CVE-2023-37999 Scanner

The "HT Mega - Absolute Addons for Elementor" is a popular plugin used in WordPress websites for adding customizable design elements and widgets to pages built with the Elementor page builder. It is developed by HasThemes and provides extensive design capabilities to web developers and WordPress site owners. The plugin is commonly utilized by businesses, blogs, and ecommerce sites to enhance the aesthetic and functional appeal of their web pages. With features that allow for interactive content elements, HT Mega simplifies the process of creating visually appealing and dynamic page layouts. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface, which helps streamline web design and increase visitor engagement. The plugin's integration with Elementor makes it an essential tool for WordPress users aiming to create sophisticated designs without needing advanced coding skills.

This vulnerability, identified as Missing Authorization, involves improper validation processes in the "HT Mega - Absolute Addons for Elementor" plugin. Due to missing validation of the reg_role parameter in the htmega_ajax_register function, unauthorized users can potentially escalate privileges. It allows attackers to bypass necessary authorization checks, which should ideally restrict access to sensitive functionalities or data. Attackers can exploit this lapse to create administrator accounts, posing a high-security risk. Such vulnerabilities are critical because they grant unauthorized users access to administrative controls that should be protected by secure authentication protocols. The potential for privilege escalation can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of website data.

This vulnerability in the HT Mega plugin stems from a particular flaw in its authorization checks during account registration. The parameter reg_role in the htmega_ajax_register function lacks proper validation, permitting unauthorized users to assign administrative roles. When exploited, attackers send a crafted HTTP POST request to the /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint. This request can manipulate user roles, creating accounts with administrator privileges without appropriate authorization. The issue lies in the server-side mechanism improperly handling requests, thereby missing critical authentication checks. The vulnerable parameter, reg_role, should be thoroughly validated to ensure that only authorized users can perform role assignments during registration.

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead significant consequences, putting affected websites at serious risk. Malicious actors gaining unauthorized administrative access can modify website content, steal sensitive data, or disrupt website operations. They could also introduce malicious code, deface pages, or conduct further attacks from within. The potential for administrative account creation opens the door to complete control over the site by attackers. This breach not only compromises website security but also risks reputation damage and potential financial losses for website owners. Unauthorized access to restricted functionalities also undermines user trust, potentially impacting future engagements and business opportunities.

REFERENCES

• https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/ht-mega-for-elementor/ht-mega-absolute-addons-for-elementor-220-missing-authorization-to-privilege-escalation
• https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/2934204/ht-mega-for-elementor/trunk/includes/helper-function.php?contextall=1&old=2899662&old_path=%2Fht-mega-for-elementor%2Ftrunk%2Fincludes%2Fhelper-function.php
• https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/ht-mega-for-elementor/wordpress-ht-mega-absolute-addons-for-elementor-plugin-2-2-0-unauthenticated-privilege-escalation-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-37999