CVE-2025-68912
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path traversal vulnerability in the Harmonic Design HDForms WordPress plugin, allowing attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server. It affects all versions up to and including 1.6.1, putting WordPress sites using this plugin at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Harmonic Design HDForms 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
Attackers could delete critical system files, leading to website defacement, data loss, or complete server compromise.
Likely Case
Unauthenticated attackers deleting WordPress files to disrupt site functionality or escalate privileges.
If Mitigated
If proper file permissions and web application firewalls are in place, impact may be limited to non-critical file deletions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation involves simple HTTP requests to delete files; public proof-of-concept details are available in references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 1.6.1 (check for updates)
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Plugin/hdforms/vulnerability/wordpress-hdforms-plugin-1-6-1-arbitrary-file-deletion-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find HDForms and update to the latest version. 4. Verify update completes successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable HDForms Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the plugin to prevent exploitation until patched.
wp plugin deactivate hdforms
Restrict File Deletion Permissions
linuxSet strict file permissions on web directories to limit deletion capabilities.
chmod 644 /path/to/webroot/*
chown www-data:www-data /path/to/webroot/
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to block path traversal attempts.
- Monitor and audit file deletion logs for suspicious activity.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the plugin version in WordPress admin under Plugins > Installed Plugins; if HDForms is <=1.6.1, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get hdforms --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, confirm the plugin version is greater than 1.6.1 in the WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file deletion events in web server logs (e.g., Apache, Nginx) with paths containing '..' or traversal sequences.
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to plugin endpoints with parameters attempting directory traversal (e.g., '../../').
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (url="*hdforms*" AND (param="*..*" OR action="delete"))