PatchTheCVECVE-2023-6972: The Backup Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including
CVE-2023-6972 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 Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.9 via the 'content-backups' and 'content-name', 'content-manifest', or 'content-bmitmp' and 'content-identy' HTTP headers. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files, including the wp-config.php file, which can make site takeover and remote code execution possible.
Why this priority
- Critical severity
- 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 | 1.4% (top 28%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-22 |
| Published | 2023-12-23 |
| 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
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-2023-6972?
backup migration: upgrade to 1.4.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2023-6972 being exploited?
CVE-2023-6972 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-2023-6972 affect?
CVE-2023-6972 affects backup migration. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The Backup Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.9 via the 'content-backups' and 'content-name', 'content-manifest', or 'content-bmitmp' and 'content-identy' HTTP headers. T
How urgent is CVE-2023-6972?
Priority 57/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
Software pages
WordPress vulnerabilities · PHP vulnerabilities
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