The WP Minds Blog

Are you a WordPress site owner? Do you rely on a contact form to connect with users, generate potential leads, or obtain feedback? If so, you need to pay close attention. A major security flaw has been discovered in a widely used WordPress plugin, putting over 300,000 websites in immediate danger. This isn’t just a minor bug, it’s a high-severity vulnerability that could allow hackers to take complete control of your site.

This critical issue affects the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin, a popular add-on that extends the functionality of the well-known Contact Form 7 plugin. With a high severity rating of 8.8/10 on the CVSS scale, this vulnerability is a serious threat that requires your immediate attention.

Understanding the Redirection for Contact Form 7 Plugin

First, let’s understand why this vulnerability is so impactful. The Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin is a favorite among site administrators because it adds powerful features to the standard contact form. This plugin gives you the option to do more than simply display a “thank you” message, including:

• After someone submits a form, you can send them to a chosen page, such as a thank-you or special offer page.
• Store form submissions directly in your website’s database, making it easy to manage leads and inquiries.
• Emails can be automatically customized and sent to different recipients depending on the details provided in the form.
• Block spammy submissions to keep your inbox clean.

Because it offers such valuable functionality, it’s used by a huge number of websites – from small businesses and blogs to large e-commerce sites. Its widespread use highlights the importance of regular WordPress maintenance, as even popular plugins can introduce significant security risks. The plugin’s popularity is precisely what makes this security flaw so dangerous, as it affects a massive installed base.

To learn more about what a good plan includes, check out our guide on Choosing the Right WordPress Maintenance Plan in 2025 and Why It’s Critical.

The Heart Of The Problem: A Critical Flaw With Serious Consequences

The vulnerability stems from a basic but critical oversight within the plugin’s code. Specifically, the flaw exists in a function called delete_associated_files. As its name suggests, this function is designed to delete files that are no longer needed, such as temporary files created during form submissions.

However, the function suffers from “insufficient file path validation.” In simple terms, it doesn’t properly check what kind of input it receives. It trusts whatever information it’s given, which is a major security no-no. An attacker can exploit this weakness by manipulating the function to delete any file they want on your server, not just the temporary ones it’s supposed to handle.

This simple flaw opens the door to a devastating attack. An attacker can trick the function into deleting a critical file that is essential for your website’s operation. The most dangerous target? Your wp-config.php file.

Connecting the Dots: The Threat of Remote Code Execution (RCE)

So, why is deleting your wp-config.php file such a disaster?

All the key settings that keep your WordPress site running are saved inside the wp-config.php file. It contains your database credentials, security keys, and other vital configuration settings. Deleting this file is like taking the keys and the blueprints to your house and throwing them away. Your site will immediately stop working, and without the proper configuration, a hacker can easily launch a Remote Code Execution (RCE) attack.

A Remote Code Execution (RCE) attack is considered highly dangerous because it lets hackers run harmful code on your web server from afar. Once someone reaches this access level, they can perform actions such as:

• Take over your entire website.
• Inject malware that infects visitors’ computers.
• Steal sensitive data, including customer information and user passwords.
• Completely deface or delete your website’s content.

In essence, deleting the wp-config.php file creates a clear path for a hacker to gain full, unauthorized control of your site, turning a simple file deletion flaw into a full-blown site takeover.

How to Protect Your Site: Immediate Action Required

The good news is that a fix is available, but you must act quickly. Users should note that the vulnerability exists across every plugin version up to and including 3.2.4, without exception.

Here’s what you need to do right now:

1. Update the Plugin: Log in to your WordPress dashboard and update the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin to the latest version immediately. A security update addressing this issue was introduced in version 3.3.0 and every version after that.
2. Verify the Update: After updating, check to make sure the update was successful. If you’re unsure or not confident in handling the technical aspects of your site’s security, it might be a good idea to hire a WordPress developer to manage this and other critical updates for you.
3. Regularly Back Up Your Site: Even with a patch, this incident is a powerful reminder of why regular backups are essential. If you ever face a security breach, a recent backup can be your lifeline.
4. Practice Proactive Security: Always make sure your WordPress plugins, themes, and core files are up to date. Consider using a reputable security plugin, like Wordfence, to monitor your site for suspicious activity and block potential threats.

A Lesson in Vigilance

This high-severity vulnerability in the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin is a stark reminder of the constant security challenges in the digital world. What might seem like a simple function flaw can lead to a catastrophic security breach.

Your website is a valuable asset, and protecting it is an ongoing responsibility. By staying informed about security threats and following best practices for updates and backups, you can significantly reduce your risk and keep your site, and your visitors, safe. For more expert insights and actionable advice on keeping your WordPress site secure and optimized, trust WPcaps as your go-to resource.