Popup Maker WordPress Plugin Authorization Bypass RCE Vulnerability
The Popup Maker – Boost Sales, Conversions, Optins, Subscribers with the Ultimate WP Popup Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass in all versions up to, and including, 1.22.0. This is due to the plugin not properly verifying that a user is authorized to perform an action. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with editor-level access and above, to install and activate an arbitrary plugin from an attacker-controlled URL, leading to remote code execution. Exploitation requires that a valid Popup Maker Pro license is active on the target site and that Popup Maker Pro is not yet installed, as these conditions are necessary for the legacy v1/connect/info endpoint to issue the bearer token used to satisfy the install endpoint's only non-spoofable validation check.
Quick answer
Popup Maker should be reviewed and updated if it matches the affected versions. The recommended fix is to apply the vendor-supported patched version or the mitigation steps below, then retest the public website with Fixnx.
Who is affected
Affected versions
- Popup Maker up to and including 1.22.0 with active Popup Maker Pro license and Pro not installed
Fixed versions
- Apply the latest vendor-supported patched version.
How to fix it
Popup Maker is affected by CVE-2026-8848. Under the vulnerable Pro-license condition, editor-level users can install and activate a plugin from an attacker-controlled URL, which can lead to remote code execution. Patch, review installed plugins, and restrict editor accounts.
- Inventory WordPress sites using Popup Maker and note Pro license state.
- Update Popup Maker beyond 1.22.0 when a vendor-fixed release is available.
- Remove or reduce editor-level accounts that do not require plugin-management-adjacent capabilities.
- Disable the vulnerable install endpoint or block it with WAF rules until patched.
- Review installed plugins, plugin file modification times, and active plugin list for unexpected additions.
- Remove unauthorized plugins and restore from trusted backups if code execution is suspected.
- Rotate WordPress admin, hosting, database, and API credentials after any suspected compromise.
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Verify the fix
- Confirm Popup Maker is no longer version 1.22.0 or older.
- Test the vulnerable install flow in staging as an editor and confirm it is denied.
- Confirm only approved plugins are installed and active.
- Review web server logs for suspicious remote plugin package URLs.
- Run a Fixnx scan and verify public WordPress exposure after remediation.
Related categories
Trusted references
FAQ
What is affected by CVE-2026-8848?
Popup Maker versions listed as affected should be reviewed: Popup Maker up to and including 1.22.0 with active Popup Maker Pro license and Pro not installed.
What should I fix first?
Start with internet-facing sites, admin panels, login flows, plugins, themes, modules, packages, and systems that process user-controlled input or sensitive data.
How do I confirm the fix worked?
Apply the patched version or mitigation, clear caches where relevant, retest the affected workflow, and run a new Fixnx scan to verify public website exposure signals.
Why can this risk appear in multiple categories?
A vulnerability can belong to more than one platform or ecosystem. Fixnx keeps one canonical risk page while also listing it in every relevant category.