The most common source of this file is software developed in China or intended for Chinese users. Many applications in China require Real-Name Authentication (实名认证) to comply with local regulations. When you upload a photo or scan of your ID card to an app (such as WeChat, Alipay, or various banking and gaming platforms) using a desktop client or Android emulator, the software may create a temporary backup file named shifenzheng.bak during the processing or upload phase. 2. Android Device Backups
The leak was attributed to a vulnerability in a system developed by Zhejiang Huida Yizhan Network Technology Co.
Attackers regularly use automated scanners to crawl websites looking for common backup filenames. Scripts target paths like /shifenzheng.bak , /sfz.bak , /backup.sql , or /db.bak . If a DBA leaves a file with this name in the root web directory ( wwwroot or public_html ), it will be discovered within hours. Improper Git or Deployment Workflows
Files like shifenzheng.bak do not appear out of thin air. They are typically generated by specific user actions or background software processes. Here are the most common scenarios that create this file: shifenzheng.bak
We can write a automated to scan your local directories for accidental backup files. Share public link
The database contained sensitive details of 20 million people, including names, gender, birthdays, home addresses, mobile numbers, email addresses, and official ID numbers.
The database contained sensitive records from approximately 2010 to 2013, including: Full names and gender. ID card numbers (Shifenzheng). Home addresses and phone numbers. Hotel check-in and check-out times. Technical Impact and Handling The leak was highly publicized on Chinese tech blogs like Landian News after appearing on the vulnerability reporting platform Because the data was in a The most common source of this file is
Because the ID number permanently reveals an individual's age, gender, and birthplace, threat actors do not even need to crack a password to gain deep demographic insights into a victim. 3. Why shifenzheng.bak Files Get Exposed
Let’s debunk a few common myths about shifenzheng.bak :
The compressed archive is roughly 1.7 GB , while the extracted shifenzheng.bak file is approximately 7.5 GB to 7.8 GB . Scripts target paths like /shifenzheng
A junior database admin at a budget hotel chain discovers a forgotten file on an unsecured backup server. It’s labeled simply: shifenzheng.bak .
If you discover this file on a machine under your management, follow this protocol:
To understand this file, we have to break it down into two parts: the linguistic meaning of the prefix and the technical function of the file extension. The Prefix: "shifenzheng" (身份证)
Many USB-connected ID card readers (used in Chinese hotels, banks, and internet cafes) come with proprietary software that scans the magnetic strip or RFID chip of a national ID card. These applications often auto-save the extracted data into a local database. Some versions create a backup named shifenzheng.bak either periodically or when the main database becomes corrupted.
Sometimes, developers create local backups while debugging on a live server. If they forget to delete the .bak file or accidentally include it in a public repository deployment, it becomes exposed to the world. 4. The Risks of Exposure: Fraud, Compliance, and Laws