Pods - Security Vulnerability (CVE-2026-74853)

AI enriched 10 hours ago (2026-09-04 18:09 UTC)

Technical Summary

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.

Potential Impact

Severity is MEDIUM (CVSS 6.8). Depending on deployment context, affected components may be exposed to unauthorized actions or data integrity risk.

Exploitability Assessment

Exploitability is assessed as Medium based on severity and technical exposure profile.

Primary risk drivers: severity and technical exposure profile

Mitigation Recommendations

Validate affected product versions, prioritize patching, and monitor references for vendor remediation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, apply compensating controls and limit exposure of vulnerable surfaces.

Detection & Monitoring

Track authentication anomalies, unexpected file writes, and suspicious plugin API activity around affected components.

Business Impact Lens

AI risk score 58/100 (Elevated, Medium) with priority P3 Priority. Prioritize remediation where affected components process customer data, admin sessions, or Internet-exposed workflows.