What the vulnerability does
01Description
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.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
Vertex Addons for Elementor versions 1.6.4 and earlier lack proper authorization checks, allowing authenticated users to perform actions they should not have permission to access. An attacker with a low-privilege account can read sensitive data, modify site content, or disrupt availability. Update to a version newer than 1.6.4 immediately.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read sensitive data, modify content, or disrupt site availability with a low-privilege user account.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Any authenticated user can escalate their privileges and access or modify restricted functionality and data.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a valid low-privilege user account on the site; no user interaction required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
April 9, 2026
CVE published
April 9, 2026
Record updated
