Security Flaw in Contact Form 7 Redirection Plugin on WordPress Sites

A new high-severity security flaw in the Redirection for Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin has alarmed site owners globally. Used by over 300,000 websites, the plugin allows the handling of redirections, email notifications, and spam control for Contact Form 7. However, a flaw in its file deletion logic now opens the door to remote code execution (RCE)—putting countless WordPress sites at risk.

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Highlights

• The Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin, used on over 300,000 WordPress sites, has a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability.
• The flaw lies in a delete_associated_files function—allowing unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files.
• Severity is high: CVSS score of 8.8/10, per Wordfence advisory.
• Site owners are urged to update immediately to the patched version to avoid compromises.

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Core of the Vulnerability: Unauthenticated File Deletion

The issue stems from a function named delete_associated_files, which lacks proper path validation. As a result, malicious actors can pass file paths like ../../wp-config.php and delete essential files.

“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),” warns Wordfence. Search Engine Journal

Security firm Wordfence rates the vulnerability at 8.8 out of 10 on the CVSS scale, underscoring its criticality. Search Engine Journal

Widespread Impact: 300,000 + Sites at Risk

Wordfence confirms the plugin is actively installed on 300,000+ WordPress sites. Wordfence Any site using version 3.2.4 and earlier remains vulnerable.

“The flaw lies in an insufficient file path validation, opening up core asset deletion,” explains the advisory.

Following the news, security experts urge admins to immediately update the plugin to the latest patched version.

Understanding the Severity—and Fixes

Server security professionals emphasize the urgency:

“Deleting wp-config.php effectively allows an attacker to insert malicious code into your WordPress environment with ease. This is not just data loss—it’s complete site takeover.”

While the plugin was patched by the developer (Themeisle), community feedback indicates many installations remain outdated, especially on dormant or minimally maintained sites. According to Wordfence

Patch Now: Recommended Fixes

To protect your site:

1. Update the plugin immediately to the latest version and verify patch status.
2. Monitor your site for suspicious activity—particularly file deletions or exec errors.
3. Restrict plugin access via permissions or security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.
4. Reconsider usage—if redirection isn’t essential, deactivating the plugin may be the safer route.

Why This Matters for WordPress Security

Despite WordPress’s strong core security, its plugin ecosystem often opens vulnerability doors. As this incident illustrates, even widely-used add-ons can harbor critical bugs.

A report earlier this year noted that “seconds matter” when it comes to plugin vulnerabilities—delayed updates often mean real-world exploits and compromised websites.

Why This Vulnerability Matters

This incident is a stark reminder of a recurring theme in WordPress security: while the core software remains robust, the plugin ecosystem continues to be the primary vector for attacks.

According to WPScan, plugins accounted for more than 90% of all WordPress vulnerabilities disclosed in 2023. The popularity of plugins like Contact Form 7 and its extensions makes them especially attractive targets for hackers.

“Attackers don’t care about the function of the plugin—they care about the install base. More installs mean more opportunities for mass exploitation,” wrote WPScan in a recent report.

Conclusion

The Contact Form 7 Redirection Plugin vulnerability underscores the importance of proactive site management.

With hundreds of thousands of sites at risk, the urgency to patch cannot be overstated. For many site owners, failing to update may not just mean downtime—it could result in total loss of control, compromised customer data, and reputational damage.