CVE-2024-56938
📋 TL;DR
LearnDash v6.7.1 contains a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the materials-content class that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages. When users view affected pages, the scripts execute in their browsers, potentially stealing credentials or performing unauthorized actions. This affects all LearnDash v6.7.1 installations using the vulnerable component.
💻 Affected Systems
- LearnDash Learning Management System
📦 What is this software?
Learndash by Learndash
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator credentials, take over the WordPress site, install backdoors, or redirect users to malicious sites, potentially compromising the entire learning platform and user data.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript that steals user session cookies or credentials, potentially compromising individual user accounts and their data within the learning platform.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized, preventing execution while maintaining legitimate content display.
🎯 Exploit Status
Proof of concept available in GitHub repository. Requires authenticated user with content creation/modification access to exploit.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: v6.7.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.learndash.com/release-notes/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Backup your WordPress site and database. 2. Update LearnDash plugin via WordPress admin panel (Dashboard > Updates). 3. Verify LearnDash version is v6.7.2 or newer. 4. Clear any caching plugins or CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Sanitization Filter
allAdd custom filter to sanitize materials-content class output
Add to theme's functions.php: add_filter('learndash_materials_content', 'wp_kses_post');
Content Role Restriction
allTemporarily restrict content creation/modification to trusted administrators only
Use WordPress role management plugins to restrict 'edit_posts' capability
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to prevent script execution
- Disable the materials-content functionality if not essential for operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check LearnDash version in WordPress admin panel (Plugins > Installed Plugins). If version is exactly 6.7.1, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=learndash --field=version (WP-CLI) or check WordPress admin panelVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify LearnDash version shows 6.7.2 or higher. Test materials-content functionality with safe test inputs.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual content modifications in materials-content areas
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by content edits
- JavaScript payloads in POST requests to LearnDash endpoints
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected external script loads from LearnDash pages
- Suspicious outbound connections after viewing course materials
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event_type="plugin_update" AND plugin_name="learndash" AND old_version="6.7.1") OR (event_type="content_edit" AND content LIKE "%<script>%")