CVE-2025-7697 is a critical vulnerability affecting the 'Integration for Google Sheets and Contact Form 7, WPForms, Elementor, Ninja Forms' plugin for WordPress, developed by crmperks. The vulnerability arises from unsafe deserialization of untrusted data within the verify_field_val() function, leading to PHP Object Injection (CWE-502). This flaw exists in all versions up to and including 1.1.1. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without any user interaction or privileges. The exploitation leverages the deserialization process to inject malicious PHP objects. Moreover, when combined with the presence of a gadget chain (POP chain) in the widely used Contact Form 7 plugin, attackers can delete arbitrary files on the server. This deletion can target critical files such as wp-config.php, which contains database credentials and other sensitive configuration data. The consequences include denial of service (due to deletion of essential files) or remote code execution, allowing attackers to take full control of the affected WordPress site. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, ease of exploitation (network vector, no privileges, no user interaction), and broad scope. No patches or mitigations are currently linked, indicating a need for immediate attention by site administrators. Given the popularity of the affected plugins and WordPress itself, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using these integrations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-7697 can be severe. Many European businesses, government agencies, and non-profits rely on WordPress for their web presence and use popular form and integration plugins like Contact Form 7, WPForms, Elementor, and Ninja Forms. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, disruption of online services, and potential defacement or takeover of websites. The deletion of wp-config.php could cause prolonged downtime, affecting business continuity and reputation. Additionally, remote code execution could allow attackers to pivot into internal networks, exfiltrate data, or deploy ransomware. Organizations subject to GDPR must consider the legal and financial consequences of data breaches resulting from this vulnerability. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements makes it easier for attackers to exploit, increasing the risk of widespread attacks. The threat is particularly critical for sectors with high web exposure such as e-commerce, media, education, and public services in Europe.

1. Immediate action should be taken to update the affected plugin to a patched version once available. Until then, consider disabling the Integration for Google Sheets and Contact Form 7, WPForms, Elementor, Ninja Forms plugin or removing it if not essential. 2. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious serialized PHP payloads targeting the verify_field_val() function or related endpoints. 3. Restrict file system permissions to prevent unauthorized deletion or modification of critical files like wp-config.php, limiting the impact of potential exploitation. 4. Monitor web server logs and WordPress activity logs for unusual requests or file deletions. 5. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) to detect exploitation attempts. 6. Conduct regular backups of WordPress files and databases, ensuring quick restoration in case of compromise. 7. Educate site administrators about the risks of untrusted data deserialization and the importance of timely patching. 8. Consider isolating WordPress instances in segmented network zones to reduce lateral movement if compromised.