CVE-2026-4031 Database Backup for WordPress <= 2.5.2 - Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Database Backup Interception
Unauthenticated attackers can intercept database backups containing sensitive data if scheduled backups are enabled and the temporary directory is manipulated.
- 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-2026-4031?
CVE-2026-4031 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in wpengine Database Backup for WordPress, published on 14 May 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.
Official 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.
Weakness: CWE-862
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-4031?
How do I fix CVE-2026-4031?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-4031 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.
Is CVE-2026-4031 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-4031 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-7w7g-7m62-6985.