CVE-2026-18386
Deferred Deferred - Pending Action

Directory Traversal in WP BackItUp Community Edition Plugin

Publication date: 2026-09-10

Last updated on: 2026-09-10

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The WP BackItUp Community Edition plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.0 via the 'backup_file' parameter parameter. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and above, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. The basename() normalization present in the handler only executes when the traversed target path does not exist, providing no protection against reads of existing files.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-09-10
Last Modified
2026-09-10
Generated
2026-09-30
AI Q&A
2026-09-10
EPSS Evaluated
2026-09-29
NVD
CVE-2026-18386
EUVD
EUVD-2026-75237

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
wp_backitup community_edition to 2.1.0 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-22 The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.

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Executive Summary

The WP BackItUp Community Edition plugin for WordPress has a Directory Traversal vulnerability in versions up to 2.1.0. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with administrator access or higher to read arbitrary files on the server by exploiting the 'backup_file' parameter. The issue occurs because the basename() normalization only works when the target path does not exist, leaving existing files vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check if the WP BackItUp Community Edition plugin version 2.1.0 or below is installed. Look for unusual file access patterns or requests containing the 'backup_file' parameter in server logs. No specific commands are provided in the context.

Impact Analysis

If you use this plugin, attackers with admin access could read sensitive files on your server, such as configuration files, logs, or other confidential data. This could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to credentials, or exposure of internal system information.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with GDPR or HIPAA if sensitive personal or health data is exposed. Unauthorized file access may violate data protection requirements, potentially resulting in legal penalties, fines, or reputational damage.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update the WP BackItUp Community Edition plugin to the latest version beyond 2.1.0. If an update is unavailable, consider disabling or removing the plugin until a patch is released. Restrict administrator-level access to only necessary users.

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