CVE-2026-4031 HIGH

CVE-2026-4031: Database Backup for WordPress <= 2.5.2 - Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Database Backup Interception

Vendor Wpengine
Product Database Backup for WordPress
Weakness CWE-862 · Missing authorization
Published May 14, 2026
Last update May 14, 2026

CVSS base score

7.5/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required None
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity None

CVSS vector

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

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The Database Backup for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass in all versions up to, and including, 2.5.2. This is due to the plugin not restricting access to the wp_db_temp_dir parameter, which controls where database backups are written. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to send a request to wp-cron.php with a poisoned wp_db_temp_dir value pointing to a publicly accessible directory (e.g., wp-content/uploads/), and if a scheduled backup is due, intercept the backup file before it is cleaned up. The backup file has a predictable name based on the database name, table prefix, date, and Swatch Internet Time, making interception reliable. Successful exploitation leads to Sensitive Information Exposure including database credentials, user password hashes, and personally identifiable information. This vulnerability requires that the site administrator has configured scheduled backups.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

The Database Backup for WordPress plugin through version 2.5.2 lacks proper authorization checks, allowing unauthenticated attackers to read sensitive backup data over the network. No user interaction is required. The vulnerability exposes confidential information but does not allow modification or deletion of data. Site administrators should update immediately to a version newer than 2.5.2.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Read backup files and sensitive data without logging in.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

Attackers can download your site's backup files containing database contents, user data, and configuration.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Network access only; no authentication or user interaction required.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

May 14, 2026 CVE published
May 14, 2026 Record updated

Related vulnerabilities

08Related CVE