CVE-2023-5505: The BackWPup plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in versions up to, and including, 4.0.1

Q: How do I fix CVE-2023-5505?

backwpup: upgrade to 4.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2023-5505 being exploited?

CVE-2023-5505 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2023-5505 affect?

CVE-2023-5505 affects backwpup. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). The BackWPup plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in versions up to, and including, 4.0.1 via the job-specific backup folder. This allows authenticated attackers to store backups in arbitrary folders on the server provi

Q: How urgent is CVE-2023-5505?

Priority 39/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Routine

MEDIUM 6.8UPGRADE

CVE-2023-5505 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.8) affecting backwpup. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The BackWPup plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in versions up to, and including, 4.0.1 via the job-specific backup folder. This allows authenticated attackers to store backups in arbitrary folders on the server provided they can be written to by the server. Additionally, default settings will place an index.php and a .htaccess file into the chosen directory (unless already present) when the first backup job is run that are

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.8 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.0% (top 38%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
Published	2024-08-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Wordfence · Vendor: inpsyde

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-08-17 09:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:48 UTCUpdated Record last modified

inpsyde backwpup UPGRADE

Affected: < 4.0.2

Fixed in: 4.0.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 4.0.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

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

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade backwpup

Note

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

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-2023-5505?

backwpup: upgrade to 4.0.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-5505 being exploited?

CVE-2023-5505 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-2023-5505 affect?

CVE-2023-5505 affects backwpup. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.8). The BackWPup plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in versions up to, and including, 4.0.1 via the job-specific backup folder. This allows authenticated attackers to store backups in arbitrary folders on the server provi

How urgent is CVE-2023-5505?

Priority 39/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

WordPress vulnerabilities · PHP vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2023-7164 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE The BackWPup WordPress plugin before 4.0.4 does not prevent Directory Listing in its temporary backup folder,
CVE-2023-5775 LOW 2.2 UPGRADE The BackWPup plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Plaintext Storage of Backup Destination Password in all ver
CVE-2023-5504 HIGH 8.7 UPGRADE The BackWPup plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in versions up to, and including, 4.0.1

References

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