CVE-2026-74853 in Pods Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/04/2026
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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/04/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Pods WordPress plugin prior to version 3.3.9.2 represents a critical insecure direct object reference and path traversal flaw that compromises server-side file integrity. This security defect stems from an insufficient validation mechanism within the display callback functionality, which serves as a bridge between user input and backend system operations. In vulnerable configurations, specifically those utilizing the restricted display-callback mode—a setting automatically enabled for installations where the initial Pods version was older than 3.1—the application fails to properly sanitize or restrict the functions that these callbacks can resolve. This architectural oversight allows authenticated users possessing an author role or higher privileges to manipulate input parameters in a way that bypasses intended access controls, effectively granting them the ability to execute arbitrary file read operations on the underlying server infrastructure.
From a technical perspective, this flaw is classified under CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory and CWE-918: Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) when leveraged for local file inclusion scenarios. The core issue lies in how the plugin processes display callback arguments without enforcing strict boundaries on the target resources. By exploiting this lack of restriction, an attacker can construct malicious requests that traverse directory structures to access sensitive files located outside the standard web root. This capability is particularly dangerous because it extends beyond typical web-accessible content, potentially exposing configuration files, database credentials, source code, and other critical system assets that are not intended for public or even authenticated user consumption. The vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK technique T1083: File and Directory Discovery, as the primary objective of such an exploit is to enumerate and access restricted file systems to gather intelligence necessary for further exploitation stages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly in environments where multiple users have elevated privileges or where user roles are not tightly controlled. An attacker with author-level access can extract sensitive data that may include database connection strings containing plaintext passwords, private API keys, SSL certificates, and internal application logic. This information disclosure facilitates subsequent attacks such as credential stuffing, lateral movement within the network, or complete site takeover if combined with other vulnerabilities like remote code execution via uploaded files. Furthermore, because the vulnerability affects sites using a specific configuration mode that defaults to older installations, many legacy WordPress deployments remain at risk without immediate awareness of their exposure status. The ability to read arbitrary files undermines the confidentiality and integrity pillars of the CIA triad, potentially leading to regulatory non-compliance if personal data or protected intellectual property is exfiltrated.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary defense is to upgrade the Pods plugin to version 3.3.9.2 or later, where this specific input validation flaw has been addressed by developers through stricter function resolution checks. For organizations unable to patch immediately due to compatibility constraints, it is advisable to review user roles and restrict author-level access to trusted individuals only, thereby reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additionally, implementing a Web Application Firewall with rules capable of detecting path traversal patterns in query parameters can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and adherence to secure coding standards that emphasize input validation and least privilege principles are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in custom WordPress themes or plugins developed internally.