Executive brief
Master Addons for Elementor is a widely-used WordPress plugin that adds custom widgets and template functionality to the Elementor page builder. The plugin incorrectly validates file uploads in its template kit feature, allowing editors and above to upload and extract arbitrary files including executable code. This permits remote code execution on the hosting server, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation and any data it contains.
Technical details
The vulnerability is an arbitrary file upload flaw in the upload_template_kit AJAX handler. The root cause is a combination of insufficient authorization checks (requiring only upload_files instead of manage_options capability) and missing file-type filtering after ZIP extraction. An authenticated attacker with editor-level access can exploit this by crafting a malicious ZIP file; the nonce requirement is bypassable because the WordPress Pages list screen (accessible to editors) localizes the necessary nonces. The attack does not require elevated privileges beyond the standard editor role, and results in remote code execution on the server. The vulnerability affects all versions through 3.1.9, with patches expected in later releases.
Affected products
- Master Addons Master Addons for Elementor up to and including 3.1.9
Timeline
- 2026-09-01: disclosed