CVE-2024-1751 is a critical SQL Injection vulnerability identified in the Tutor LMS plugin for WordPress, a widely used eLearning and online course management solution. The flaw exists in all versions up to and including 2.6.1, specifically in the handling of the question_id parameter. Due to insufficient escaping and lack of prepared statements, authenticated users with subscriber or student privileges can inject arbitrary SQL commands into existing queries. This time-based SQL Injection allows attackers to perform unauthorized database queries, potentially extracting sensitive information such as user data, course content, or administrative credentials. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication and can be exploited remotely over the network with low complexity. The CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8 reflects high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as attackers can read, modify, or disrupt database contents. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a serious risk to organizations relying on Tutor LMS for online education. The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in SQL commands (CWE-89), emphasizing the need for secure coding practices such as parameterized queries and input validation. Without patches available at the time of disclosure, mitigation requires immediate attention to access controls and monitoring.

The impact of CVE-2024-1751 is significant for organizations using Tutor LMS as it compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their eLearning platforms. Attackers with minimal privileges can escalate their access to sensitive data, including student records, course materials, and potentially administrative credentials. This can lead to data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, and disruption of educational services. The exploitation could undermine trust in online learning environments and expose organizations to regulatory penalties related to data protection laws such as GDPR or FERPA. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary SQL commands may allow attackers to pivot within the network or deploy further attacks. The vulnerability affects all versions up to 2.6.1, meaning many installations worldwide could be exposed if not updated or mitigated promptly.

To mitigate CVE-2024-1751, organizations should immediately upgrade Tutor LMS to a patched version once available. In the absence of an official patch, apply the following specific measures: 1) Restrict access to the Tutor LMS plugin by limiting subscriber/student roles from accessing vulnerable functionalities or parameters like question_id. 2) Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block SQL Injection patterns targeting the question_id parameter. 3) Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on all user-supplied data within custom code or overrides related to Tutor LMS. 4) Monitor database queries and logs for unusual or time-based query patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Enforce the principle of least privilege on database accounts used by Tutor LMS to limit the impact of any successful injection. 6) Educate administrators and developers about secure coding practices, emphasizing the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL Injection. 7) Regularly audit and update all WordPress plugins and dependencies to reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities.