A critical security vulnerability (CVE-2025-6463) has been discovered in the Forminator WordPress plugin that affects over 600,000 websites worldwide, reported by Wordfence. This arbitrary file deletion vulnerability has received a CVSS rating of 8.8 (High) and could potentially lead to complete site compromise through remote code execution.
Critical Details:
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-6463
- CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
- Plugin Affected: Forminator Forms – Contact Form, Payment Form & Custom Form Builder
- Vulnerable Versions: All versions ≤ 1.44.2
- Patched Version: 1.44.3 (released June 30, 2025)
- Impact: 600,000+ active installations at risk
- Bounty Awarded: $8,100 (highest in Wordfence program history)
- Researcher: Phat RiO – BlueRock
Understanding the CVE-2025-6463 Vulnerability
The vulnerability exists in the entry_delete_upload_files function within the Forminator plugin’s core code. This critical flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to specify arbitrary file paths in form submissions, which are then deleted when the submission is processed or removed by administrators.
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation in two key areas:
- Field Type Validation: The plugin failed to verify that file deletion operations were only performed on legitimate upload fields
- Path Validation: No restrictions prevented deletion of files outside the WordPress uploads directory
The most dangerous aspect is that attackers can target critical WordPress files like wp-config.php. When this file is deleted, WordPress enters setup mode, allowing attackers to potentially connect the site to a database under their control.
Exploitation Scenario
Here’s how the attack works:
- Form Submission: Attacker submits a form with malicious file path data
- Storage: Plugin stores the submission with arbitrary file paths
- Trigger: Administrator deletes the form submission (or auto-deletion occurs)
- File Deletion: Plugin deletes specified files, potentially including
wp-config.php - Site Compromise: WordPress enters setup state, enabling complete takeover
Complete Timeline of Discovery and Response
The security research and coordinated disclosure process demonstrates professional vulnerability management:
June 20, 2025: Vulnerability discovered and reported by Phat RiO – BlueRock through Wordfence Bug Bounty Program
June 21, 2025: Wordfence validated the report and confirmed proof-of-concept exploit
June 23, 2025: Wordfence initiated contact with WPMU DEV team via vendor contact form
June 25, 2025: WPMU DEV registered on Wordfence Vulnerability Management Portal and received full disclosure details
June 26, 2025: Wordfence Premium, Care, and Response users received firewall protection
June 30, 2025: WPMU DEV released fully patched version 1.44.3
July 26, 2025: Free Wordfence users will receive protection (standard 30-day delay)
Immediate Action Required: Update to Forminator 1.44.3
Priority 1: Plugin Update
Update Forminator immediately to version 1.44.3 or later:
Via WordPress Admin Dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins
- Locate “Forminator Forms – Contact Form, Payment Form & Custom Form Builder”
- Click “Update Now” if version shows ≤ 1.44.2
- Verify version 1.44.3+ in plugin details after update
Priority 2: Verify File Integrity
Check that critical WordPress files remain intact:
Essential Files to Verify:
wp-config.php– Database configuration and security keys.htaccess– URL rewriting and security rulesindex.php– Main WordPress entry pointwp-load.php– WordPress initialization
Priority 3: Review Form Submissions
Audit recent form submissions for potential exploitation attempts:
- Examine submission logs for unusual file path entries
- Look for submissions that appear designed to trigger deletion
- Monitor server error logs for file deletion-related warnings
- Check for missing critical files in your WordPress installation
Technical Details: How the Patch Works
WPMU DEV addressed the vulnerability by implementing comprehensive validation in the entry_delete_upload_files() function:
Security Improvements in Version 1.44.3
- Field Type Validation: Only allows deletion for ‘upload’ and ‘signature’ field types
- Path Restriction: Limits file deletion to WordPress uploads directory only
- File Sanitization: Validates file names using
sanitize_file_name() - Path Normalization: Uses
wp_normalize_path()for secure path handling
The patch ensures that arbitrary file deletion can only occur for legitimate uploaded files within the designated upload directory, completely eliminating the attack vector.
WordPress Security Best Practices for Form Plugins
This incident highlights critical security considerations for WordPress form management:
Plugin Selection Criteria
When evaluating form plugins, prioritize:
Security Track Record:
- Regular security updates and prompt vulnerability patches
- Transparent disclosure of security issues
- Active participation in bug bounty programs
- Professional security testing and code audits
Alternative Form Solutions:
- Fluent Forms – Comprehensive form builder with strong security focus and lifetime license options
- HappyForms – Lightweight, security-first contact form solution with unlimited license
Development and Maintenance Practices
For WordPress Developers:
Security checklist for form plugins
- Input Validation: Always sanitize and validate user inputs
- File Handling: Restrict file operations to designated directories
- Authentication: Verify user permissions before sensitive operations
- Path Traversal: Prevent directory traversal attacks
- Regular Audits: Conduct security reviews of custom form code
For Site Administrators:
- Staging Testing: Test all plugin updates in staging environments
- Backup Strategy: Maintain regular, tested backups before updates
- Monitoring Tools: Implement file integrity monitoring systems
- Security Plugins: Deploy comprehensive security solutions like Wordfence
WordPress Security Infrastructure
Essential Security Plugin Stack
Core Security:
- Wordfence Security: Real-time threat detection and firewall protection
- WP Rocket: Performance optimization with security benefits
- WPvivid: Comprehensive backup and migration solution
Additional Protection:
- SEOPress: SEO optimization with security-focused features
- Rank Math: Advanced SEO with built-in security options
Vulnerability Management Strategy
Proactive Measures:
- Automated Updates: Enable automatic security updates for critical plugins
- Vulnerability Scanning: Regular security audits and penetration testing
- Incident Response: Documented procedures for security emergencies
- Vendor Communication: Establish direct channels with plugin developers
Reactive Measures:
- Rapid Response: Protocol for immediate patching of critical vulnerabilities
- Damage Assessment: Tools and procedures for evaluating compromise
- Recovery Planning: Tested backup and restoration procedures
- Communication: Customer and stakeholder notification processes
Impact Analysis and Risk Assessment
High-Risk Website Categories
Immediate Priority for Updates:
- E-commerce Platforms: WooCommerce sites with customer data
- Business Websites: Corporate sites with lead generation forms
- Educational Institutions: Sites collecting student information
- Healthcare Providers: HIPAA-compliant sites with patient forms
- Financial Services: Sites handling sensitive financial data
- Government Agencies: Public sector websites with citizen portals
Business Impact Scenarios
Potential Consequences of Exploitation:
- Data Breach: Loss of customer information and business data
- Service Disruption: Website downtime affecting business operations
- Reputation Damage: Loss of customer trust and brand credibility
- Regulatory Compliance: Violations of GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA regulations
- Financial Loss: Direct costs and indirect business impact
- Legal Liability: Potential lawsuits from affected customers
WordPress Security Resources and Support
Professional Security Services
Enterprise-Level Protection:
- Managed WordPress hosting with security focus
- Professional security auditing services
- Incident response and forensics teams
- Custom security development and consulting
Community Resources
Educational Materials:
- WordPress Security Codex and documentation
- OWASP WordPress Security Guidelines
- Wordfence Learning Center and blog
- WPBeginner Security Tutorials
Security Tools and Plugins:
- WPCodeBox: Secure code snippet management
- Meta Box: Custom fields with security focus
- Advanced Custom Fields: Professional custom field management
Long-term Security Strategy
Building Resilient WordPress Infrastructure
Architectural Considerations:
- Defense in Depth: Multiple layers of security controls
- Principle of Least Privilege: Minimal necessary access rights
- Regular Security Assessments: Ongoing vulnerability evaluation
- Incident Preparedness: Tested response and recovery procedures
Vendor Relationship Management:
- Due Diligence: Evaluate plugin security practices before adoption
- Support Contracts: Establish direct support channels with critical vendors
- Update Management: Coordinate updates across development and production
- Alternative Planning: Maintain backup solutions for critical functionality
Cost-Effective Security Solutions
Lifetime License Benefits:
For agencies and developers managing multiple WordPress sites, lifetime-licensed security tools provide:
- Predictable Costs: One-time investment versus recurring subscriptions
- Scalability: Deploy across unlimited client sites
- Professional Tools: Enterprise-grade security without enterprise costs
- Long-term Value: Continued updates and support without additional fees
Conclusion and Action Items
The Forminator CVE-2025-6463 vulnerability represents a critical security threat that requires immediate attention from all WordPress site administrators. The high CVSS score of 8.8 and potential for complete site compromise make this update non-negotiable.
Immediate Action Checklist:
- Update Forminator to version 1.44.3 immediately
- Verify file integrity of critical WordPress files
- Review form submissions for potential exploitation attempts
- Implement security monitoring with tools like Wordfence
- Test backup systems to ensure recovery capability
- Document incident for security audit trails
Long-term Security Improvements:
- Evaluate form plugin alternatives with better security track records
- Implement comprehensive security monitoring across all sites
- Establish update management procedures for critical vulnerabilities
- Consider managed WordPress hosting for enhanced security
- Invest in security training for development and administration teams
The WordPress community’s professional response to this vulnerability demonstrates the maturity of the ecosystem’s security practices. However, the responsibility for implementation lies with individual site owners and developers.
Remember: Security is an ongoing investment, not a one-time setup. The $8,100 bounty paid for this discovery represents the value the community places on proactive security research. Investing in proper security tools and practices is far more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of a successful attack.
Related Security Resources
- The WordPress Security Learning Center
- WordPress Backup and Migration Solutions
- Wordfence Security Solution
Security Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes. Always consult with qualified security professionals for enterprise-level implementations and consider professional WordPress security services for mission-critical applications. Keep all plugins, themes, and WordPress core updated to the latest versions.