CVE-2025-60197
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to include local files on the server through improper input validation in the Simple Contact Forms WordPress plugin. Attackers can potentially read sensitive files or execute arbitrary code by manipulating file inclusion parameters. WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Simple Contact Forms WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete server compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Sensitive file disclosure (configuration files, database credentials, etc.) and limited code execution within PHP context.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if file inclusion is restricted by PHP configuration (allow_url_include disabled) and proper file permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Simple file inclusion vulnerabilities are commonly exploited. Public proof-of-concept exists in vulnerability databases.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.6.5 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins
3. Find Simple Contact Forms
4. Click 'Update Now' if update available
5. If no update appears, manually download version 1.6.5+ from WordPress repository
6. Deactivate old plugin, upload new version, activate
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate simple-contact-forms
PHP Configuration Hardening
linuxSet allow_url_include=Off in php.ini to prevent remote file inclusion
echo 'allow_url_include = Off' >> /etc/php/8.x/apache2/php.ini && systemctl restart apache2
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block file inclusion patterns
- Restrict file permissions and implement strict input validation at application level
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Simple Contact Forms → Version. If version is 1.6.4 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get simple-contact-forms --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.6.5 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file paths in PHP include/require statements
- Multiple requests with ../ patterns in parameters
- Access to sensitive files like /etc/passwd in web logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with file inclusion patterns in GET/POST parameters
- Unusual file extensions in URL parameters
SIEM Query:
source="web_access.log" AND ("../" OR "/etc/" OR "/proc/") AND uri="*simple-contact-forms*"