CVE-2025-54015 is a medium-severity vulnerability caused by improper control of filenames for include/require statements in the HT Plugins HT Contact Form 7. This flaw permits PHP local file inclusion, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server. The vulnerability affects all versions of HT Contact Form 7 up to 2.0.0, necessitating immediate attention from organizations utilizing this plugin.
With a CVSS score of 6.6, the risk to organizations includes a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to include malicious files, compromising the security of their web applications. Given the potential ramifications, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
This vulnerability was published on July 16, 2025, and is currently classified as deferred, indicating that while it is acknowledged, it may not yet have a patch available. Organizations must remain vigilant and monitor for updates related to this issue.
As of now, there are no publicly available exploits or proof-of-concept code. However, the potential for exploitation is significant, particularly for organizations operating in high-risk environments.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability highlights that improper control of filenames allows attackers to include files from the server, which could expose sensitive data or lead to further attacks. This is classified under CWE-98, indicating the risk associated with improper control of file inclusion.
The vulnerability affects the HT Contact Form 7 plugin, which is commonly used in WordPress applications. Organizations utilizing this plugin should take immediate steps to assess their exposure and apply remediation measures accordingly.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-54015 is the improper control of the filename argument in PHP include/require statements. This flaw allows attackers to manipulate the input and include arbitrary files from the server's filesystem.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to send crafted requests to the vulnerable application. The attack complexity is rated as high due to the need for elevated privileges, and user interaction is not required for the exploit to succeed.
The impacts of this vulnerability are severe: confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high. Organizations must understand the potential for data exposure and service disruption as a result of this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using the HT Contact Form 7 plugin should assess their risk exposure regarding CVE-2025-54015. The potential for attackers to exploit this vulnerability is concerning, especially for organizations handling sensitive user data. The blast radius could extend to significant data loss or unauthorized access to user information.
Given the CVSS score of 6.6, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The longer this vulnerability remains unaddressed, the higher the risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects all versions of HT Contact Form 7 up to and including version 2.0.0. Organizations should verify their plugin versions and take necessary actions to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching to the latest version of HT Contact Form 7 to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. If a patch is not available, implement workarounds by disabling the plugin until a secure version is released. Network controls should be enforced to limit exposure, and continuous monitoring for unusual activities should be conducted.
For further information on best practices for penetration testing and vulnerability management, organizations can refer to the penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their systems for any attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Key indicators include unusual file access patterns, unexpected changes to sensitive files, and anomalous PHP activities. Implementing logging and alert systems can help detect potential exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-54015 highlights the ongoing challenges in securing widely used plugins in WordPress environments. The trend of vulnerabilities arising from improper file handling continues to be a significant concern for developers and security teams alike.
Organizations are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to security, which includes regular security assessments and implementing secure coding practices. For more information on vulnerability management programs, refer to the vulnerability management program design.
Additionally, adopting a continuous security testing approach can help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats. For guidance on this topic, see the penetration testing methodology article.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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