CVE-2026-4031: wordpress wp-db-backup Missing Authorization

Vulnerability summary

CVE-2026-4031 is a high (CVSS 7.5) Missing Authorization vulnerability in wordpress wp-db-backup. EPSS estimates a 0.57% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days, higher than 46.5% of scored vulnerabilities. Fixed in 2.5.3.

Timeline

1. 14-05-2026
   PublishedVulnerability first disclosed.
2. 14-05-2026
   Last modifiedVulnerability information updated.

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.

• CWE-862Missing AuthorizationThe product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.