CVE-2026-4030: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in wpengine Database Backup for WordPress
The Database Backup for WordPress plugin up to version 2.5.2 contains a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read and delete arbitrary files on the server. This issue arises from improper enforcement of authorization checks combined with a user-controlled backup directory parameter. Exploitation is limited to WordPress Multisite environments where the deprecated is_site_admin() function is present. The vulnerability can lead to sensitive information exposure and potential site takeover. There is currently no confirmed patch or official remediation available.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-4030 is a missing authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) in the Database Backup for WordPress plugin by wpengine, affecting all versions up to 2.5.2. The plugin fails to properly enforce the return value of its authorization check, which, combined with a user-controlled backup directory parameter, allows unauthenticated attackers to arbitrarily read and delete files on the server. This vulnerability is exploitable only in WordPress Multisite environments that still use the deprecated is_site_admin() function. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1, indicating high severity with network attack vector, high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and no privileges or user interaction required.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized reading and deletion of arbitrary files on the affected server, resulting in sensitive information exposure and potential site takeover. The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. However, exploitation is constrained to WordPress Multisite setups with the deprecated is_site_admin() function, limiting the affected environment scope.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, administrators of WordPress Multisite environments using this plugin should consider disabling or removing the Database Backup for WordPress plugin or restricting access to mitigate unauthorized file read and deletion risks. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once available.
CVE-2026-4030: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in wpengine Database Backup for WordPress
Description
The Database Backup for WordPress plugin up to version 2.5.2 contains a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read and delete arbitrary files on the server. This issue arises from improper enforcement of authorization checks combined with a user-controlled backup directory parameter. Exploitation is limited to WordPress Multisite environments where the deprecated is_site_admin() function is present. The vulnerability can lead to sensitive information exposure and potential site takeover. There is currently no confirmed patch or official remediation available.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.1high
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-4030 is a missing authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) in the Database Backup for WordPress plugin by wpengine, affecting all versions up to 2.5.2. The plugin fails to properly enforce the return value of its authorization check, which, combined with a user-controlled backup directory parameter, allows unauthenticated attackers to arbitrarily read and delete files on the server. This vulnerability is exploitable only in WordPress Multisite environments that still use the deprecated is_site_admin() function. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.1, indicating high severity with network attack vector, high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, and no privileges or user interaction required.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized reading and deletion of arbitrary files on the affected server, resulting in sensitive information exposure and potential site takeover. The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. However, exploitation is constrained to WordPress Multisite setups with the deprecated is_site_admin() function, limiting the affected environment scope.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, administrators of WordPress Multisite environments using this plugin should consider disabling or removing the Database Backup for WordPress plugin or restricting access to mitigate unauthorized file read and deletion risks. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once available.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-03-12T00:12:10.495Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a05c8f4ec166c07b0dcb79d
Added to database: 05/14/2026, 13:07:00 UTC
Last enriched: 05/21/2026, 15:43:57 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:59 UTC
Views: 108
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