CVE-2024-1128 is an HTML Injection vulnerability classified under CWE-74, found in the Tutor LMS plugin for WordPress, a widely used eLearning and online course management solution. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.6.0 and stems from improper sanitization of HTML input within the Q&A functionality. Authenticated users with at least Student-level privileges can inject arbitrary HTML code into the site. Unlike typical injection flaws that lead to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), this vulnerability does not allow script execution but can still alter page content or structure, potentially misleading users or disrupting site functionality. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no user interaction beyond authentication, making it relatively easy to exploit for authorized users. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and availability of the LMS platform by allowing unauthorized modification of displayed content, which could be used for defacement, phishing, or denial of service through malformed HTML. No patches are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.4 reflects a medium severity, considering the ease of exploitation and the limited scope of impact on confidentiality. The vulnerability highlights the need for robust input validation and output encoding in web applications, especially those handling user-generated content.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-1128 is on the integrity and availability of affected Tutor LMS websites. Attackers with authenticated Student or higher access can inject arbitrary HTML, potentially defacing pages, inserting misleading content, or disrupting the user experience. While it does not allow direct code execution or data theft, the injected HTML could be used to manipulate site presentation or conduct social engineering attacks, such as phishing within the LMS environment. This can undermine user trust and damage the reputation of educational institutions or organizations relying on Tutor LMS. Additionally, malformed HTML injection could cause rendering issues or partial denial of service by breaking page layouts. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access, the risk is limited to environments where user accounts are compromised or malicious insiders exist. However, given the widespread use of WordPress and Tutor LMS in educational sectors globally, the potential for targeted attacks against eLearning platforms is significant. Organizations could face operational disruptions, reputational harm, and increased support costs if exploited.

To mitigate CVE-2024-1128, organizations should first apply any available patches or updates from the Tutor LMS vendor once released. In the absence of immediate patches, administrators should restrict the ability to post HTML content in the Q&A feature to trusted users only, or disable the Q&A functionality temporarily if feasible. Implementing strict input validation and sanitization on all user-submitted content is critical; this includes using well-maintained libraries that whitelist safe HTML tags and attributes. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the impact of injected content and reduce the risk of further exploitation. Monitoring and logging user activity within the LMS can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, enforcing strong authentication and access controls to prevent unauthorized account compromise will reduce the attack surface. Regular security audits and penetration testing focused on user input handling in the LMS environment are recommended to identify and remediate similar issues proactively.