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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2016-20076 ChrisHurst CVE debrief

CVE-2016-20076 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS Score: 8.7) affecting WordPress Simple-Backup version 2.7.11. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files and download sensitive files by manipulating parameters in tools.php. Attackers can exploit insufficient input validation using directory traversal techniques to access sensitive files like wp-config.php, database dumps, or delete critical files like .htaccess, potentially exposing backup directories.

Vendor
ChrisHurst
Product
Simple Backup
CVSS
HIGH 8.7
CISA KEV
Not listed in stored evidence
Original CVE published
2026-06-15
Original CVE updated
2026-06-15
Advisory published
2026-06-15
Advisory updated
2026-06-15

Who should care

Users of WordPress Simple-Backup 2.7.11 should be aware of this vulnerability and take immediate action to secure their installations.

Technical summary

The vulnerability is caused by insufficient input validation in the delete_backup_file and download_backup_file parameters in tools.php, allowing directory traversal attacks.

Defensive priority

High

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update WordPress Simple-Backup to a patched version if available.
  • Restrict access to tools.php to authenticated users only.
  • Implement additional security measures to protect sensitive files and directories.

Evidence notes

Evidence from [ref-4](https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/39883) and [ref-5](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/wordpress-simple-backup-arbitrary-file-deletion-and-download) supports the existence of this vulnerability.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2016-20076 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2016-20076

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2016-20076 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2016-20076

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.