CVE-2026-8608: The Event Monster – Event Management, Events Calendar, Tickets plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity in...

Description

The Event Monster – Event Management, Events Calendar, Tickets plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity in versions up to, and including, 2.1.0. This is due to the capture_payment() AJAX handler (registered via wp_ajax_nopriv_em_capture_payment) trusting client-supplied payment data — including transaction ID, amount, and payment status — without performing any server-side verification against the PayPal API or any other payment gateway, and without nonce or capability checks. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to forge payment records, mark bookings as Completed, and obtain confirmation emails containing valid QR code tickets without making any actual payment.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5.3/10

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

EPSS Probability

0.17%

6.0th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-345

References

Timeline

Published: Jun 6, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Deferred

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-8608?

The Event Monster – Event Management, Events Calendar, Tickets plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity in versions up to, and including, 2.1.0. This is due to the capture_payment() AJAX handler (registered via wp_ajax_nopriv_em_capture_payment) trusting client-supplied payment data — including transaction ID, amount, and payment status — without performing any server-side verification against the PayPal API or any other payment gateway, and without nonce or capability checks. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to forge payment records, mark bookings as Completed, and obtain confirmation emails containing valid QR code tickets without making any actual payment.

How severe is CVE-2026-8608?

CVE-2026-8608 has a CVSS score of 5.3/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.17% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-8608?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.