CVE-2026-3475 MEDIUM

CVE-2026-3475: Instant Popup Builder <= 1.1.7 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary Shortcode Execution via 'token' Parameter

Vendor Instantpopupbuilder
Product Instant Popup Builder – Powerful Popup Maker for Opt-ins, Email Newsletters & Lead Generation
Weakness CWE-862 · Missing authorization
Published March 19, 2026
Last update April 8, 2026

CVSS base score

5.3/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required None
User interaction None
Confidentiality None
Integrity Low

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The Instant Popup Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Unauthenticated Arbitrary Shortcode Execution in all versions up to and including 1.1.7. This is due to the handle_email_verification_page() function constructing a shortcode string from user-supplied GET parameters (token, email) and passing it to do_shortcode() without properly sanitizing square bracket characters, combined with missing authorization checks on the init hook. While sanitize_text_field() and esc_attr() are applied, neither function strips or escapes square bracket characters ([ and ]). WordPress's shortcode regex uses [^\]\/]* to match content inside shortcode tags, meaning a ] character in the token value prematurely closes the shortcode tag. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject and execute arbitrary registered shortcodes by crafting a malicious token parameter containing ] followed by arbitrary shortcode syntax.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

Instant Popup Builder versions 1.1.7 and earlier lack proper authorization checks, allowing unauthenticated attackers to modify popup content or settings. The vulnerability requires only network access and no user interaction. Site administrators should update to a version newer than 1.1.7 to prevent unauthorized changes to popup configurations.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Modify popup content, settings, or configurations without authentication.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

Attackers can alter popups displayed to your site visitors without your knowledge or permission.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Network access only; no authentication or user interaction required.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

March 19, 2026 CVE published
April 8, 2026 Record updated