A severe security vulnerability has been discovered in a popular WordPress contact form plugin, potentially exposing over 70,000 websites to cyberattacks. The Database for Contact Form 7, WPForms, Elementor Forms plugin contains a critical flaw that allows unauthorized attackers to delete files, crash websites, or execute malicious code remotely.
Security researchers have assigned this vulnerability a severity score of 9.8 out of 10 – indicating an extremely dangerous threat that website owners must address immediately.
What Is the Contact Form Entries Plugin?
The Database for Contact Form 7, WPForms, Elementor Forms plugin (also called Contact Form Entries Plugin) serves as a comprehensive solution for managing contact form submissions on WordPress websites. This tool automatically saves all form entries to your website’s database, making it easier to track and organize customer inquiries.
Key Plugin Features
The affected plugin offers several useful capabilities:
- Form Entry Storage: Automatically saves submissions from popular form plugins
- Search Functionality: Allows users to quickly find specific form entries
- Status Management: Mark entries as read or unread for better organization
- Data Export: Download form submissions in various formats
- Multi-Plugin Support: Works with Contact Form 7, WPForms, and Elementor Forms
With over 70,000 active installations, this plugin has become a trusted tool for WordPress site administrators who need better control over their contact form data.
Understanding the PHP Object Injection Vulnerability
This WordPress plugin vulnerability stems from a flaw called PHP Object Injection, which allows attackers to manipulate your website without needing login credentials.
How PHP Object Injection Works
PHP objects are data structures that websites use to store and process information. These objects can be “serialized” (converted to text) for storage and later “deserialized” (converted back to objects) when needed.
The security issue occurs because the plugin accepts untrusted PHP objects from external sources without proper validation. When these malicious objects get deserialized, they can trigger harmful actions on your website.
The POP Chain Attack Method
The vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous when combined with the Contact Form 7 plugin, which many sites use alongside the affected database plugin. This combination creates what security experts call a “POP chain” during the deserialization process.
According to the official Wordfence security advisory, this POP chain enables attackers to:
- Delete critical website files
- Launch denial of service attacks
- Execute remote code on your server
- Potentially gain complete control of your website
Real-World Impact and Attack Scenarios
Understanding how this vulnerability could affect your website helps illustrate why immediate action is necessary.
File Deletion Attacks
Attackers can target essential WordPress files, including:
- wp-config.php: Contains database credentials and security keys
- Plugin files: Critical for website functionality
- Theme files: Control your site’s appearance and features
- Media uploads: Images, documents, and other content
Deleting the wp-config.php file alone could completely crash your website, making it inaccessible to visitors and requiring extensive recovery efforts.
Denial of Service Consequences
When attackers delete critical files or overload your server with malicious requests, your website becomes unavailable to legitimate users. This downtime can result in:
- Lost revenue from online sales
- Damaged reputation and customer trust
- Poor search engine rankings
- Frustrated visitors who may never return
Remote Code Execution Risks
The most serious threat involves remote code execution, where attackers can run their own programs on your website server. This capability allows them to:
- Install backdoors for future access
- Steal sensitive customer data
- Redirect visitors to malicious websites
- Use your server for illegal activities
- Hold your website hostage for ransom
Affected Plugin Versions and Detection
All versions of the Database for Contact Form 7, WPForms, Elementor Forms plugin up to and including version 1.4.3 contain this critical security flaw.
How to Check Your Plugin Version
To determine if your website is vulnerable:
- Log into your WordPress admin panel
- Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins
- Look for “Database for Contact Form 7, WPForms, Elementor Forms”
- Check the version number listed below the plugin name
If you’re running version 1.4.3 or earlier, your website is at risk and needs immediate updating.
Signs of Potential Compromise
Watch for these warning signs that your website may have been attacked:
- Unexpected file deletions or missing content
- Website loading errors or complete inaccessibility
- Suspicious admin accounts you didn’t create
- Unusual server resource usage
- Unexpected redirects to unknown websites
- Customer complaints about malware warnings
Immediate Action Steps for Website Owners
Taking swift action protects your website and visitors from potential attacks. Follow these essential steps right away.
Step 1: Update the Plugin Immediately
The plugin developers have released version 1.4.5, which patches this security vulnerability:
- Access your WordPress dashboard
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
- Find the affected plugin and click “Update Now”
- Verify the update completed successfully
Step 2: Create a Complete Website Backup
Before making any changes, ensure you have a recent backup:
- Use your hosting provider’s backup feature
- Download a manual backup through cPanel or FTP
- Consider using backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackWPup
- Store backups in multiple locations (cloud storage, local drives)
Step 3: Scan for Security Issues
Run comprehensive security scans to detect any existing compromises:
- Wordfence Security: Comprehensive malware scanner
- Sucuri Security: Professional-grade threat detection
- MalCare: Automated malware removal
- iThemes Security: All-in-one security solution
Step 4: Review User Accounts and Permissions
Check for unauthorized access or suspicious accounts:
- Review all admin and editor user accounts
- Remove any unfamiliar user accounts
- Update passwords for all legitimate accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication where possible
Long-Term WordPress Security Best Practices
Protecting your website requires ongoing vigilance and proactive security measures.
Regular Plugin and Theme Updates
Keeping your WordPress installation current is crucial:
- Enable automatic updates for minor WordPress releases
- Update plugins and themes within 24-48 hours of releases
- Remove unused plugins and themes to reduce attack surface
- Subscribe to security newsletters for vulnerability alerts
Implement Strong Access Controls
Limit who can access your website’s sensitive areas:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts
- Implement two-factor authentication on all admin accounts
- Limit login attempts to prevent brute force attacks
- Use role-based permissions to restrict user capabilities
Monitor Website Activity
Stay informed about what’s happening on your website:
- Install security monitoring plugins
- Review access logs regularly
- Set up alerts for suspicious activities
- Monitor file integrity for unexpected changes
Choose Reputable Plugins and Themes
Select WordPress extensions from trusted sources:
- Download plugins only from the official WordPress repository
- Research plugin developers and their track records
- Read user reviews and check update frequency
- Avoid nulled or pirated themes and plugins
The Broader WordPress Security Landscape
This vulnerability highlights ongoing challenges in WordPress security that affect millions of websites worldwide.
Plugin Ecosystem Risks
WordPress’s extensive plugin ecosystem, while providing flexibility, creates security challenges:
- Third-party development: Varying security standards across developers
- Code complexity: Interactions between plugins can create unexpected vulnerabilities
- Update delays: Users don’t always install security patches promptly
- Abandoned plugins: Some plugins stop receiving security updates
Industry Response and Improvements
The WordPress community continues working to improve security:
- Automatic updates: Core WordPress now updates automatically for security releases
- Security review processes: Plugin submissions undergo basic security screening
- Vulnerability databases: Organizations like Wordfence track and publicize threats
- Security education: Increased focus on teaching best practices to users
Conclusion: Take Action to Protect Your Website
The discovery of this critical vulnerability in the Contact Form Entries plugin serves as a stark reminder that WordPress security requires constant attention. With over 70,000 websites potentially at risk, the impact could be significant if site owners don’t act quickly.
Your immediate priority should be updating the affected plugin to version 1.4.5 or later. Don’t delay this update – the high severity score of 9.8 indicates that attackers could cause serious damage to vulnerable websites.
Beyond this immediate fix, use this incident as motivation to strengthen your overall WordPress security posture. Regular updates, strong access controls, continuous monitoring, and reliable backups form the foundation of a secure WordPress website.
Remember that WordPress security isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing responsibility. By staying informed about vulnerabilities, implementing security best practices, and responding quickly to threats, you can protect your website and maintain your visitors’ trust.
The web security landscape continues evolving, but with proper precautions and prompt action when vulnerabilities emerge, your WordPress website can remain secure and successful.
