Vulnerability Description
The Events Calendar for GeoDirectory plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in versions up to and including 2.3.28. This is due to the ajax_ayi_action() handler only applying strip_tags(esc_sql()) — with no allow-list — to the attacker-controlled $_POST['type'] and $_POST['postid'] values before forwarding them to update_ayi_data(), which calls update_user_meta($current_user->ID, $rsvp_args['type'], $posts). By passing type=wp_capabilities and postid=administrator, an attacker writes ['subscriber'=>true,'administrator'=>'administrator'] into their own wp_capabilities user meta; WP_User::get_role_caps() then treats the 'administrator' array key as an active role on the next request. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to elevate their privileges to Administrator.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/events-for-geodirectory/tags/2.3.28/i
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/events-for-geodirectory/tags/2.3.28/i
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&old
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/11ba187b-1fe4-4077-ad9
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-11616?
CVE-2026-11616 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 8.8 (HIGH). The Events Calendar for GeoDirectory plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in versions up to and including 2.3.28. This is due to the ajax_ayi_action() handler only applying stri...
How severe is CVE-2026-11616?
CVE-2026-11616 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 8.8/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-11616?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.