CVE-2026-4030Public exploitNetwork attack vector

Unauthenticated file read and deletion via ignored authorization

Published May 14, 2026 · Updated May 14, 2026

Missing authorization in Database Backup for WordPress 2.5.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to read and delete server files. The wpdbBackup constructor and init method ignore false results from can_user_backup() and accept a GET-controlled wp_db_temp_dir before delivering and unlinking the selected backup file. Exploitation requires WordPress Multisite with the deprecated is_site_admin() function and a writable target path; exposed configuration data can enable site takeover, while deletion can interrupt the site.

CVSS severity8.1
High
EPSS probability0.46%
Next 30 days · Sep 16, 2026
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Based on sourced intelligence
Hinoki checkNot available
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Summary

What happened

Missing authorization in Database Backup for WordPress 2.5.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to read and delete server files. The wpdbBackup constructor and init method ignore false results from can_user_backup() and accept a GET-controlled wp_db_temp_dir before delivering and unlinking the selected backup file. Exploitation requires WordPress Multisite with the deprecated is_site_admin() function and a writable target path; exposed configuration data can enable site takeover, while deletion can interrupt the site.

The record

CVE
CVE-2026-4030
Published
May 14, 2026
Updated
May 14, 2026
Vendor
WP Engine
Product
Database Backup for WordPress
Classifications
CWE-862, T1005, T1070.004
Attack vector
network
Privileges
unauthenticated

Timeline

How it unfolded

  1. May 14, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
  2. May 14, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.

Exploitability

Present is not the same as exploitable

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Is a vulnerable build present?

Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.

  1. Affected versionversion=0 <=2.5.2

What conditions does exploitation require?

Attack vectornetwork
Required privilegesunauthenticated

What is affected?

WP Engine · Database Backup for WordPressversion=0 <=2.5.2

Published CVSS scores

8.1WordfenceCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.

Attacks

What attackers are doing with it

Daily unique IPs observed by Shadowserver honeypots for known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs). Missing observations do not establish an absence of attacks.

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No observations available

Sep 10, 2026Sep 16, 2026
Latest reporting daySep 16, 2026
Latest daily unique IPsUnavailable
Prior 30-day averageUnavailable
SourceShadowserver honeypots (KEV)
Vectornetwork
Privilegesunauthenticated
Known exploitationUnconfirmed
Public exploitPublished

Weakness, pattern, technique

CWE-862Missing Authorization
T1005Data from Local System
T1070.004File Deletion

Public exploit references

Labels summarize the accepted research assessment. They do not indicate a test against your environment.

Technologies

Your stack

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Your stack

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