CVE-2015-10134 in Simple Backup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2025
The Simple Backup plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Download in versions up to, and including, 2.7.10. via the download_backup_file function. This is due to a lack of capability checks and file type validation. This makes it possible for attackers to download sensitive files such as the wp-config.php file from the affected site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-10134 affects the Simple Backup plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 2.7.10. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations by exposing sensitive system files through an improperly validated file download mechanism. The vulnerability resides within the download_backup_file function which fails to implement proper access controls and file validation measures. The absence of capability checks means that unauthorized users can exploit this functionality without proper authentication or authorization, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise WordPress sites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the plugin's file download functionality. The download_backup_file function does not properly verify user permissions or validate the requested file paths, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file paths for download. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal file access restrictions and retrieve sensitive configuration files, particularly the wp-config.php file which contains database credentials, security keys, and other critical system information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, creating substantial risks for WordPress site administrators and their users. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they gain access to the wp-config.php file which typically contains database connection details, encryption keys, and other sensitive configuration parameters. This information can be used to compromise database access, escalate privileges, or launch further attacks against the compromised WordPress installation. The vulnerability also potentially exposes other sensitive files that might be stored in the WordPress directory structure, including plugin files, theme configurations, and potentially user data. The lack of capability checks means that even unauthenticated users can exploit this functionality, making the attack vector particularly dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-10134 require immediate action from WordPress site administrators to address the security gap in the Simple Backup plugin. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the plugin that implements proper capability checks and file validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as restricting file download functionality, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating user inputs and implementing principle of least privilege access controls as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. Site administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious download requests to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.