CVE-2024-1804 in Tutor LMS Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2024
The Tutor LMS – Migration Tool plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the tutor_import_from_xml function in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.0. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to import courses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1804 affects the Tutor LMS - Migration Tool plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization flaw that undermines the integrity of course data management within educational platforms. This security weakness exists in all plugin versions up to and including 2.2.0, creating a persistent risk for WordPress sites that rely on this learning management system extension. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper capability validation within the tutor_import_from_xml function, which is designed to handle course import operations from xml files.
The technical flaw manifests as a missing capability check that should verify user permissions before allowing data modification operations. In this case, the function lacks authorization validation that would normally prevent users from performing administrative tasks without proper credentials. This oversight allows authenticated attackers who possess subscriber-level access or higher to execute unauthorized course imports, potentially leading to data corruption, malicious content injection, or unauthorized course modifications. The vulnerability operates under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms, making it a clear example of inadequate privilege enforcement in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification risks, as it creates potential pathways for attackers to compromise entire course repositories within WordPress environments. An attacker with subscriber privileges could import malicious course content that might contain malware, phishing elements, or other harmful code that could affect the platform's security posture. Additionally, the ability to import courses without proper authorization could lead to data integrity issues where legitimate course content becomes corrupted or replaced with unauthorized modifications. This vulnerability particularly affects educational institutions and training organizations that rely on WordPress-based learning management systems for their course delivery infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version that addresses this capability check issue, reviewing user access controls to ensure proper privilege management, and monitoring for unauthorized import activities within their learning management systems. The remediation process should include verifying that only administrators or designated course creators have access to import functions, implementing role-based access controls that align with the principle of least privilege, and conducting regular security audits of plugin functionality. Security professionals should also consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual import activities and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address unauthorized course modifications. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all user capabilities before permitting administrative operations, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate access controls.