CVE-2025-23784 in Contact Form 7 Round Robin Lead Distribution Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2025
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in NotFound Contact Form 7 Round Robin Lead Distribution allows SQL Injection. This issue affects Contact Form 7 Round Robin Lead Distribution: from n/a through 1.2.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23784 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NotFound Contact Form 7 Round Robin Lead Distribution plugin for WordPress. This weakness resides in the improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.2.1, indicating a prolonged period during which systems remained exposed to this security risk. The flaw occurs when user input containing special SQL characters is not properly sanitized or escaped before being incorporated into database queries, allowing attackers to manipulate the intended query structure and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the plugin's database interaction routines. When the round robin lead distribution functionality processes form submissions or administrative requests, it fails to adequately escape or parameterize user-provided data before incorporating it into SQL queries. This creates a classic SQL injection vector where malicious payloads can be injected through form fields or API parameters that are subsequently processed without proper security measures. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin executes database operations that should remain isolated from user-controllable input, allowing attackers to craft malicious SQL commands that bypass normal security controls and execute with the privileges of the database user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with significant control over the affected WordPress installation's database operations. Successful exploitation could enable unauthorized access to contact form submissions, lead distribution data, user credentials, and potentially other sensitive information stored within the database. Attackers might also leverage this vulnerability to modify or delete database records, escalate privileges within the application, or even establish persistent backdoors through database manipulation. The round robin lead distribution feature specifically becomes a focal point for exploitation, as it likely processes multiple data points from various contact forms, increasing the attack surface and potential data exposure. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a fundamental weakness in application security, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-23784 require immediate action to address the vulnerable plugin version, with the most effective solution being the upgrade to a patched version that implements proper input sanitization and parameterized queries. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures that escape or sanitize all user-provided data before database insertion, utilizing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent malicious SQL code execution. Additionally, database access controls should be reviewed to ensure the application's database user account operates with minimal necessary privileges, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that all WordPress plugins maintain current security standards. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions to provide additional layers of protection against SQL injection attacks targeting their contact form and lead management systems.