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 sanitize_text_field(), 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.
CVE-2026-4853 is a medium severity with CVSS 4.9 File Upload issue affecting the Plugin JetBackup – Backup, Restore & Migrate. It affects Versions up to 3.1.19.8 and is fixed in 3.1.20.3.
Use the related hub and response guides to connect this CVE-2026-4853 report with patch validation, scanner checks, and site hardening work.
Open the grouped hub for related CVEs, affected ranges, severity mix, and patch coverage.
Check access, XML-RPC exposure, backup readiness, and monitoring after patching.
Use containment, evidence capture, remediation, and validation steps when exploit risk is high.
CVE-2026-4853 is tracked for the Plugin JetBackup – Backup, Restore & Migrate as medium severity with CVSS 4.9. The affected range is Versions up to 3.1.19.8. Update JetBackup – Backup, Restore & Migrate to 3.1.20.3 or newer where that version is compatible with the site.
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This report has a CVE identifier, which makes it suitable for focused search and vulnerability triage workflows.
Affected version data gives operators a concrete comparison point against installed WordPress software.
A fixed version is present, so the page can answer update and remediation intent directly.
External references are available for source validation, advisory review, and incident notes.
Use these checks when converting this record into a patch ticket, incident note, or risk acceptance decision.
Inventory the installed Plugin package and compare its version with Versions up to 3.1.19.8.
Confirm JetBackup – Backup, Restore & Migrate is updated to 3.1.20.3 or newer.
Review references and CVSS vector details for exploitability, authentication requirements, and exposure path.
After patching, re-run vulnerability monitoring and keep the related plugin or theme hub under review for follow-up CVEs.
| Software Type | Plugin |
|---|---|
| Software Slug |
backup
View on wordpress.org
|
| CVE | CVE-2026-4853 |
| Patched Versions |
3.1.20.3
|
| Affected Versions |
Versions up to 3.1.19.8
|
These internal links group the same WordPress plugin by CVE, issue type, severity, and patch status so operators and search engines can connect the full vulnerability cluster.
JetBackup <= 2.0.9.7 - Sensitive Information Exposure via Directory Listing
JetBackup – WP Backup, Migrate & Restore <= 1.3.9 - Cross-Site Request Forgery to Arbitrary File Upload
Backup Guard <= 1.5.9 - Authenticated Arbitrary File Upload
BackupGuard <= 1.1.46 - Reflected Cross-Site Scripting
Backup Guard <= 1.1.46 - Cross-Site Scripting
Backup Guard <= 1.6.9 - Authenticated (Administrator+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
JetBackup – WP Backup, Migrate & Restore <= 1.4.1 - Missing Authorization to Unauthorized Backup Location Change
JetBackup – WP Backup, Migrate & Restore <= 1.4.0 - Sensitive Information Disclosure
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