Sources: National Vulnerability Database, CVE.org, CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS
CVE-2026-86596 Overview
The s2Member plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to, and including, <= 260927 via the 'item_name' parameter parameter. This is due to insufficient sanitization in strip_php_tags_deep(), which only strips literal '<?' sequences, combined with a post-interpolation placeholder cleanup that reassembles a valid '<?php' opener after the attacker-controlled value has already been embedded in the email template. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with custom-level access and above, to execute code on the server.
Critical Impact
Affected Products
- s2Member: see the vendor advisory for the exact affected versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-11-02: CVE-2026-86596 published to the National Vulnerability Database by security@wordfence.com
- 2026-11-02: last updated in the NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-86596
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-86596 is a Code Injection weakness (CWE-94: Code Injection) in s2Member. Based on its CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs no login, and needs no user interaction. Attacker input is executed as program code.
With a CVSS base score of 9.8, apply the vendor fix and confirm exposure on internet facing and business critical assets first.
Root Cause
The weakness is classified as CWE-94: Code Injection. Attacker input is executed as program code.
Attack Vector
Based on the CVSS vector, the flaw can be reached over the network, needs no login, and needs no user interaction. Attack complexity is low complexity.
No exploitation in the wild is confirmed by CISA at the time of the last update. Check the references below for any vendor or researcher proof of concept.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-86596
Detection Strategies
- Inventory every instance of s2Member and compare the running version with the affected range above.
- Check external attack surface scans for internet facing instances of the component.
- Run an authenticated vulnerability scan once your scanner ships a check for this CVE.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward s2Member application, access and audit logs to your SIEM for retrospective hunting.
- Alert on new processes, configuration changes or outbound connections from the affected service.
- Track the vendor advisory and the CISA KEV catalog for changes in exploitation status.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-86596
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fixed version of s2Member named in the vendor advisory.
- Prioritize internet facing and business critical instances first.
- Rescan after the change to confirm the exposure is closed.
Patch Information
Use the fixed version listed in the vendor advisory for s2Member.
Workarounds
- If patching must wait, restrict network access to the affected service and place it behind authentication or a web application firewall rule.
CWE References
- CWE-94: Code Injection More CVEs with this weakness
Technical References
- ▸NVD entry
- ▸CVE.org record
- ▸WordPress plugin source change
- ▸WordPress plugin source change
- ▸WordPress plugin source change
- ▸WordPress plugin source change
- ▸WordPress plugin source change
- ▸WordPress plugin source change
- ▸WordPress plugin source change
- ▸WordPress plugin source change
- ▸Wordfence Threat Intelligence
This entry is built directly from NVD, CISA KEV and EPSS data. Verify fixed versions in the vendor advisory before you deploy.
Frequently asked questions
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