CVE-2025-58993 Overview
CVE-2025-58993 is a SQL injection vulnerability in the Themeum Tutor LMS plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands [CWE-89]. It affects all Tutor LMS versions up to and including 3.7.4.
An authenticated attacker with high privileges can inject SQL syntax into vulnerable parameters. Successful exploitation leads to unauthorized data access across the database and limited availability impact. The scope is changed, meaning the attack can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary SQL queries against the WordPress database, exposing course data, user records, and other sensitive content stored by the Learning Management System.
Affected Products
- Themeum Tutor LMS plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 3.7.4
- WordPress installations using Tutor LMS for course delivery
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-09-09 - CVE CVE-2025-58993 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-58993
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Tutor LMS plugin, a Learning Management System (LMS) extension for WordPress used by online course providers. Tutor LMS fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL queries.
An attacker authenticated with elevated privileges can supply crafted input containing SQL metacharacters. The plugin concatenates this input directly into database queries, allowing the attacker to alter query logic. This enables data extraction from any table in the WordPress database, including the wp_users table containing credential hashes.
The attack requires no user interaction and operates over the network. Because the scope is changed, the impact extends beyond the plugin itself to the entire WordPress installation and any other applications sharing the database.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command [CWE-89]. The plugin constructs SQL queries by concatenating user-controlled values without parameterized statements or proper escaping through WordPress functions such as $wpdb->prepare(). This pattern allows attacker-controlled SQL fragments to be interpreted as query syntax.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the WordPress site and an authenticated session with high privileges, typically an instructor or administrator role within Tutor LMS. The attacker submits malicious payloads through plugin endpoints that pass user input into SQL queries. No social engineering or user interaction is required to complete the attack.
The vulnerability mechanism involves untrusted input flowing into database query construction. Refer to the Patchstack Security Advisory for technical analysis of the affected code paths.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-58993
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual SQL syntax such as UNION SELECT, SLEEP(, or INFORMATION_SCHEMA references in WordPress access logs targeting Tutor LMS endpoints
- Unexpected database query errors logged by WordPress or the MySQL server during plugin operations
- Outbound data transfers from the web server following authenticated requests to plugin URLs
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for requests to Tutor LMS routes containing encoded SQL keywords or boolean-based injection patterns
- Enable WordPress debug logging and review wp-content/debug.log for malformed SQL statements originating from the plugin
- Deploy a web application firewall with rules tuned to identify SQL injection payloads against WordPress plugin parameters
Monitoring Recommendations
- Audit Tutor LMS user accounts with instructor or administrator privileges and verify legitimate ownership
- Monitor the wp_users and wp_usermeta tables for unexpected reads or modifications using database query logging
- Track anomalous response sizes and durations on plugin endpoints, which often indicate UNION-based or time-based injection probing
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-58993
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Themeum Tutor LMS plugin to a version newer than 3.7.4 as soon as a fixed release is available from the vendor
- Restrict high-privilege Tutor LMS roles to trusted users and rotate credentials for any account that may have been compromised
- Review database access logs for evidence of prior exploitation and assess the scope of any data exposure
Patch Information
Review the Patchstack Security Advisory for vendor patch availability and remediation guidance. Apply the fixed plugin version through the WordPress admin dashboard or by replacing plugin files manually.
Workarounds
- Temporarily disable the Tutor LMS plugin until a patched version is installed if the LMS functionality is non-critical
- Deploy WAF rules that block SQL injection patterns directed at WordPress plugin endpoints
- Limit account creation and reduce the number of users assigned instructor or administrator roles within Tutor LMS
# Disable the plugin via WP-CLI until a patched version is available
wp plugin deactivate tutor
# Verify plugin status
wp plugin status tutor
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
