Severity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Primary rating from Vendor (Wordfence) · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorVendor: Wordfence
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Lifecycle Timeline
4DescriptionCVE.org
The Vertex Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Missing Authorization in all versions up to and including 1.6.4. This is due to improper authorization enforcement in the activate_required_plugins() function. Specifically, the current_user_can('install_plugins') capability check does not terminate execution when it fails - it only sets an error message variable while allowing the plugin installation and activation code to execute. The error response is only sent after the installation and activation have already completed. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to install and activate arbitrary plugins from the WordPress.
AnalysisAI
Missing authorization bypass in Vertex Addons for Elementor (WordPress plugin, all versions ≤1.6.4) allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level privileges to install and activate arbitrary WordPress plugins. The activate_required_plugins() function checks current_user_can('install_plugins') capability but fails to halt execution on denial, permitting installation/activation to proceed before error response is sent. CVSS 8.8 (High) reflects authenticated (PR:L) network attack enabling high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact. No public exploit identified at time of analysis.
Technical ContextAI
CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) arises from non-blocking capability check in Ajax.php activate_required_plugins() function. Code sets error message variable when current_user_can('install_plugins') fails but continues execution of plugin installation/activation logic before sending error response (lines 229-278 per Trac references). Low-privilege roles (Subscriber+) inherit network-accessible Ajax handler without proper access control termination, enabling unauthorized plugin manipulation via WordPress repository.
RemediationAI
Upstream fix available (PR/commit); released patched version not independently confirmed. Vendor committed changeset 3491143 addressing authorization enforcement in Ajax.php (https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&old=3491143%40addons-for-elementor-builder&new=3491143%40addons-for-elementor-builder&sfp_email=&sfph_mail=). Monitor WordPress plugin repository for version 1.6.5 or later incorporating this fix. Immediately audit installed plugins for unauthorized additions, review Subscriber-level accounts for compromise indicators, and restrict Subscriber role permissions via user role editor plugins. If patch unavailable, deactivate Vertex Addons for Elementor until vendor releases confirmed secure version. Consult Wordfence threat intelligence advisory: https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/1bb409f0-ccbd-4dfa-b097-b29ee539daa3?source=cve for additional mitigation guidance.
More in Vertex Addons For Elementor
View allSame weakness CWE-862 – Missing Authorization
View allSame technique Authentication Bypass
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External POC / Exploit Code
Leaving vuln.today
EUVD-2026-20825