Nombre del complemento	Request a Quote
Type of Vulnerability	Ejecución remota de código
CVE Number	CVE-2025-8420
Urgencia	Crítico
CVE Publish Date	2025-08-05
Source URL	CVE-2025-8420 Information

Understanding the Latest Remote Code Execution Vulnerability in WordPress “Request a Quote” Plugin (≤ 2.5.2)

The WordPress ecosystem is a thriving community of millions of websites, but it also is a frequent target of attackers constantly seeking vulnerabilities. One of the most critical recent findings is a high severity Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability discovered in the widely used “Request a Quote” plugin versions up to 2.5.2. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely—putting countless websites at risk of full takeover.

In this comprehensive blog, we’ll break down what this vulnerability is, the risks it presents, how WordPress site owners and administrators should respond, and best practices for future-proofing your site’s security posture.

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What Is Remote Code Execution and Why Should You Care?

Remote Code Execution, or RCE, is a vulnerability type that grants an attacker the ability to run malicious code on a web server without any prior authentication or privileges. This is one of the most dangerous vulnerability types because:

• Complete Site Takeover: Attackers can execute system commands, install backdoors, steal sensitive information, or even deface the site.
• No Authentication Required: Anyone, including automated bots scanning the internet, can exploit the flaw.
• Widespread Impact: Popular plugins become a juicy target because they are widely deployed, potentially affecting thousands of sites.

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The “Request a Quote” Plugin Vulnerability Breakdown

Plugin at a Glance

The “Request a Quote” plugin facilitates an important feature for WooCommerce and general e-commerce WordPress sites—allowing customers to request quotes on products. With over hundreds of thousands of active installations, its functionality is crucial for many online businesses.

Versiones vulnerables:

• Versiones 2.5.2 and earlier are confirmed vulnerable.

Versión corregida:

• The security patch is available from version 2.5.3 onward. Site owners must update immediately to stay protected.

CVSS Score & Severity:

• CVSS v3.1 Score: 8.1 (High Severity)

Privileges Required:

• None — the attacker does not need to be logged in or have any privileged access.

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How Does This Vulnerability Work?

Without diving into complicated code, essentially, the vulnerability stems from improper handling of user inputs that allows injecting malicious commands into the server-side execution flow. Due to unsafe coding practices, attackers can send crafted requests that:

• Bypass authentication,
• Trigger backend PHP code execution,
• Run arbitrary commands on the server.

This could be exploited silently, leaving no immediate sign until attackers have established persistent access or caused damage.

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Real-World Impact: Why This Matters to Your Business

The consequences of this exploit extend beyond just website defacement. Compromised sites can become:

• Launchpads for further attacks: Hosting malware or phishing pages using your domain.
• Data breach sources: Leak customer data or sensitive business information.
• SEO and reputation wreckers: Search engines may blacklist your site.
• Operationally disruptive: Downtime or lost business revenue.

Mass exploitation of this vulnerability is expected as attackers quickly move to take advantage before sites update.

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Immediate Mitigation Steps for Site Owners

1. Update the Plugin to 2.5.3 or Later

Updating to the patched version is the most effective way to close the vulnerability. Ensure your WordPress updates are current and monitor plugin releases proactively.

2. Backup Your Website

Before any update, ensure a full backup is taken. In case the site is compromised or an update breaks functionality, you can revert quickly.

3. Conduct a Security Scan

Post-update, perform a malware scan to verify no compromise occurred. Look for unfamiliar files, unexpected admin users, or suspicious activity in server logs.

4. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules

A professionally managed Web Application Firewall can block attack attempts targeting this vulnerability, adding an extra layer of defense during patch deployments.

5. Monitor and Harden Your Site

Enforce strict user permission policies, security hardening, and continuous monitoring for anomalies.

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Lessons Learned: Why Plugin Security Cannot Be Overlooked

This incident reminds us how critical plugin security is in the overall WordPress ecosystem:

• Vulnerabilities in plugins affect millions: Many sites rely on third-party extensions; a single flaw impacts a large user base.
• Unauthenticated risks are particularly dangerous: Zero-trust architectures and least privilege principles must be enforced.
• Rapid patching is essential: The speed with which updates are applied directly influences your risk window.
• Security transparency: Plugins lacking active Vulnerability Disclosure Programs or insufficient security hygiene invite attacks.

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Enhancing Your WordPress Security Strategy – Beyond Updating Plugins

Adopt a Proactive Security Mindset

Security isn’t a “set and forget” task. It requires continuous vigilance, adaptation, and use of modern protective technologies. Here’s what every site owner should consider:

• Cortafuegos administrado — to filter and block malicious traffic in real-time.
• Malware Scanning and Auto-Removal — to detect infections and clean them automatically.
• Vulnerability Intelligence Feeds — stay updated with latest risks specific to your environment.
• Parches virtuales — mitigate zero-day or unpatched vulnerabilities with virtual fixes applied through firewall rules.
• IP Blacklisting/whitelisting — control who can access your site and its backend.
• Regular Security Reports — actionable insights to keep you informed about your site’s health.

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How a WordPress Web Application Firewall (WAF) Amplifies Your Protection

A dedicated WordPress firewall plays a transformative role in blocking exploitation attempts, especially for:

• Exploits that target known plugin vulnerabilities.
• Automated bot attacks that scan and probe your site.
• Threats originating from unknown or zero-day vulnerabilities through virtual patching.
• Attack surface reduction by enforcing OWASP Top Ten mitigations.

By combining managed firewall with continuous vulnerability intelligence, your WordPress site defense turns from reactive into preemptive—giving attackers no foothold in the first place.

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Understanding OWASP Top 10 and Why It Matters for Your Site Security

The OWASP Top 10 is a globally recognized list of the most critical security risks in web applications. The recent RCE vulnerability falls under A1: Injection, which ranks among the most frequent and impactful.

At its core, injection happens when malicious input is interpreted as code or command instead of data. Preventing this involves:

• Proper input validation and sanitization,
• Limiting execution privileges,
• Applying rigorous security controls throughout application workflows.

Using a WAF with OWASP Top 10 protections helps automatically mitigate such risks at the network boundary.

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If Your Site Has Already Been Compromised: Next Steps

While prevention is paramount, you must be prepared in case an attacker exploited this vulnerability before patching:

• Contact your hosting provider for a thorough server-side malware scan.
• Engage professional incident response services if the infection is confirmed.
• Avoid relying solely on plugin-based malware scanners. These are easily bypassed or tampered with by sophisticated malware.
• Rebuild affected parts of your site where possible, and rotate all passwords, API keys, and secrets.
• Audit admin user roles and revoke suspicious accounts or privileges.

Recovery is complex but crucial for regaining control and trust.

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Why WordPress Users Must Prioritize Security Now More than Ever

WordPress powers over 40% of the internet and remains a prime target for cybercriminals:

• New vulnerabilities emerge weekly. The plugin ecosystem’s diversity is both strength and risk.
• Attack automation scales globally, allowing attacks on hundreds or thousands of sites in minutes.
• Timely updates and layered security reduce risk exposure significantly.
• Security awareness drives better ecosystem health, encouraging responsible plugin development and maintenance.

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Protect Your WordPress Site Today With a Managed Security Solution

Building and running a secure WordPress site in today’s environment requires more than manual patching—it needs intelligent automation, continuous protection, and expert support.

Explore WP-Firewall’s free Essential Protection Plan

Start strengthening your WordPress security posture today with WP-Firewall’s free plan that includes:

• Managed WordPress Firewall with unlimited bandwidth.
• Web Application Firewall (WAF) managing OWASP Top 10 risks.
• Regular malware scanning and real-time threat mitigation.

Join thousands of WordPress website owners who leverage proactive protection without upfront costs.

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Upgrade anytime as your site grows with more features and automation.

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Summary: Act Fast, Patch Smart, Stay Resilient

The Remote Code Execution vulnerability impacting the “Request a Quote” plugin (≤2.5.2) highlights how critical it is to:

• Update vulnerable plugins immediately.
• Enforce robust security practices including firewalls and malware scanners.
• Understand and mitigate continuing risks caused by third-party extensions.
• Prepare incident response workflows ahead of potential compromises.

Your WordPress website is your digital storefront. Protecting it is an ongoing commitment that requires vigilance, knowledge, and the right tools.

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More Resources to Keep Your WordPress Secure

• Regularly monitor WordPress security news and vulnerability disclosures.
• Schedule periodic security audits and penetration tests.
• Engage with security communities for early warnings and best practices.
• Backup your website and databases regularly.
• Enforce least privilege and strong authentication measures.

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Stay ahead of attackers and secure your WordPress site with the latest intelligence and tools. Updates, patches, and professional security layers are your best defense against ever-evolving cyber threats.

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For more expert guidance and support tailored to WordPress protection, consider exploring advanced security services designed to guard your infrastructure at every layer.

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Protect your site the smart way—start with the essentials, scale with your needs, and secure your future. Explore WP-Firewall’s free plan today:
https://my.wp-firewall.com/buy/wp-firewall-free-plan/

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Stay safe, stay informed, and keep your WordPress site under your control.
— WP-Firewall Security Team

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Appendix: Technical Details and Timeline of the Vulnerability

• Tipo de vulnerabilidad: Remote Code Execution (Injection – OWASP A1)
• Versiones afectadas: ≤ 2.5.2
• Fixed in Version: 2.5.3
• CVE: CVE-2025-8420
• Disclosure Date: August 5, 2025
• Exploit Privileges: None (Unauthenticated)
• Gravedad: High (CVSS 8.1)
• Credits: Security researcher “mikemyers”
• Action Recommended: Immediate update and implementation of mitigating controls

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Acerca del cortafuegos WP

WP-Firewall specializes in comprehensive WordPress-oriented security solutions including firewall protection, malware scanning, vulnerability management, and virtual patching designed to empower website owners and developers to defend their critical digital assets effectively.

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