Tutor LMS Vulnerability – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-4279, CVE-2024-4318, CVE-2024-4223 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Q: What is Tutor LMS, and why should I be concerned about its vulnerabilities?

What is Tutor LMS, and why should I be concerned about its vulnerabilities? Tutor LMS is a popular WordPress plugin designed for creating and managing online courses and eLearning platforms. It is essential to be aware of its vulnerabilities because they can potentially lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, and loss of sensitive information. By understanding the risks associated with these vulnerabilities, you can take the necessary steps to protect your website and your users' data.

Q: How can I check if my website is using an affected version of the Tutor LMS plugin?

How can I check if my website is using an affected version of the Tutor LMS plugin? To check if your website is using an affected version of the Tutor LMS plugin, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and click on "Plugins." Look for the Tutor LMS plugin in the list and note its version number. If the version is 2.7.0 or lower, your website is affected by the vulnerabilities mentioned in the blog post.

Q: What steps should I take to secure my website if I'm using an affected version of Tutor LMS?

What steps should I take to secure my website if I'm using an affected version of Tutor LMS? The most crucial step is to update the Tutor LMS plugin to version 2.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerabilities. Additionally, review your website for any suspicious activity or unauthorized changes, and consider using alternative plugins if you are concerned about the plugin's security. Always ensure that all your WordPress plugins are updated to their latest versions to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities.

Q: Can updating the Tutor LMS plugin cause compatibility issues with my website?

Can updating the Tutor LMS plugin cause compatibility issues with my website? While updating plugins can occasionally lead to compatibility issues, it is generally recommended to keep your plugins up-to-date to ensure the security and stability of your website. Before updating, it's a good practice to create a backup of your website so that you can easily revert to a previous version if any issues arise. If you encounter compatibility problems after updating, reach out to the plugin's support team or a professional web developer for assistance.

Q: How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting my website in the future?

How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting my website in the future? To minimize the risk of vulnerabilities affecting your website, adopt a proactive approach to website security. Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to ensure you have the latest security patches. Implement strong passwords and limit user access to only the necessary permissions. Use security plugins and services to monitor your website for potential threats and vulnerabilities. Additionally, consider partnering with a web development or security agency to help you maintain a secure and up-to-date website.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing these vulnerabilities?

What are the potential consequences of not addressing these vulnerabilities? Failing to address the Tutor LMS vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences for your website and business. Attackers may exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to your website, steal sensitive data, or manipulate your website's content. This can result in data breaches, loss of customer trust, damage to your reputation, and potential legal and financial repercussions. By promptly addressing these vulnerabilities, you can protect your website, your users, and your business from these risks.

Q: How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities?

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities? Some signs that your website may have been compromised include unexpected changes to your website's content, the appearance of unfamiliar user accounts in your WordPress dashboard, or a sudden drop in website performance. You may also receive reports from users about suspicious activity or unauthorized changes. If you suspect your website has been compromised, immediately change all user passwords, review your website for any unauthorized modifications, and consider hiring a professional to conduct a thorough security audit.

Q: Are there any alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Tutor LMS?

Are there any alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Tutor LMS? Yes, there are several alternative plugins that provide similar eLearning and online course creation functionality. Some popular options include LearnDash, LearnPress, and Sensei. When considering an alternative plugin, be sure to research its security track record, read user reviews, and ensure that it is actively maintained and updated. Keep in mind that no plugin is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, so it's crucial to stay vigilant and keep your chosen plugin up-to-date.

Q: How often should I check for updates and vulnerabilities in my WordPress plugins?

How often should I check for updates and vulnerabilities in my WordPress plugins? It's recommended to check for updates and vulnerabilities in your WordPress plugins at least once a week. However, if you have a large or complex website, or if you handle sensitive data, you may want to check more frequently. You can set up automatic updates for your plugins to ensure you always have the latest versions, but it's still important to manually review your plugins and stay informed about any reported vulnerabilities. Consider subscribing to security newsletters or following reputable WordPress security blogs to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

Q: What should I do if I'm not comfortable managing website security on my own?

What should I do if I'm not comfortable managing website security on my own? If you're not comfortable managing website security on your own, or if you don't have the time or expertise to do so, consider partnering with a professional web development or security agency. These agencies can help you keep your website secure, update your plugins and themes, monitor for vulnerabilities, and provide support in case of a security breach. When choosing an agency, look for one with experience in WordPress security and a proven track record of helping clients maintain secure and up-to-date websites. While there may be an additional cost involved, the peace of mind and protection offered by a professional agency can be well worth the investment.

By Your WP Guy | May 15, 2024

Plugin Name: Tutor LMS

Key Information:

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: tutor
Software Status: Active
Software Author: themeum
Software Downloads: 2,095,500
Active Installs: 80,000
Last Updated: May 15, 2024
Patched Versions: 2.7.1
Affected Versions: <= 2.7.0

Vulnerability 1 Details:

Name: Tutor LMS – eLearning and online course solution <= 2.7.0 - Authenticated (Instructor+) Insecure Direct Object Reference to Arbitrary Course Deletion
Title: Authenticated (Instructor+) Insecure Direct Object Reference to Arbitrary Course Deletion
Type: Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key
CVE: CVE-2024-4279
CVSS Score: 6.5 (Medium)
Publicly Published: May 15, 2024
Researcher: Thanh Nam Tran
Description: The Tutor LMS – eLearning and online course solution plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference to Arbitrary Course Deletion in versions up to, and including, 2.7.0 via the 'tutor_course_delete' function due to missing validation on a user controlled key. This can allow authenticated attackers, with Instructor-level permissions and above, to delete any course.

Vulnerability 2 Details:

Name: Tutor LMS <= 2.7.0 - Authenticated (Instructor+) SQL Injection
Title: Authenticated (Instructor+) SQL Injection
Type: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
CVE: CVE-2024-4318
CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
Publicly Published: May 15, 2024
Researcher: Thanh Nam Tran
Description: The Tutor LMS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to time-based SQL Injection via the ‘question_id’ parameter in versions up to, and including, 2.7.0 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 Instructor-level permissions and above, to append additional SQL queries into already existing queries that can be used to extract sensitive information from the database.

Vulnerability 3 Details:

Name: Tutor LMS <= 2.7.0 - Missing Authorization
Title: Missing Authorization
Type: Missing Authorization
CVE: CVE-2024-4223
CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
Publicly Published: May 15, 2024
Researcher: villu164
Description: The Tutor LMS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data, modification of data, loss of data due to a missing capability check on multiple functions in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.0. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to add, modify, or delete data.

References:

https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/tutor

Vulnerability 1: https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/tutor/tutor-lms-elearning-and-online-course-solution-270-authenticated-instructor-insecure-direct-object-reference-to-arbitrary-course-deletion

Vulnerability 2: https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/tutor/tutor-lms-270-authenticated-instructor-sql-injection

Vulnerability 3: https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/tutor/tutor-lms-270-missing-authorization

Detailed Report:

Attention all WordPress website owners using the Tutor LMS plugin! A series of critical vulnerabilities has been discovered in this popular eLearning and online course solution, putting your website's security at risk. As a responsible website owner, it is crucial to stay informed about such vulnerabilities and take immediate action to protect your site and your users' data.

About the Plugin

Tutor LMS is an active WordPress plugin developed by themeum, with over 2 million downloads and 80,000 active installations. The plugin was last updated on May 15, 2024, and the patched version is 2.7.1. The affected versions are 2.7.0 and below.

Vulnerability Details

Three vulnerabilities have been discovered in the Tutor LMS plugin:

CVE-2024-4279 (CVSS Score: 6.5 - Medium): Authenticated (Instructor+) Insecure Direct Object Reference to Arbitrary Course Deletion
CVE-2024-4318 (CVSS Score: 8.8 - High): Authenticated (Instructor+) SQL Injection
CVE-2024-4223 (CVSS Score: 9.8 - Critical): Missing Authorization

These vulnerabilities were publicly disclosed on May 15, 2024, by researchers Thanh Nam Tran and villu164.

Risks and Potential Impacts

The discovered vulnerabilities pose significant risks to websites using the affected versions of the Tutor LMS plugin:

Arbitrary Course Deletion: Authenticated attackers with Instructor-level permissions and above can delete any course.
SQL Injection: Attackers can extract sensitive information from the database.
Missing Authorization: Unauthenticated attackers can add, modify, or delete data.

These vulnerabilities can lead to data loss, data manipulation, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Remediation Steps

To protect your website from these vulnerabilities, follow these steps:

Immediate Action: Update the Tutor LMS plugin to version 2.7.1 or later.
Check for Signs of Vulnerability: Review your website for any unauthorized changes or suspicious activity.
Consider Alternative Plugins: If you are concerned about the plugin's security, consider using alternative plugins with similar functionality.
Stay Updated: Ensure that all your WordPress plugins are always updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities.

Previous Vulnerabilities

The Tutor LMS plugin has had 34 previous vulnerabilities since February 2020, underscoring the importance of staying vigilant and keeping the plugin updated.

The Importance of Staying on Top of Security Vulnerabilities

As a small business owner with a WordPress website, it can be challenging to find the time to stay on top of security vulnerabilities. However, neglecting these issues can lead to severe consequences, such as data breaches, website downtime, and loss of customer trust.

By regularly updating your plugins, monitoring your website for suspicious activity, and staying informed about the latest security threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these vulnerabilities. If you find it difficult to manage these tasks yourself, consider partnering with a reliable web development or security agency that can help you keep your website secure and up-to-date.

Staying on top of WordPress security can feel overwhelming for small business owners without dedicated IT staff. At Your WP Guy, we exist to shoulder that burden for you. Our WordPress experts can fully audit, secure, maintain and support your site - so you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind.

Don't tackle security risks alone. Let us help you assess any impact from this vulnerability, update your plugins, and implement ongoing maintenance to avoid future threats. We treat your website like it's our own - because we know how critical it is for reaching your customers.

Get in touch for a free consultation today on making WordPress security stress-free. Call 678-995-5169 or book a call here. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you safeguard your online presence.

Tutor LMS Vulnerability – Multiple Vulnerabilities – CVE-2024-4279, CVE-2024-4318, CVE-2024-4223 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is Tutor LMS, and why should I be concerned about its vulnerabilities?

Tutor LMS is a popular WordPress plugin designed for creating and managing online courses and eLearning platforms. It is essential to be aware of its vulnerabilities because they can potentially lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, and loss of sensitive information. By understanding the risks associated with these vulnerabilities, you can take the necessary steps to protect your website and your users' data.

How can I check if my website is using an affected version of the Tutor LMS plugin?

To check if your website is using an affected version of the Tutor LMS plugin, navigate to your WordPress dashboard and click on "Plugins." Look for the Tutor LMS plugin in the list and note its version number. If the version is 2.7.0 or lower, your website is affected by the vulnerabilities mentioned in the blog post.

What steps should I take to secure my website if I'm using an affected version of Tutor LMS?

The most crucial step is to update the Tutor LMS plugin to version 2.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerabilities. Additionally, review your website for any suspicious activity or unauthorized changes, and consider using alternative plugins if you are concerned about the plugin's security. Always ensure that all your WordPress plugins are updated to their latest versions to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities.

Can updating the Tutor LMS plugin cause compatibility issues with my website?

While updating plugins can occasionally lead to compatibility issues, it is generally recommended to keep your plugins up-to-date to ensure the security and stability of your website. Before updating, it's a good practice to create a backup of your website so that you can easily revert to a previous version if any issues arise. If you encounter compatibility problems after updating, reach out to the plugin's support team or a professional web developer for assistance.

How can I prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting my website in the future?

To minimize the risk of vulnerabilities affecting your website, adopt a proactive approach to website security. Regularly update your WordPress core, themes, and plugins to ensure you have the latest security patches. Implement strong passwords and limit user access to only the necessary permissions. Use security plugins and services to monitor your website for potential threats and vulnerabilities. Additionally, consider partnering with a web development or security agency to help you maintain a secure and up-to-date website.

What are the potential consequences of not addressing these vulnerabilities?

Failing to address the Tutor LMS vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences for your website and business. Attackers may exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to your website, steal sensitive data, or manipulate your website's content. This can result in data breaches, loss of customer trust, damage to your reputation, and potential legal and financial repercussions. By promptly addressing these vulnerabilities, you can protect your website, your users, and your business from these risks.

How can I tell if my website has been compromised due to these vulnerabilities?

Some signs that your website may have been compromised include unexpected changes to your website's content, the appearance of unfamiliar user accounts in your WordPress dashboard, or a sudden drop in website performance. You may also receive reports from users about suspicious activity or unauthorized changes. If you suspect your website has been compromised, immediately change all user passwords, review your website for any unauthorized modifications, and consider hiring a professional to conduct a thorough security audit.

Are there any alternative plugins that offer similar functionality to Tutor LMS?

Yes, there are several alternative plugins that provide similar eLearning and online course creation functionality. Some popular options include LearnDash, LearnPress, and Sensei. When considering an alternative plugin, be sure to research its security track record, read user reviews, and ensure that it is actively maintained and updated. Keep in mind that no plugin is entirely immune to vulnerabilities, so it's crucial to stay vigilant and keep your chosen plugin up-to-date.

How often should I check for updates and vulnerabilities in my WordPress plugins?

It's recommended to check for updates and vulnerabilities in your WordPress plugins at least once a week. However, if you have a large or complex website, or if you handle sensitive data, you may want to check more frequently. You can set up automatic updates for your plugins to ensure you always have the latest versions, but it's still important to manually review your plugins and stay informed about any reported vulnerabilities. Consider subscribing to security newsletters or following reputable WordPress security blogs to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

What should I do if I'm not comfortable managing website security on my own?

If you're not comfortable managing website security on your own, or if you don't have the time or expertise to do so, consider partnering with a professional web development or security agency. These agencies can help you keep your website secure, update your plugins and themes, monitor for vulnerabilities, and provide support in case of a security breach. When choosing an agency, look for one with experience in WordPress security and a proven track record of helping clients maintain secure and up-to-date websites. While there may be an additional cost involved, the peace of mind and protection offered by a professional agency can be well worth the investment.

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Posted in Security, Vulnerabilities and tagged arbitrary course deletion, CVE-2024-4223, CVE-2024-4279, CVE-2024-4318, eLearning security, Missing Authorization, online course security, Plugin Updates, SQL Injection, Tutor LMS vulnerability, Website Maintenance, Website Security, WordPress plugin vulnerability