CVE-2024-13808 is a critical vulnerability affecting the WPXpro Xpro Elementor Addons - Pro WordPress plugin, specifically versions up to and including 1.4.9. The vulnerability arises from improper control over code generation (CWE-94), enabling remote code execution (RCE) via the plugin's custom PHP widget. The root cause is that access control is enforced only on the client side, which is inherently insecure and can be bypassed by attackers. Consequently, any authenticated user with Contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server hosting the WordPress site. This can lead to full system compromise, including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, as well as potential pivoting to other network resources. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8, reflecting its high severity, with attack vector being network-based, low attack complexity, requiring privileges (Contributor or above), no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a high degree. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, but the ease of exploitation by authenticated users and the widespread use of the plugin make this a significant threat. The lack of server-side access controls in the plugin's design is a critical security oversight, and the absence of an official patch at the time of reporting increases risk exposure. Organizations running WordPress sites with this plugin installed should consider this vulnerability a high priority for remediation.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be severe. Many businesses, government agencies, and institutions rely on WordPress for their web presence, and the Xpro Elementor Addons - Pro plugin is popular among users seeking enhanced Elementor functionality. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of websites, disruption of services, and use of compromised servers as launchpads for further attacks. This is particularly critical for sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, where data confidentiality and service availability are paramount. Additionally, compromised websites can be used to distribute malware or conduct phishing campaigns, further amplifying the threat. The requirement for only Contributor-level access lowers the barrier for exploitation since such accounts are commonly assigned to content creators or external collaborators. The vulnerability could also undermine trust in affected organizations and lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is exposed. Given the high severity and potential for widespread impact, European entities must prioritize detection and mitigation efforts.

1. Immediate mitigation involves removing or disabling the Xpro Elementor Addons - Pro plugin until a secure patch is released. 2. Restrict Contributor-level and higher privileges strictly to trusted users; review and audit user roles and permissions to minimize unnecessary elevated access. 3. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable widget endpoints, focusing on unusual POST requests or payloads containing PHP code. 4. Monitor server logs and WordPress activity logs for signs of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected code execution or file changes. 5. Employ application-level security plugins that enforce server-side access controls and input validation to supplement plugin security. 6. Regularly update all WordPress components and subscribe to vendor advisories for timely patching. 7. Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability scanning focused on WordPress environments to identify similar weaknesses. 8. Educate content contributors about the risks of privilege misuse and encourage reporting of suspicious activity. These steps go beyond generic advice by emphasizing access control audits, WAF tuning specific to this vulnerability, and proactive monitoring tailored to the plugin's attack surface.