The Tutor LMS – eLearning and online course solution plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized attachment deletion due to a missing capability check on the `delete_existing_user_photo` function. This affects all versions up to, and including, 3.9.4. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers, with subscriber level access and above, to delete arbitrary attachments on the site, posing a significant risk to the integrity of content managed by the plugin.
With a CVSS score of 5.4, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity. The implications of this vulnerability are serious, as it could be exploited by attackers to manipulate or delete essential content, leading to potential data loss or disruption of services. Organizations using Tutor LMS should be aware of this vulnerability and take immediate action to remediate it.
As of now, there are no known public exploits or proof-of-concept (PoC) available for this vulnerability. Despite the lack of immediate exploitation, the potential for harm necessitates that organizations prioritize patching and securing their installations.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to ensure that they are not susceptible to this vulnerability. Regular updates and security assessments are essential to maintain the integrity of their applications and safeguard against unauthorized access.
Vulnerability Details
The Tutor LMS vulnerability stems from a missing capability check in the `delete_existing_user_photo` function. This oversight allows authenticated users with low privileges to perform actions they should not be allowed to, specifically the deletion of attachments.
This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 5.4, indicating a medium severity. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low complexity for exploitation and minimal privileges for successful execution. The integrity and availability impacts are considered low, while there is no impact on confidentiality.
The vulnerability affects the Tutor LMS plugin across all versions prior to 3.9.5, allowing for the deletion of attachments by attackers with subscriber-level access.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a failure to implement proper capability checks for the `delete_existing_user_photo` function. This function, which should restrict access to user photo deletions based on user roles, does not adequately verify if the user has the necessary permissions.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely. The complexity of the attack is low, requiring only a subscriber-level account for exploitation. No user interaction is needed, making it easier for attackers to leverage this vulnerability.
The impacts on the integrity and availability of the application are low, as attackers can only delete attachments without affecting the overall functionality of the plugin. There are no requirements for elevated privileges or user interaction, further increasing the risk.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized deletion of critical content, which can disrupt services and lead to operational challenges. The ease of exploitation by authenticated users makes this vulnerability particularly concerning, as it does not require sophisticated techniques or tools.
The potential blast radius extends to any organization using the Tutor LMS plugin, particularly those with a significant amount of user-generated content. The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is highlighted by its medium severity classification and the possibility of exploitation by low-privilege users.
Organizations should schedule remediation as part of their priority patch cycle to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Regular updates and security assessments can help ensure that similar issues are identified and addressed proactively.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of the Tutor LMS plugin prior to 3.9.5 are affected. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest version to mitigate exposure to this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest updates to the Tutor LMS plugin, specifically upgrading to version 3.9.5 or later. Regular patching should be part of a comprehensive security strategy.
In cases where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should consider implementing additional network controls to restrict access to the plugin's functionality and monitor for unusual attachment deletion activities.
Organizations may also benefit from engaging in penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses across their systems.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unauthorized deletion attempts and reviewing user activity associated with content management can provide early indicators of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also look for behavioral anomalies that could suggest misuse of privileges.
Implementing alerts for changes to user attachments can help catch potential abuse in real-time, and regular audits of user permissions and capabilities can ensure that only the necessary access is granted.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The Tutor LMS vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous access controls within web applications, especially those that manage user-generated content. This incident serves as a reminder that even low-severity vulnerabilities can have significant impacts if not addressed promptly.
Security teams should regularly perform security assessments and maintain a proactive approach to vulnerability management, ensuring that all components are routinely updated and secured against potential threats.
To further enhance their security posture, organizations can refer to resources such as the penetration testing methodology for best practices and strategies.
Additionally, understanding the broader trends in vulnerability management can be beneficial. Organizations should consider insights from the vulnerability management program design to strengthen their defenses against emerging threats.
By adopting a comprehensive approach to security, organizations can better protect themselves from vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-0548 and ensure the integrity of their systems.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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