Pods display callbacks permit Author-level arbitrary file reads
Pods versions 3.1.0 through 3.3.9.1 do not restrict which function a display callback may resolve to. An Author can read arbitrary server files, including files outside the web root, when restricted display-callback mode is active; that mode is the automatic default on sites first using Pods before version 3.1.
- Component
- Pods
- Plugin slug
pods- Affected
- 3.1.0 to < 3.3.9.2
- Safe version
3.3.9.2- Published
- Sep 04, 2026
This CVE was published Sep 04, 2026 and is one of 17 known issues for this plugin.
Update, patch or deactivate.
Update to 3.3.9.2 or later and rotate secrets if Authors could access sensitive server files through the affected callback mode.
A safe version is available, so updating to that version or later is the preferred remediation. If an immediate update is not practical, consider a targeted application patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality.
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 WordPress plugin before 3.3.9.2 does not restrict which functions a display callback may resolve to, allowing users with the author role and above to read arbitrary files from the server, including files outside the web root. Only sites using the restricted display-callback mode are affected, which is the automatic default on installations whose first Pods version predates 3.1.
CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N