PatchTheCVECVE-2026-19598: The Pods – Custom Content Types and Fields plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation via Auth
CVE-2026-19598 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
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 failur
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- Public exploit reference
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 2.3% (top 17%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-863 |
| Published | 2026-08-15 |
| Last modified | 2026-08-20 |
Last updated 2026-08-20 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- GitHub PoC: 0xCyp1337/CVE-2026-19598- (5 stars)
- GitHub PoC: ksotaria1337/CVE-2026-19598 (1 stars)
- GitHub PoC: DeadExpl0it/CVE-2026-19598-PoC (1 stars)
- Nuclei scan template: Pods <= 3.3.9 - Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation via pods_admin AJAX Router
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2026-19598?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-19598 being exploited?
CVE-2026-19598 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2026-19598 affect?
CVE-2026-19598 affects affected software. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). 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
How urgent is CVE-2026-19598?
Priority 65/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action