BackupSheep WordPress Plugin: Unauthenticated file deletion and backup download
Summary
The BackupSheep WordPress Backup Plugin through version 1.8 does not validate its integration key correctly. An unset or blank key is accepted, so unauthenticated attackers can create and download full site backups, including the database with user password hashes, and delete arbitrary files on the server. This can lead to disclosure of sensitive data and site takeover. The plugin has been closed on WordPress.org since July 2024 and no fixed version is available.
Affected
- BackupSheep WordPress Backup Plugin, versions 0 through 1.8
Fixed in
- No fixed version available. The plugin has been closed on WordPress.org since July 2024.
Workaround
- Remove the plugin from all sites where it is installed. No other workaround is known.
Exploitation
- No known exploitation in the wild.
- No public proof of concept found.
- CISA SSVC: automatable yes, technical impact total.
Our recommendation
- Check all WordPress sites for the plugin and remove it.
- Review web server logs for unauthorized backup downloads or file deletions.
- If the plugin was installed, rotate WordPress admin and user passwords.
- Check the web root and wp-content for leftover backup archives, and for missing or altered files.
Public exploits
PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit and Exploit-DB list nothing for this CVE.
Research sources
- WPScan advisory CVE-2026-101148 wpscan.com
- WPScan plugin page BackupSheep wpscan.com
- OpenCVE CVE-2026-101148 app.opencve.io
- VulDB CVE-2026-101148 vuldb.com
- VulDB entry 412502 vuldb.com
Researched and written up in English and German by an AI (Claude by Anthropic) based on NVD, CISA, EPSS and the sources listed. The vendor information is authoritative. Researched on 30 Oct 2026, 14:43.
Original description (NVD)
The BackupSheep WordPress Backup Plugin WordPress plugin through 1.8 does not properly validate its integration key, treating an unset or blank key as valid, which allows unauthenticated attackers to create and download full site backups, including the database with user password hashes, and to delete arbitrary files on the server, leading to sensitive data disclosure and site takeover. The BackupSheep WordPress Backup Plugin WordPress plugin through 1.8 has been closed on WordPress.org since July 2024 and no fixed version is available. Remove it from any site where it is installed.
NVD references (1)
Sources
The tracker combines official, freely usable data sources – updated continuously:
- NVD (NIST) – CVEs, rating (CVSS), affected products
- CISA KEV – vulnerabilities confirmed by CISA as actively exploited
- CISA Vulnrichment – CISA assessment (SSVC) in the official CVE record
- FIRST EPSS – probability of exploitation
- Microsoft MSRC – Patch Tuesday: vulnerabilities, severity, updates
- PoC-in-GitHub – public proof-of-concept repositories
- Metasploit (Rapid7) – modules of the Metasploit Framework
- Exploit-DB (OffSec) – archive of public exploits (links only)
- Patch days: official vendor pages (linked per vendor) (Vendor patch days)
This product uses data from the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS data © FIRST.org.
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