to our penetration testing methodology to proactively manage security risks.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual user registrations, particularly those attempting to set the 'lakit_bkrole' parameter. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in user roles should be tracked to identify unauthorized access.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2026-0920 serves as a critical reminder of the importance of role validation in user management functionalities. It highlights the potential risks associated with inadequate security measures in widely used plugins. Security teams should take this opportunity to review their policies and ensure that role assignments are properly validated.
Organizations should also consider implementing comprehensive security testing practices, such as application security assessments, to uncover other potential vulnerabilities in their systems.
To further enhance their security posture, organizations may explore options for red teaming services that provide simulated attack scenarios to test defenses against real-world threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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