PatchTheCVECVE-2023-6553: The Backup Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to, and in
CVE-2023-6553 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting backup migration. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The Backup Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.7 via the /includes/backup-heart.php file. This is due to an attacker being able to control the values passed to an include, and subsequently leverage that to achieve remote code execution. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to easily execute code on the server.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited
- Public exploit reference
- CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 9.8 (Critical) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 97.8% (top 1%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-94 |
| Published | 2023-12-15 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Exact fixes by distribution
Public exploits and detection
Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.
- GitHub PoC: Chocapikk/CVE-2023-6553 (88 stars)
- GitHub PoC: motikan2010/CVE-2023-6553-PoC (4 stars)
- GitHub PoC: 0x00phantom-hat/CVE-2023-6553-RCE-Exploit (2 stars)
- Write-up: www.synacktiv.com/en/publications/php-filters-chain-what-is-it-and-how-to-use-it
- GitHub PoC: Harshit-Mashru/CVE-2023-6553
- Exploit-DB: WordPress Backup Migration 1.3.7 - Remote Command Execution
- Metasploit: WordPress Backup Migration Plugin PHP Filter Chain RCE
- Nuclei scan template: Worpress Backup Migration <= 1.3.7 - Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution
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-2023-6553?
backup migration: upgrade to newer than 1.3.7. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2023-6553 being exploited?
CVE-2023-6553 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-2023-6553 affect?
CVE-2023-6553 affects backup migration. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The Backup Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.7 via the /includes/backup-heart.php file. This is due to an attacker being able to control the values passed to an i
How urgent is CVE-2023-6553?
Priority 72/100. Critical severity; EPSS top 1%: very likely to be exploited; Public exploit reference; CISA SSVC: automatable with total technical impact; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Software pages
WordPress vulnerabilities · PHP vulnerabilities
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