CVE-2025-8141: WordPress Redirection CF7 Path Traversal

CVE-2025-8141 Overview

CVE-2025-8141 is a Path Traversal vulnerability affecting the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_associated_files function, allowing unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server. This critical flaw can lead to remote code execution when critical configuration files such as wp-config.php are deleted, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can delete arbitrary files on vulnerable WordPress servers, potentially leading to remote code execution and complete site compromise.

Affected Products

• Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin versions up to and including 3.2.4
• WordPress installations using vulnerable plugin versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-08-20 - CVE-2025-8141 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-8141

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-22 (Path Traversal), which occurs when user-controlled input is used to construct file paths without proper sanitization. In the case of CVE-2025-8141, the delete_associated_files function in the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin fails to adequately validate file path inputs before performing deletion operations.

The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate file path parameters to traverse outside the intended directory structure and delete arbitrary files on the server. This is particularly dangerous in WordPress environments where deletion of critical files like wp-config.php can force the site into an installation state, potentially allowing attackers to reconfigure the database connection and gain full control.

Root Cause

The root cause lies in the insufficient input validation within the delete_associated_files function located in the class-wpcf7r-save-files.php file. The function does not properly sanitize or validate the file paths passed to it, allowing path traversal sequences (such as ../) to escape the intended directory boundaries. This missing input sanitization enables attackers to specify paths to sensitive system files that should never be accessible through plugin functionality.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and can be executed by unauthenticated attackers. The vulnerability requires user interaction (likely through a crafted request or link), but does not require any authentication credentials. An attacker can craft malicious requests containing path traversal sequences targeting the vulnerable file deletion function.

The attack flow typically involves:

1. Identifying a WordPress site running a vulnerable version of the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin
2. Crafting a malicious request with path traversal sequences targeting the delete_associated_files function
3. Triggering the deletion of critical WordPress files such as wp-config.php
4. Exploiting the resulting installation state to reconfigure the WordPress database or inject malicious content

For detailed technical analysis of this vulnerability, refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Analysis and the WordPress Plugin Code Snippet showing the affected code.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-8141

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected deletion of WordPress core files, especially wp-config.php
• WordPress site entering installation/setup mode unexpectedly
• HTTP requests to the site containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, etc.) targeting plugin endpoints
• Unusual file system activity logs showing deletion operations outside the expected upload directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server access logs for requests containing path traversal patterns targeting Contact Form 7 related endpoints
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts
• Use file integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized deletion of critical WordPress files
• Review server error logs for file deletion operations outside of expected directories

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for the WordPress installation and web server
• Configure alerts for any changes to critical WordPress configuration files
• Monitor for unusual HTTP request patterns involving the wpcf7-redirect plugin endpoints
• Implement SentinelOne Singularity Platform for real-time file system monitoring and threat detection

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-8141

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin to the latest patched version immediately
• Audit WordPress installations to identify all instances of the vulnerable plugin
• Temporarily deactivate the plugin if immediate patching is not possible
• Review server logs for any evidence of exploitation attempts
• Verify integrity of critical WordPress files including wp-config.php

Patch Information

Organizations should update the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin to a version newer than 3.2.4. The patch addresses the insufficient file path validation in the delete_associated_files function by implementing proper input sanitization and path validation to prevent directory traversal attacks.

Check the WordPress plugin repository for the latest secure version and apply updates through the WordPress admin dashboard or via WP-CLI.

Workarounds

• Temporarily disable or remove the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin until patching is possible
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences targeting plugin endpoints
• Restrict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential file deletion attacks
• Create regular backups of critical WordPress files to enable rapid recovery if exploitation occurs

# Example WAF rule to block path traversal attempts (ModSecurity format)
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains wpcf7" "chain,id:1001,deny,status:403,msg:'Potential path traversal attempt'"
SecRule ARGS "@rx \.\." ""

# Verify plugin version using WP-CLI
wp plugin list --name=wpcf7-redirect --fields=name,version,status

# Backup critical WordPress files
cp wp-config.php wp-config.php.backup