CVE-2025-8141 in Redirection for Contact Form 7 Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2025
The Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_associated_files function in all versions up to, and including, 3.2.4. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, which 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 • 08/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-8141 affects the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin version 3.2.4 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk within WordPress environments. This flaw resides in the delete_associated_files function where inadequate input validation permits malicious actors to manipulate file paths and execute unauthorized deletion operations on the affected server. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of file paths during deletion processes, creating a pathway for attackers to remove critical system files without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the plugin's file deletion mechanism. When the delete_associated_files function processes requests to remove associated files, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the file paths provided by external sources. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that can traverse directory structures and target files outside the intended scope of the plugin's operation. The vulnerability operates at the core of path traversal mechanisms, where relative paths or symbolic links can be exploited to access files beyond the plugin's designated directory boundaries, aligning with CWE-22 Path Traversal vulnerabilities classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it provides attackers with the potential to compromise entire server environments. An unauthenticated attacker can leverage this flaw to delete critical system files including wp-config.php which contains database credentials and other sensitive configuration data. The deletion of such files can result in complete website compromise and potential remote code execution opportunities, as attackers may be able to manipulate the server's configuration to execute malicious code or gain additional access vectors. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the ability to delete system files creates opportunities for command execution and system compromise through subsequent exploitation phases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8141 require immediate action from affected WordPress administrators, beginning with the urgent upgrade to the patched version of the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin. Organizations should implement comprehensive file access controls and monitoring systems to detect unauthorized file deletion attempts, particularly focusing on critical system files and configuration data. Network-level protections should include firewall rules that restrict access to sensitive file paths and implementation of web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious path traversal attempts. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to track unusual deletion patterns and file access operations that could indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing regular automated backups of critical WordPress files and configurations to ensure rapid recovery capabilities in case of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms within WordPress plugins, particularly those handling file system operations, as highlighted by the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on preventing privilege escalation and unauthorized system access through such vulnerabilities.