CVE-2026-8996: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in revmakx Backup and Staging by WP Time Capsule
The Backup and Staging by WP Time Capsule plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 1.22.26 via the download_recent_decrypted_file_wptc. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to extract download the most recently admin-decrypted SQL database backup, which typically contains password hashes, user credentials, and other sensitive site configuration data stored in the 'recent_decrypted_file' option. Exploitation requires that an administrator has previously performed a decrypt action, causing the decrypted SQL backup file to exist in the plugin's upload directory; without this prior admin action, there is no file to serve.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-8996 is a missing authorization vulnerability in the Backup and Staging by WP Time Capsule plugin for WordPress. Authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or above can access the download_recent_decrypted_file_wptc endpoint to retrieve the latest decrypted SQL backup file. This file is stored in the plugin's upload directory after an administrator performs a decrypt action. The exposed backup typically contains sensitive site data including password hashes and user credentials. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to 1.22.26. No official patch or remediation level has been published as of the data provided.
Potential Impact
An attacker with subscriber-level or higher access can obtain sensitive information from the decrypted SQL backup file, including password hashes and user credentials. This exposure can lead to further compromise of the WordPress site or user accounts. The vulnerability does not affect availability or integrity but results in a confidentiality breach.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict subscriber-level access and higher to trusted users only. Administrators should avoid performing decrypt actions unless necessary and remove decrypted backup files promptly after use to minimize exposure.
CVE-2026-8996: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in revmakx Backup and Staging by WP Time Capsule
Description
The Backup and Staging by WP Time Capsule plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 1.22.26 via the download_recent_decrypted_file_wptc. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to extract download the most recently admin-decrypted SQL database backup, which typically contains password hashes, user credentials, and other sensitive site configuration data stored in the 'recent_decrypted_file' option. Exploitation requires that an administrator has previously performed a decrypt action, causing the decrypted SQL backup file to exist in the plugin's upload directory; without this prior admin action, there is no file to serve.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.5medium
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-8996 is a missing authorization vulnerability in the Backup and Staging by WP Time Capsule plugin for WordPress. Authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or above can access the download_recent_decrypted_file_wptc endpoint to retrieve the latest decrypted SQL backup file. This file is stored in the plugin's upload directory after an administrator performs a decrypt action. The exposed backup typically contains sensitive site data including password hashes and user credentials. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to 1.22.26. No official patch or remediation level has been published as of the data provided.
Potential Impact
An attacker with subscriber-level or higher access can obtain sensitive information from the decrypted SQL backup file, including password hashes and user credentials. This exposure can lead to further compromise of the WordPress site or user accounts. The vulnerability does not affect availability or integrity but results in a confidentiality breach.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict subscriber-level access and higher to trusted users only. Administrators should avoid performing decrypt actions unless necessary and remove decrypted backup files promptly after use to minimize exposure.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-19T13:31:06.616Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a4f598a68715ace43f21aea
Added to database: 07/09/2026, 08:19:22 UTC
Last enriched: 07/16/2026, 10:00:47 UTC
Last updated: 08/22/2026, 10:52:11 UTC
Views: 117
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