Pods AJAX error handling bypasses every administrative authorization guard
Pods through 3.3.9 routes pods_admin AJAX failures for method allowlisting, nonce verification, authentication, and capabilities through pods_error(). Under its JSON meta-box-loader compatibility path, pods_error() only logs the failure and returns false instead of terminating the request, so the protected administrative operation continues. An unauthenticated attacker can invoke administrator actions, overwrite any user's password, or obtain Administrator privileges. The public.
- Component
- Pods – Custom Content Types and Fields
- Plugin slug
pods- Affected
- 2.8 through 2.8.23.3, 2.9 through 2.9.19.3, 3.0 through 3.0.10.3, 3.1 through 3.1.4.1, 3.2 through 3.2.8.2, 3.3 through 3.3.9
- Safe version
- See mitigation notes
- Published
- Aug 15, 2026
This CVE was published Aug 15, 2026 and is one of 17 known issues for this plugin.
Update, patch or deactivate.
No fixed release is identified in the authoritative record. Update when a confirmed patch is available; until then, deactivate Pods when warranted and audit administrator actions, account credentials, roles, and active sessions.
No confirmed safe version is listed. Consider a vendor-supported patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality while you assess the risk.
Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.
Technical 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.
CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H