Vulnerability Description
The Pods – Custom Content Types and Fields plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation via Authorization Bypass in all versions up to, and including, 3.3.9. The vulnerability exists because the pods_admin AJAX router funnels every access check — including the method allowlist, nonce verification, login enforcement, and capability gate — through pods_error(), which under the JSON meta-box-loader compatibility path only writes failures to the PHP error log and returns false instead of terminating the request, rendering all guards ineffective. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to escalate their privileges to Administrator or overwrite the password of any user account, including the site owner's, enabling complete site takeover, or perform another administrator action.
CVSS Score
CRITICAL
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/pods/tags/3.3.9/includes/general.php#
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/3628032a-3121-45a7-8a7
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-19598?
CVE-2026-19598 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). The Pods – Custom Content Types and Fields plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation via Authorization Bypass in all versions up to, and including, 3.3.9. The vulnerability exists bec...
How severe is CVE-2026-19598?
CVE-2026-19598 has been rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.8/10. This is considered a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-19598?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.