CVE-2023-6971: The Backup Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote File Inclusion in versions 1.0.8 to 1.3.9 vi

This month

HIGH 8.1REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2023-6971 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.1) 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 File Inclusion in versions 1.0.8 to 1.3.9 via the 'content-dir' HTTP header. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include remote files on the server, resulting in code execution. NOTE: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability requires that the target server's php.ini is configured with 'allow_url_include' set to 'on'. This feature is deprecated as of PHP 7.4

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.1 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	6.4% (top 6%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-829
Published	2023-12-23
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Wordfence · Vendor: backupbliss

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-12-23 02:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:51 UTCUpdated Record last modified

backupbliss backup migration UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.0.8 and < 1.4.0

Fixed in: 1.4.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.0.8

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy backup-migration || rpm -q backup-migration || backup-migration --version

2. UPGRADE to 1.4.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade backup-migration

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade backup-migration

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 1.0.8 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison backup-migration sudo apt install backup-migration=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.8> sudo apt-mark hold backup-migration

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

dnf --showduplicates list backup-migration sudo dnf downgrade backup-migration-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.0.8> sudo dnf versionlock add backup-migration

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.

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-2023-6971?

backup migration: upgrade to 1.4.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-6971 being exploited?

CVE-2023-6971 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-2023-6971 affect?

CVE-2023-6971 affects backup migration. Severity is high (CVSS 8.1). The Backup Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote File Inclusion in versions 1.0.8 to 1.3.9 via the 'content-dir' HTTP header. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include remote files on the server, resul

How urgent is CVE-2023-6971?

Priority 57/100. High severity; EPSS top 6%: very likely to be exploited; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

WordPress vulnerabilities · PHP vulnerabilities

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References

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