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WordPress Guide → Security → Vulnerability
WordPress vulnerability guide
WordPress powers over 40% of the web, but that popularity also makes it a major target for cyberattacks. If you run a WordPress site, understanding vulnerabilities isn’t just technical trivia—it’s crucial for protecting your content, your users, and your business.
Let’s break down the most common threats, how they work, and the best ways to keep your WordPress site secure.
What are WordPress vulnerabilities?
A WordPress vulnerability is any weakness in your website’s code, setup, or add-ons that attackers can exploit. These weak points can exist in:
- The WordPress core software
- Installed plugins or themes
- The hosting server or configuration
Since WordPress is open-source and widely used, it’s constantly probed by bots and attackers looking for known security holes, especially in outdated plugins or poorly coded themes.
Common types of WordPress vulnerabilities
Attackers use a range of tactics to compromise WordPress sites. Here are the most common, and most dangerous, types.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages. When users visit these pages, the script might steal cookies, hijack sessions, or redirect to harmful sites.
Example: An attacker posts a comment with embedded JavaScript that runs when other users view the page.
SQL injection
SQL injection targets your site’s database by inserting malicious SQL code into forms or URLs. This can expose sensitive data or even let the attacker take control of your entire site.
Example: A vulnerable contact form lets someone enter SQL that bypasses login authentication.
Brute force attacks
In a brute force attack, a bot tries thousands of username and password combinations to break into your admin dashboard. Without protections in place, these attempts can succeed.
Example: A bot guesses your admin password by trying a list of common credentials 24/7.
File inclusion vulnerabilities
File inclusion attacks happen when PHP scripts improperly allow user input to include or execute files. If exploited, attackers can run malicious code or gain access to sensitive server files.
Example: A plugin dynamically loads files from user input without sanitizing it, opening the door to Remote File Inclusion (RFI).
Insecure plugins and themes
Outdated, abandoned, or poorly coded plugins and themes are one of the biggest sources of WordPress vulnerabilities. Some have backdoors or flaws that hackers can easily exploit.
Example: A plugin hasn’t been updated in years and has an unpatched flaw known in public vulnerability databases.
Malware infections
If your site is compromised, attackers can plant malware—malicious code that can do everything from stealing data to redirecting your visitors to scam sites.
Example: A backdoor gives attackers persistent access to your server, even after updates.
DDoS attacks
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack overwhelms your site with traffic, making it slow or unavailable. Even if the attack doesn’t breach your site, it can still hurt performance and availability.
Example: A botnet floods your site’s homepage with fake visits, crashing your server.
Why WordPress vulnerabilities are a major concern
Security breaches aren’t just annoying—they can be devastating. Here’s what can happen if your WordPress site gets hacked:
- Data breaches: Attackers can access usernames, passwords, emails, and even payment data.
- Website defacement: Hackers might replace your homepage or inject spammy content and links.
- Malware infections: Visitors may get infected, triggering browser warnings and Google blacklists.
- Revenue loss: Ecommerce sites can lose transactions and customer trust fast.
- Reputation damage: Your brand may suffer if your site is flagged as unsafe or unreliable.
How to mitigate WordPress vulnerabilities
Most successful attacks exploit known, preventable flaws. Here’s how to lock down your site before it becomes a target.
1. Keep everything updated
Update WordPress core, plugins, and themes regularly. These updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities.
- Turn on auto-updates for trusted plugins
- Use a staging site to test major updates first
- Delete plugins/themes you’re no longer using
2. Use strong passwords and 2FA
Simple passwords are easy to crack. Use long, complex passwords with a password manager—and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all admin accounts.
- Try WP 2FA for free two-factor authentication
- Use tools like Bitwarden or LastPass for password management
3. Limit user permissions
Not everyone needs admin rights. Assign user roles based on the principle of least privilege.
- Admin: Full control
- Editor: Manage posts/pages
- Author: Publish their own content
- Subscriber: Read-only access
4. Install a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A WAF protects your site by filtering out malicious traffic before it reaches WordPress.
- Cloudflare and Sucuri offer reliable WAF services
- Most security plugins include a basic WAF feature too
5. Choose secure hosting
Your host plays a big role in your site’s security. Look for a provider that offers:
- Free SSL certificates
- Malware scanning and removal
- Server-level firewalls
- Daily backups
6. Use a trusted security plugin
Security plugins are your site’s 24/7 guard dog. They can block brute force attacks, scan for malware, and enforce login protection.
Popular options include:
- Wordfence: Firewall, malware scanner, login security
- Solid Security (formerly iThemes): Lockouts, file scanning, 2FA
- Jetpack Protect: Daily scans and vulnerability detection
7. Regularly back up your site
If something goes wrong, a clean backup is your safety net, so make sure you’re backing up your WordPress site regularly.
- Use UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy
- Store backups offsite (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
- Set automatic daily or weekly schedules
8. Disable unused features
Reduce the attack surface by disabling things you don’t need.
- Turn off XML-RPC unless your app needs it
- Remove demo content and sample pages
- Delete deactivated plugins and themes
How to identify vulnerabilities on your WordPress site
You don’t need to be a developer to find security issues. Here’s how to check:
- Run a security plugin scan (Wordfence, Solid Security)
- Use an external scanner like Sucuri SiteCheck
- Search WPScan or Patchstack for known plugin flaws
- Review access logs for suspicious IPs or login attempts
What to do if your WordPress site is hacked
Sometimes the worst does happen. Remain calm:
- Put your site in maintenance mode to prevent further damage.
- Contact your host—they may offer cleanup services or backup.
- Scan and remove malware using a security plugin or external service.
- Restore a clean backup if needed.
- Reset all passwords for WordPress, cPanel, FTP, and the database.
- Update all software to the latest versions.
- Install a firewall or malware monitoring tool to prevent repeat attacks.
For more details see, “WordPress hacked? Fix it quickly”
Tools and services to help secure your WordPress site
Here are some helpful solutions to keep your site safe:
Security Plugins
A security plugin helps protect your WordPress site by blocking threats, scanning for vulnerabilities, and adding extra layers of login and firewall protection.
- Wordfence (best for detailed scans and firewall rules)
- Solid Security (great for beginners)
- Jetpack Protect (simple vulnerability detection)
Backup Tools
A backup tool safeguards your WordPress site by creating restorable copies of your content and settings in case of hacks, crashes, or accidental data loss.
- UpdraftPlus (cloud storage + easy restores)
- BackupBuddy (full-site backups and migration tools)
Security Services
A security service provides expert-level protection for your WordPress site through features like malware removal, firewall management, and continuous threat monitoring.
- Sucuri (WAF, cleanup, monitoring)
- Cloudflare (DDoS protection and global CDN)
Next steps for securing your WordPress site
There’s no such thing as a perfectly secure website, but the more you understand WordPress vulnerabilities, the better prepared you are. The most common attacks are preventable with the right updates, plugins, and habits.
Start by auditing your plugins and installing a reliable security plugin today. Then set a calendar reminder to check updates, passwords, and backups monthly.
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Additional resources
Comprehensive guide to securing WordPress with ModSecurity
→
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to use ModSecurity to enhance the security of your WordPress site.
How to add Cloudflare CAPTCHA on WordPress →
Enhance WordPress security by adding Cloudflare CAPTCHA to block bots and malicious traffic.
Why security matters for WordPress enterprise hosting
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Use the blog as your guide to attacks to watch out for, security best practices, and steps to improve the WordPress protection you already have.