CVE-2020-6009Public exploitNetwork attack vector

Unauthenticated SQL injection via stored IPN keys

Published Apr 1, 2020 · Updated Aug 4, 2024

Second-order SQL injection in LearnDash LMS before 3.1.6 allows remote attackers to read or manipulate database data through PayPal IPN requests. The IPN handler writes attacker-controlled request keys to wp_postmeta, and learndash_get_course_groups later concatenates derived keys into an unprepared ID IN query. Exploitation requires a valid PayPal IPN message but no WordPress account, and the resulting queries can disclose or alter arbitrary back-end database data.

CVSS severity9.8
Critical
EPSS probability1.84%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Second-order SQL injection in LearnDash LMS before 3.1.6 allows remote attackers to read or manipulate database data through PayPal IPN requests. The IPN handler writes attacker-controlled request keys to wp_postmeta, and learndash_get_course_groups later concatenates derived keys into an unprepared ID IN query. Exploitation requires a valid PayPal IPN message but no WordPress account, and the resulting queries can disclose or alter arbitrary back-end database data.

The record

CVE
CVE-2020-6009
Published
Apr 1, 2020
Updated
Aug 4, 2024
Vendor
LearnDash
Product
LearnDash LMS
Classifications
CWE-89, T1190
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. Apr 1, 2020CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. Aug 4, 2024Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=< 3.1.6

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

LearnDash · LearnDash LMSversion=< 3.1.6

Published CVSS scores

9.8NIST NVDCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
7.5NIST NVDAV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

Daily unique IPsNo honeypot observations are available for this CVE in the selected window.

No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitPublished

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-89Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection')
T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application

Public exploit references

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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