CVE-2022-31474: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in iThemes Backup

This week

HIGH 7.5REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2022-31474 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting backupbuddy. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in iThemes BackupBuddy allows Path Traversal.This issue affects BackupBuddy: from 8.5.8.0 through 8.7.4.1.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	63.8% (top 1%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2023-03-13
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Patchstack · Vendor: ithemes

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-03-13 14:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:45 UTCUpdated Record last modified

ithemes backupbuddy UPGRADE

Affected: >= 8.5.8.0 and < 8.7.5.0

Fixed in: 8.7.5.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 8.5.8.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy backupbuddy || rpm -q backupbuddy || backupbuddy --version

2. UPGRADE to 8.7.5.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade backupbuddy

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade backupbuddy

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 8.5.8.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison backupbuddy sudo apt install backupbuddy=<VERSION_BEFORE_8.5.8.0> sudo apt-mark hold backupbuddy

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list backupbuddy sudo dnf downgrade backupbuddy-<VERSION_BEFORE_8.5.8.0> sudo dnf versionlock add backupbuddy

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Nuclei scan template: BackupBuddy - Local File Inclusion

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2022-31474?

backupbuddy: upgrade to 8.7.5.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-31474 being exploited?

CVE-2022-31474 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2022-31474 affect?

CVE-2022-31474 affects backupbuddy. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in iThemes BackupBuddy allows Path Traversal.This issue affects BackupBuddy: from 8.5.8.0 through 8.7.4.1.

How urgent is CVE-2022-31474?

Priority 56/100. High severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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