CVE-2026-62075 in Backhoe Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/10/2026
Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion in Backhoe <= 2.0 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as an unauthenticated local file inclusion flaw within Backhoe versions prior to or equal to 2.0 represents a critical security deficiency that allows attackers to read arbitrary files from the underlying operating system without requiring any form of authentication. This type of vulnerability typically arises when an application accepts user-supplied input, such as parameters in a URL query string or POST data, and incorporates it directly into file paths used by server-side scripts for inclusion purposes. In the specific context of Backhoe, which is often utilized as a post-exploitation framework or penetration testing tool, this flaw undermines the fundamental assumption that access to its interface requires prior authorization. By exploiting this weakness, an attacker can manipulate the application's behavior to load and execute code from local files on the server hosting the service, effectively bypassing any intended security controls designed to restrict file system access.
From a technical perspective, the root cause lies in insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application logic. When the software processes requests related to module loading or configuration retrieval, it fails to properly validate whether the provided filename corresponds to an expected directory structure or allowed extension list. This lack of restriction enables path traversal sequences, such as dot-dot-slash characters, which allow the attacker to escape the intended web root and navigate up the file system hierarchy. Consequently, sensitive files containing database credentials, private keys, configuration settings, or other confidential data can be read and returned in the HTTP response. The absence of authentication requirements exacerbates the severity, as any remote user with network connectivity to the service port can initiate this attack without needing valid login credentials, significantly lowering the barrier for exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly given that Backhoe is frequently deployed by security professionals and penetration testers who may handle highly sensitive data during assessments. An unauthenticated attacker could potentially exfiltrate critical configuration files that reveal internal network topology, database connection strings with plaintext passwords, or SSH keys used for lateral movement within a target environment. If the server hosting Backhoe has elevated privileges, such as running under root or administrator accounts, the implications extend beyond mere data disclosure to potential remote code execution if the included file contains executable content and the web server is configured to interpret certain file types. This transforms a simple information leak into a full system compromise scenario, allowing adversaries to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and move laterally across compromised networks with minimal effort.
To mitigate this risk, immediate action must be taken by upgrading Backhoe to version 2.1 or any subsequent release where the vendor has addressed these input validation issues. Until an upgrade is feasible, administrators should implement network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict access to the Backhoe service port exclusively from trusted IP addresses known for legitimate administrative use. Additionally, deploying a Web Application Firewall with specific rule sets designed to detect and block path traversal attempts can provide a layer of defense in depth. It is also crucial to ensure that the web server running Backhoe operates under a restricted user account with minimal file system permissions, thereby limiting the scope of files an attacker could access even if they successfully exploit the inclusion flaw. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on input handling practices are recommended to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future updates or custom modifications.
This vulnerability aligns closely with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-98, which describes Improper Control of Filename for Include Statement, commonly known as Local File Inclusion. Furthermore, the exploitation technique maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK tactic T1083, specifically the file and directory discovery subtechnique, where adversaries search local system directories for sensitive information. Understanding these mappings helps in categorizing the threat within broader security frameworks and ensures that defensive strategies are aligned with industry-standard mitigation practices. By addressing this flaw through both technical patches and architectural hardening, organizations can significantly reduce their attack surface and protect against unauthorized access to critical system resources hosted on vulnerable instances of Backhoe.