CVE-2022-2563 in Tutor LMS Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/17/2022
The Tutor LMS WordPress plugin before 2.0.10 does not escape some course parameters, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed (for example in multisite setup)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2563 affects the Tutor LMS WordPress plugin version 2.0.9 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of web applications built on the WordPress platform. This issue specifically targets the plugin's handling of course parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit stored cross-site scripting vulnerabilities within environments where the unfiltered_html capability has been restricted. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows users with administrative privileges to execute malicious scripts in contexts where such permissions should normally be restricted, potentially compromising entire WordPress installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization within the Tutor LMS plugin's course parameter handling mechanisms. When administrators or high-privilege users create or modify course content, the plugin fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied parameters before storing them in the database. This oversight creates a persistent XSS vector that can be triggered whenever the stored content is rendered in the user interface. The vulnerability manifests because the plugin does not adequately distinguish between trusted and untrusted input, particularly when dealing with HTML content that could contain malicious script tags. This weakness aligns with CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a common web application vulnerability occurring when applications fail to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in web pages. The issue becomes more severe in multisite WordPress configurations where the unfiltered_html capability is deliberately restricted to prevent unauthorized HTML injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within WordPress environments that could lead to complete system compromise. High-privilege users who are already authenticated can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that persist across user sessions, potentially enabling data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or even complete takeover of the affected WordPress installation. The attack surface is particularly broad because administrators typically have elevated permissions and access to sensitive system functions, making the potential damage multiplier significant. In multisite environments where security restrictions are enforced, the vulnerability becomes even more dangerous as it circumvents the intended security controls designed to prevent HTML injection attacks. This scenario represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and could allow attackers to bypass security measures that are specifically implemented to protect against such attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2563 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 2.0.10 or later, where the escaping mechanisms have been properly implemented. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other plugins or themes that might be vulnerable to similar issues. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious script injection patterns, particularly in contexts where course content is rendered. Implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices, specifically regarding input validation and output encoding. Organizations should consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect such vulnerabilities during routine security assessments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.001 technique for command and script injection, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and output encoding to prevent exploitation. Regular security training for administrators on recognizing and mitigating such vulnerabilities is essential to maintain overall security posture and prevent successful exploitation attempts.