CVE-2026-4853: JetBackup <= 3.1.19.8 - Authenticated (Administrator+) Arbitrary Directory Deletion via Path Traversal in 'fileName' Parameter
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 sanitizetextfield(), 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 Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-4853?
CVE-2026-4853 has been assessed as a high severity vulnerability due to its capability for arbitrary directory deletion.
How do I fix CVE-2026-4853?
To fix CVE-2026-4853, update the JetBackup plugin to version 3.1.19.9 or later.
What type of attack is CVE-2026-4853 associated with?
CVE-2026-4853 is associated with path traversal attacks that allow unauthorized file system access.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-4853?
CVE-2026-4853 affects users of JetBackup versions up to and including 3.1.19.8 running on WordPress.
What is the impact of CVE-2026-4853?
The impact of CVE-2026-4853 includes the potential for attackers to delete directories and sensitive files from the server.