CVE-2024-13846 in Indeed Ultimate Learning Pro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/21/2025
The Indeed Ultimate Learning Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the ‘post_id’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.9 due to insufficient escaping on the user supplied parameter and lack of sufficient preparation on the existing SQL query. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Administrator-level access and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
The CVE-2024-13846 vulnerability affects the Indeed Ultimate Learning Pro plugin for WordPress, representing a critical time-based SQL injection flaw that undermines database security. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.9, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who rely on this learning management plugin. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization practices where the plugin fails to properly escape the 'post_id' parameter before incorporating it into SQL queries. This inadequate parameter handling creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted input that can be executed within the context of legitimate database requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where insufficient escaping of user-supplied data allows attackers to manipulate SQL command execution. The vulnerability operates through time-based techniques, meaning attackers can infer database contents by measuring response times from the server, a method that bypasses traditional error-based detection mechanisms. The flaw occurs because the plugin does not utilize prepared statements or proper parameterized queries when processing the 'post_id' parameter, instead directly concatenating user input into SQL command strings. This primitive approach to database interaction creates an exploitable condition where malicious SQL code can be injected and executed within the context of the database connection.
Authentication requirements for exploitation are relatively high, as the vulnerability requires authenticated access with Administrator-level privileges or higher. This access level requirement provides some defense-in-depth but does not eliminate the risk entirely, as administrators may be subject to credential theft through various attack vectors. Once authenticated, attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform unauthorized data extraction, potentially accessing sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, course materials, and system configurations. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as the attacker could potentially modify or delete database records, compromising the integrity of the learning management system.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations using the Indeed Ultimate Learning Pro plugin, particularly those in educational institutions or corporate training environments where sensitive user data is processed. The time-based nature of the injection makes detection more challenging for security monitoring systems, as the malicious queries may appear as legitimate database operations to casual observation. Attackers can use this vulnerability to extract user accounts, course content, and system configurations without leaving obvious traces in traditional log files. The persistence of this vulnerability across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's development practices, suggesting that similar issues may exist in other areas of the codebase.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the SQL injection vulnerability, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and parameterized query execution. Organizations should also consider network-level monitoring to detect unusual database query patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring tools can provide additional layers of protection. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities, particularly those that handle user-supplied input in database operations. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to ensure that similar flaws are not present in other components of the learning management system infrastructure.