CVE-2026-4853
Description
The JetBackup – Backup, Restore & Migrate plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal leading to Arbitrary Directory Deletion in versions up to and including 3.1.19.8. This is due to insufficient input validation on the fileName parameter in the file upload handler. The plugin sanitizes the fileName parameter using sanitize_text_field(), which removes HTML tags but does not prevent path traversal sequences like '../'. The unsanitized filename is then directly concatenated in Upload::getFileLocation() without using basename() or validating the resolved path stays within the intended directory. When an invalid file is uploaded, the cleanup logic calls dirname() on the traversed path and passes it to Util::rm(), which recursively deletes the entire resolved directory. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with administrator-level access to traverse outside the intended upload directory and trigger deletion of critical WordPress directories such as wp-content/plugins, effectively disabling all installed plugins and causing severe site disruption.
Affected products
2- Range: <=3.1.19.8
Patches
0No patches discovered yet.
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
8- plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/backup/tags/3.1.17.5/src/JetBackup/Ajax/Calls/AddToQueue.phpnvd
- plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/backup/tags/3.1.17.5/src/JetBackup/Ajax/Calls/AddToQueue.phpnvd
- plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/backup/tags/3.1.17.5/src/JetBackup/Upload/Upload.phpnvd
- plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/backup/trunk/src/JetBackup/Ajax/Calls/AddToQueue.phpnvd
- plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/backup/trunk/src/JetBackup/Ajax/Calls/AddToQueue.phpnvd
- plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/backup/trunk/src/JetBackup/Upload/Upload.phpnvd
- plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changesetnvd
- www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/4aa0fa80-05dd-4fe1-b7b5-7ed0cf13053cnvd
News mentions
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- Wordfence Intelligence Weekly WordPress Vulnerability Report (April 27, 2026 to May 3, 2026)Wordfence Blog · May 7, 2026
- New PCPJack worm steals credentials, cleans TeamPCP infectionsBleepingComputer · May 7, 2026
- ThreatsDay Bulletin: Edge Plaintext Passwords, ICS 0-Days, Patch-or-Die Alerts and 25+ New StoriesThe Hacker News · May 7, 2026
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- Why ransomware attacks succeed even when backups existBleepingComputer · May 6, 2026
- From Stuxnet to ChatGPT: 20 News Events That Shaped CyberDark Reading · May 6, 2026
- Meta adds proof-based security to encrypted backupsHelp Net Security · May 5, 2026
- Cybersecurity M&A Roundup: 33 Deals Announced in April 2026SecurityWeek · May 4, 2026
- Webinar: Why MSPs must rethink security and backup strategiesBleepingComputer · May 4, 2026
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- April KB5083769 Windows 11 update causes backup software failuresBleepingComputer · Apr 30, 2026
- Nearly half of UK businesses pwned last year as phishing keeps doing the job like it's 2005The Register Security · Apr 30, 2026