The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-11499 affects the essekia Tablesome Table – Contact Form DB – WPForms, CF7, Gravity, Forminator, Fluent plugin for WordPress, specifically in the set_featured_image_from_external_url() function. This function lacks proper validation of uploaded file types, allowing unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files to the server. Since the plugin integrates with popular WordPress form plugins (WPForms, Contact Form 7, Gravity Forms, Forminator, Fluent), it is widely used across many websites. The absence of file type checks means attackers can upload malicious scripts or executables disguised as images or other media files. If the site configuration allows unauthenticated users to add featured images and triggers workflows based on these uploads, attackers may achieve remote code execution (RCE), gaining full control over the affected server. The vulnerability is present in all versions up to and including 1.1.32, with no patch currently available. The CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the vulnerability's ease of exploitation (network attack vector, no privileges or user interaction required) and its severe impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits have been observed in the wild yet, the potential for damage is substantial, especially for websites relying on these plugins for contact forms and data collection.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a critical risk to web infrastructure, particularly for those relying on WordPress sites with the affected plugins. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized server access, data breaches, defacement, or use of the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. Confidential customer data collected via contact forms could be exposed or manipulated, damaging trust and violating GDPR regulations. The integrity of website content and availability of services may be compromised, leading to operational disruptions and reputational harm. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and government, which often use WordPress for public-facing sites and rely on contact forms, are especially vulnerable. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements makes it easier for attackers to exploit this flaw at scale, increasing the risk of widespread attacks across European digital assets.

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting or disabling unauthenticated users' ability to upload or set featured images via the affected plugin workflows. Administrators should implement strict server-side validation to enforce allowed file types and scan uploaded files for malicious content. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting suspicious file uploads can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Monitoring logs for unusual upload activity or unexpected file types is critical for early detection. Until an official patch is released, consider temporarily disabling the plugin or replacing it with alternative solutions that do not expose similar risks. Regularly update WordPress core and all plugins to the latest versions once patches become available. Additionally, applying the principle of least privilege to web server permissions can limit the impact of any successful exploit. Conducting security audits and penetration testing focused on file upload functionalities will further enhance defenses.