CVE-2024-37256 Overview
CVE-2024-37256 is an SQL Injection vulnerability affecting Themeum Tutor LMS, a WordPress learning management system plugin. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. All Tutor LMS versions up to and including 2.7.1 are affected.
An authenticated attacker with high privileges can inject arbitrary SQL statements through vulnerable input parameters. Successful exploitation compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the underlying WordPress database. The vulnerability carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 7.2 (HIGH).
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, enabling data theft, modification of course records, and potential full site compromise.
Affected Products
- Themeum Tutor LMS WordPress plugin versions up to and including 2.7.1
- WordPress installations running vulnerable Tutor LMS releases
- Learning management deployments exposing Tutor LMS administrative endpoints
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-07-09 - CVE-2024-37256 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-37256
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in Tutor LMS request handlers that construct SQL statements using unsanitized user-supplied input. The plugin fails to properly neutralize special SQL metacharacters before concatenating them into database queries. Attackers can break out of the intended query context and append arbitrary SQL clauses.
Exploitation requires network access and authenticated privileges within the WordPress environment. Once exploited, an attacker can read arbitrary database records, modify course and user data, or escalate control over the WordPress site. The bug maps to CWE-89: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient parameterization of database queries in Tutor LMS request handlers. Rather than binding parameters through the WordPress $wpdb->prepare() API, affected code paths interpolate request values directly into SQL strings. This allows crafted payloads to alter query structure.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network against a WordPress site running Tutor LMS 2.7.1 or earlier. The attacker must hold a high-privileged authenticated session, typically an instructor or administrator role. They then submit crafted parameters to a vulnerable plugin endpoint containing SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT clauses or boolean-based payloads.
Refer to the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for advisory details. No public proof-of-concept exploit is currently listed for this CVE.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-37256
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected WordPress database queries containing UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, BENCHMARK(, or comment sequences such as -- in Tutor LMS request logs
- HTTP POST or GET requests to Tutor LMS AJAX endpoints containing SQL metacharacters in parameter values
- Anomalous read access to wp_users, wp_usermeta, or wp_options tables originating from plugin code paths
- New or modified WordPress administrator accounts without a corresponding legitimate change record
Detection Strategies
- Deploy WordPress-aware web application firewall rules that inspect Tutor LMS parameters for SQL syntax
- Enable MySQL general query logging on staging environments to identify malformed queries generated by the plugin
- Correlate authenticated user activity with database query patterns to surface privilege abuse
- Review Tutor LMS plugin version across all managed WordPress sites and flag installations at or below 2.7.1
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on Tutor LMS HTTP requests containing encoded SQL keywords or tautology patterns such as ' OR 1=1
- Monitor privileged WordPress role activity for query volume anomalies against the wp_ table prefix
- Track outbound egress from WordPress hosts for signs of database exfiltration following suspicious requests
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-37256
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Themeum Tutor LMS to a version later than 2.7.1 that contains the vendor fix
- Audit high-privileged WordPress accounts and rotate credentials for instructor and administrator roles
- Review WordPress and MySQL logs for evidence of prior exploitation attempts targeting Tutor LMS endpoints
- Restrict administrative access to trusted network ranges where feasible
Patch Information
Themeum has released a patched version of Tutor LMS addressing the SQL injection flaw. Site operators should update the plugin through the WordPress plugin management console or by deploying the latest release from the vendor. Confirm the installed version is greater than 2.7.1 after applying the update. See the Patchstack SQL Injection Advisory for advisory tracking.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the Tutor LMS plugin until the patched version can be deployed
- Enforce virtual patching using a WordPress WAF with SQL injection signatures targeting Tutor LMS request paths
- Limit the assignment of instructor and administrator roles to reduce the pool of accounts capable of exploitation
- Apply the principle of least privilege to the MySQL database user backing the WordPress installation
# Example: query WordPress plugin version via WP-CLI to identify vulnerable installations
wp plugin get tutor --field=version
# Update Tutor LMS to the latest patched release
wp plugin update tutor
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
