CVE-2026-4031
CVE-2026-4031 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-862.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (39th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2026-30274
- Weakness: CWE-862
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-4031?
- 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.
- How severe is CVE-2026-4031?
- CVE-2026-4031 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2026-4031 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (39th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2026-4031?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2026-4031 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2026-4031 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2026-30274.
- When was CVE-2026-4031 published?
- CVE-2026-4031 was published on 2026-05-14 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/wp-db-backup/tags/2.5.2/wp-db-backup.php#L121
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/wp-db-backup/trunk/wp-db-backup.php#L121
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/wp-db-backup/trunk/wp-db-backup.php#L1568
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/wp-db-backup/trunk/wp-db-backup.php#L85
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/wp-db-backup/trunk/wp-db-backup.php#L961
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3510595/
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/36615cae-418f-48b0-ba69-b54515cbe1d7?source=cve
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