CVE-2016-20076 WordPress Simple-Backup 2.7.11 Arbitrary File Deletion and Download
Unauthenticated attackers can delete arbitrary files or download sensitive data via directory traversal in the Simple Backup plugin.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2016-20076?
CVE-2016-20076 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in ChrisHurst Simple Backup, published on 15 Jun 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official description
WordPress Simple-Backup 2.7.11 contains multiple vulnerabilities that allow unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files and download sensitive files by manipulating the delete_backup_file and download_backup_file parameters in tools.php. Attackers can exploit insufficient input validation using directory traversal techniques to access wp-config.php, database dumps, and other sensitive files, or delete critical files .htaccess to expose backup directories.
Weakness: CWE-22
Which versions are affected by CVE-2016-20076?
How do I fix CVE-2016-20076?
No fix has been published for CVE-2016-20076 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.
Is CVE-2016-20076 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2016-20076 exists.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-9xr9-wq88-x9xw.