Instant Popup Builder <= 1.1.7 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary Shortcode Execution via 'token' Parameter

Summary

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.

Timeline

1. Mar 19, 2026, 7:34 AM UTCCVE published
2. Mar 19, 2026, 1:44 PM UTCCISA SSVC assessment

   Exploitation: none · Automatable: yes · Technical impact: partial

3. Apr 8, 2026, 5:10 PM UTCRecord last updated

Affected versions

• instantpopupbuilder Instant Popup Builder – Powerful Popup Maker for Opt-ins, Email Newsletters & Lead Generation

  through 1.1.7

References 6