CVE-2016-20076 in Simple Backup
Summary
by MITRE • 06/15/2026
WordPress Simple-Backup 2.7.11 contains multiple vulnerabilities that allow unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files and download sensitive files by manipulating the delete_backup_file and download_backup_file parameters in tools.php. Attackers can exploit insufficient input validation using directory traversal techniques to access wp-config.php, database dumps, and other sensitive files, or delete critical files .htaccess to expose backup directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2026
This vulnerability in WordPress Simple-Backup plugin version 2.7.11 represents a critical security flaw that enables unauthenticated attackers to perform arbitrary file deletion and sensitive data exfiltration through improper input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability exists within the tools.php file where the delete_backup_file and download_backup_file parameters are processed without adequate sanitization or access controls, creating a pathway for directory traversal attacks that can compromise the entire WordPress installation. The flaw directly maps to CWE-22 Directory Traversal and CWE-73 Path Traversal, which are fundamental weaknesses in input validation that allow attackers to access files outside the intended directory structure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the directory traversal parameters to access critical system files including wp-config.php which contains database credentials and security keys, as well as database dump files that contain sensitive user data and application information. Additionally, attackers can target and delete essential configuration files like .htaccess which can expose backup directories and lead to further compromise of the web application. This vulnerability enables a complete breakdown of the application's file system security boundaries, allowing attackers to operate outside the intended application scope and access resources that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with the capability to completely compromise the WordPress installation by deleting critical files that maintain application integrity and security. The exposure of wp-config.php and database dumps can lead to credential theft, database compromise, and full system takeover. The ability to delete .htaccess files removes important security configurations that protect backup directories and can lead to further exploitation opportunities. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a complete attack surface that can be leveraged for persistent access, data theft, and system degradation without requiring any authentication or authorization.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the Simple-Backup plugin where this vulnerability has been patched, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all file operations, and restricting access to administrative tools through proper authentication mechanisms. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and block directory traversal attempts, while access controls should be implemented to ensure that only authorized users can access backup management functions. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes, following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper file system access controls to prevent unauthorized file operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and access control mechanisms in preventing directory traversal attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.