CVE-2025-6463 in Forminator Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/02/2025
The Forminator Forms – Contact Form, Payment Form & Custom Form Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the 'entry_delete_upload_files' function in all versions up to, and including, 1.44.2. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to include arbitrary file paths in a form submission. The file will be deleted when the form submission is deleted, whether by an Administrator or via auto-deletion determined by plugin settings. This can easily lead to remote code execution when the right file is deleted (such as wp-config.php).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-6463 affects the Forminator Forms plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting the 'entry_delete_upload_files' function within versions up to and including 1.44.2. This represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to manipulate file paths during form submission processes. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's handling of uploaded file deletion operations, where the system fails to properly sanitize or validate file paths before executing deletion commands. This weakness creates an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by unauthenticated attackers to target arbitrary files on the affected WordPress installation's file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the insufficient validation of file paths within the plugin's core functionality. When form entries containing uploaded files are processed for deletion, the system passes file paths directly to the deletion function without adequate sanitization or verification of their legitimacy. This flaw aligns with CWE-73, which describes improper neutralization of special elements in file paths, and represents a classic case of path traversal vulnerability where attacker-controlled input can manipulate the intended file deletion targets. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the affected plugin operates within the WordPress environment where critical system files such as wp-config.php may be targeted for deletion, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, creating potential pathways for remote code execution and complete system compromise. When an attacker successfully manipulates the file deletion process, they can target critical system files that, when removed, can disrupt normal operations or create conditions for further exploitation. The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when considering that administrators or automated systems may delete form entries, triggering the malicious file deletion sequence. This creates a window where attackers can strategically target files that, when deleted, can lead to privilege escalation or complete system takeover. The lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that any user can potentially leverage this vulnerability, making it especially concerning for publicly accessible WordPress installations.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.44.3 or later, which contains the necessary validation fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious file path manipulation attempts. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough audits of their WordPress installations to identify any compromised entries and ensure proper file permissions are maintained. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1486 (Data Encrypted for Impact) highlights the potential for this vulnerability to be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring and response procedures. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins or core WordPress components that may present similar attack vectors.