CVE-2025-8081: Arbitrary File Access in Elementor Website Builder
Platform
wordpress
Component
elementor
Fixed in
3.30.3
CVE-2025-8081 describes an Arbitrary File Access vulnerability affecting Elementor Website Builder, a popular WordPress plugin. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with administrator-level access to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially exposing sensitive information. Versions affected range from 0.0.0 up to and including 3.30.2. A fix is available in version 3.30.3.
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Impact and Attack Scenarios
The primary impact of CVE-2025-8081 is the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive files stored on the web server. An attacker, possessing administrator privileges within the WordPress installation, can exploit this vulnerability to read files outside the intended scope of the application. This could include configuration files containing database credentials, API keys, or other sensitive data. The ability to read arbitrary files significantly expands the attack surface, potentially leading to further compromise of the system. While the vulnerability requires authentication, the widespread use of Elementor and the relative ease of gaining administrator access in compromised WordPress installations make it a significant risk.
Exploitation Context
CVE-2025-8081 was publicly disclosed on 2025-08-12. No public proof-of-concept (PoC) code has been observed as of this date. The vulnerability's CVSS score of 4.9 (MEDIUM) suggests a moderate probability of exploitation. It is not currently listed on the CISA KEV catalog. Active campaigns targeting this vulnerability are not currently known, but the popularity of Elementor makes it a potential target for opportunistic attackers.
Threat Intelligence
Exploit Status
EPSS
0.07% (21% percentile)
CISA SSVC
CVSS Vector
What do these metrics mean?
- Attack Vector
- Network — remotely exploitable over the internet. No physical or local access required. Widest attack surface.
- Attack Complexity
- Low — no special conditions required. Attacker can exploit reliably without depending on rare configurations or timing.
- Privileges Required
- High — admin or privileged account required to exploit.
- User Interaction
- None — attack is automatic and silent. Victim does nothing: no click, no file open.
- Scope
- Unchanged — impact is limited to the vulnerable component itself.
- Confidentiality
- High — complete confidentiality loss. Attacker can read all data: credentials, keys, personal data.
- Integrity
- None — no integrity impact. Attacker cannot modify data.
- Availability
- None — no availability impact. Service remains fully operational.
Affected Software
Package Information
- Active installs
- 10.0MPopular
- Plugin rating
- 4.5
- Requires WordPress
- 6.6+
- Compatible up to
- 7.0
- Requires PHP
- 7.4+
Weakness Classification (CWE)
Timeline
- Reserved
- Published
- Modified
- EPSS updated
Mitigation and Workarounds
The primary mitigation for CVE-2025-8081 is to immediately upgrade Elementor Website Builder to version 3.30.3 or later. If upgrading is not immediately feasible due to compatibility issues or breaking changes, consider implementing temporary workarounds. Restrict file permissions on the server to minimize the potential damage from a successful exploit. Review WordPress user roles and permissions to ensure the principle of least privilege is enforced. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block suspicious file access attempts targeting the Import_Images::import() function. After upgrading, confirm the vulnerability is resolved by attempting to access a non-existent file via the import functionality and verifying that access is denied.
How to fix
Update the Elementor plugin to version 3.30.3 or higher to mitigate the Arbitrary File Read vulnerability. This update corrects the lack of validation in the filename during image import, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server.
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Frequently asked questions
What is CVE-2025-8081 — Arbitrary File Access in Elementor Website Builder?
CVE-2025-8081 is a vulnerability in Elementor allowing authenticated administrators to read arbitrary files on the server. It affects versions 0.0.0–3.30.2 and has a CVSS score of 4.9 (MEDIUM).
Am I affected by CVE-2025-8081 in Elementor Website Builder?
You are affected if you are using Elementor Website Builder versions 0.0.0 through 3.30.2. Check your plugin version and upgrade if necessary.
How do I fix CVE-2025-8081 in Elementor Website Builder?
Upgrade Elementor Website Builder to version 3.30.3 or later to resolve the vulnerability. Consider temporary workarounds like restricting file permissions if immediate upgrade is not possible.
Is CVE-2025-8081 being actively exploited?
As of the current date, there are no confirmed reports of active exploitation, but the vulnerability's popularity makes it a potential target.
Where can I find the official Elementor advisory for CVE-2025-8081?
Refer to the official Elementor security advisory for detailed information and updates: [https://elementor.com/security/](https://elementor.com/security/)
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