Common WordPress Vulnerabilities & How to Fix Them

One of the most popular content management systems on the internet, WordPress is beloved by users thanks to its open-source setup, flexibility, and ease of use. More than 40 percent of all websites published online use WordPress, but with this popularity comes a myriad of security risks. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top security threats and vulnerabilities facing WordPress users — and we'll provide insight into top strategies to combat them.

Importance of mitigating security issues

Your WordPress website is prone to bots, brute force attacks, backdoor intrusions, and other security risks that can have a detrimental impact on every aspect of your site. Will users frequent a website that has compromised their sensitive information? Will they even be able to find your site if it’s down for an extended period of time? No amount of SEO optimization can fix the lack of trust that visitors have in a website that’s been compromised.

How is WordPress vulnerable?

There's a lot to love about WordPress, but unfortunately, its security isn't as robust as it could be. This doesn't necessarily mean that it should be abandoned, but any security strategy will need to go above and beyond 'easy' solutions such as specialized WordPress plugins. WordPress hacks regularly hit headlines, but your site doesn't have to fall prey.

Top 14 WordPress security vulnerabilities and solutions

WordPress vulnerabilities abound and, unfortunately, as soon as you think you've conquered one issue, another arrives. Below, we've identified several of the most common and most alarming types of attacks, as well as prevention and mitigation tactics that WordPress users should implement:

1. Brute force attacks

Trial and error login attempts form the basis of the typical brute force attack, in which malicious parties work through countless possible combinations before eventually landing on the correct password. This can be surprisingly easy to achieve, given how common it is to use extraordinarily guessable passwords. Unfortunately, once hackers have broken in, they can take over your site and proceed with a variety of other harmful actions.

Solution

Stringent password requirements are a must. This means requiring users to select long strings of letters, numbers, and special characters. Better yet: two-factor authentication, as it goes beyond standard password protection to incorporate passcodes sent to mobile devices or authorized email accounts.

2. Outdated software, plugins, and themes

Nearly all the vulnerabilities on this list become more likely as soon as you fall behind on updating WordPress themes, plugins, or software. Updates contain much-needed patches that provide robust protection against a multitude of common issues. Plugin vulnerabilities, in particular, warrant attention, as these are consistently highlighted as one of the top means by which hackers compromise your WordPress pages.

Solution

With this issue, the solution is simple: commit to regularly updating all WordPress versions, themes, and especially plugins. It doesn't matter if your site seems to be running perfectly; your failure to enact updates now could wreak havoc on your site in the future. We also recommend regular WordPress vulnerability scans.

3. Unauthorized admins

Plugin flaws enable unauthorized users to act as administrators. This, in turn, makes it possible for them to complete actions that would ordinarily only be available to high-privilege users. This is one of the most frequently overlooked issues and also, one with the most potential to cause untold devastation for your site.

Solution

Any steps you take to avoid brute force attacks will go a long way toward preventing unauthorized admins from gaining access and enjoying the wrong privileges. Additionally, it's important to maintain a common tenet known as the principle of least privilege, in which the fewest possible contributors receive access to restricted functions.

4. Malware

Purposefully designed to cause maximum disruption, malware can prompt a range of issues for computers, networks, or servers. The term is short for "malicious software," which can infect systems or steal vulnerable data. This is one of the many issues prompted by poorly updated themes and plugins.

Because malware takes so many forms, it can be difficult to prevent or detect — and the repercussions can be far-reaching. Common subsets include spyware and ransomware, both of which can be costly and stressful to resolve.

Solution

There is no one simple solution that will resolve every malware concern, but a comprehensive and highly layered approach is always desirable. Updated plugins and themes form a solid start, but secure logins, regular backups, and restricted admin access are also essential.

5. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks involve the injection of malicious scripts into seemingly trustworthy websites or applications. This, in turn, exposes visitors to the site, as well as sensitive information such as cookies and other saved browser information.

Solution

Cross-site scripting vulnerabilities can be limited by taking a number of different steps to improve data sanitization. Filtering data as it comes in, along with encoding data as it goes out can certainly help. Using specific response headers will also ensure that browsers know which data to interpret.

6. Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks aim to make your site inaccessible. The central method for accomplishing this is simple, yet alarming: flood a targeted server with undesirable traffic, with the intention of keeping genuine users away. In addition to prompting losses in productivity, these attacks can damage your reputation and even harm your SEO.

Solution

A multi-layered approach to DDoS defense is crucial. This should include extensive monitoring so you're aware when suspicious spikes in traffic occur. Extra server bandwidth can also be helpful, but this could have a muted impact when hit with the most severe DDoS attacks.

7. Structured Query Language (SQL) injections

Structure query language (SQL) injections are common website vulnerabilities. These involve the use of malicious code to help attackers view or even modify databases. Potential entry points for SQL injections include login, signup, or contact forms.

Solution

Primary solutions for protecting against SQL injections include installing web application firewalls and changing the default WordPress database prefix. The latter can be accomplished in the wp-config.php file.

8. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) spam

SEO determines how visible your website is to leads, but it can also be used for illicit purposes. A common black hat tactic known as SEO spamming (or spamdexing) occurs when your WordPress site is used to help content rank — even though, under ordinary circumstances, this might not be possible.

Solution

Basic WordPress security issues like spamdexing can be prevented by taking a few easy steps. First, make sure the latest security updates and the latest version of any plugins or themes are installed. Strong passwords coupled with two-factor authentication at log-in will also beef up security.

9. Insecure HTTP website

Even casual internet browsers no doubt notice the small padlock icon in their browser bar. This denotes that the site uses HTTPS encryption to protect data. Sites that do not use this standard open themselves up to a variety of hacks and intrusions.

Solution

Install a SSL certificate from a trusted provider.

10. Phishing

Deceptive phishing attacks cause victims to think that those who send seemingly authentic emails or social media messages are trustworthy. Eventually, victims may be duped into sharing sensitive details. WordPress-oriented phishing attacks involve realistic-looking emails sent to administrators, who may be tricked into sharing their passwords or other vulnerable data. Additionally, malicious parties may use WordPress to create phishing pages, which allow them to easily distribute malware.

Solution

Prevention and mitigation tactics for phishing attacks will largely depend on the form it takes. With administrator scams, the standard protocol for avoiding phishing applies: don't respond to anything from unfamiliar senders or click links to unknown URLs. Password reset emails, in particular, should be cause for alarm.

Efforts to pinpoint and remove phishing pages may prove more frustrating, as these are often difficult to detect. This typically requires a thorough inspection of your website's code to reveal which pages are genuine and which have been mimicked. Don't forget to complete backups, as the very process of removing phishing pages can compromise the code.

11. Poor hosting

Your hosting environment plays a huge role in the overall security of your WordPress site, and yet, if you're like many administrators, you pay little mind to this important consideration. While no environment is completely safe, some hosting solutions are far more secure than others. Shared hosting, in particular, could be risky, as you cannot rely on other websites to achieve adequate protection. Unfortunately, once malicious players gain access to a shared environment, it's easy for other websites to fall victim.

Solution

We cannot overstate the importance of strategic hosting selection. While shared hosting may sometimes prove necessary, you can improve your site's security by selecting a highly reputable option.

12. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

Sometimes referred to as session riding, cross-site request forgery (CSRF) tricks users into performing unwanted actions. For individual users, this could mean being duped into sending money or sharing password information. In other cases, entire applications may be at risk if administrative accounts are targeted. Attackers tend to send links via chat messages or emails, all the while impersonating real users or administrators.

Solution

Preventative efforts typically center around CSRF tokens, which are unique for each user session and incredibly difficult to guess. Produced by the application but shared with the client, this helps application servers verify whether requests are legitimately created. Education and security training are also important, given the strong role that social engineering plays in CSRF attacks.

13. File inclusion attacks

File inclusion attacks are cyberattacks exploiting vulnerabilities in web apps to execute malicious code by including sensitive files like system files or scripts, leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or server command execution. Two main types exist: Local File Inclusion (LFI), involving server file system files, and Remote File Inclusion (RFI), involving files from remote servers. These attacks pose serious security risks to web apps and servers.

Solution

Implement strict input validation and sanitization measures to ensure that only authorized file paths can be included. Additionally, using a whitelist approach to specify allowed file paths can help mitigate the risk of including unauthorized files. Another important measure is to apply proper file permissions to restrict access to sensitive files and directories. Regularly updating and patching your web application to address known vulnerabilities is also essential for preventing file inclusion attacks.

14. Unauthenticated AJAX attacks

AJAX (i.e. Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) is a web development technique for creating interactive web apps that can exchange data with a server without disrupting page loading. In WordPress, AJAX is commonly used to handle tasks like data submission and retrieval in the background, from powering infinite scrolling to enabling instant search features on e-commerce websites. However, without the right security measures and user authentication in place, hackers can exploit AJAX to access sensitive information stored in the website's database.

Solution

Robust security measures like authentication, authorization, and input validation are essential to prevent attackers from exploiting AJAX actions. These ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive database information, while input validation helps filter and sanitize user input to prevent injection attacks. As an added layer of protection, encrypting sensitive data will make it unreadable to unauthorized parties.

Best practices for WordPress security

Knowledge is the first step to protecting your WordPress site. Once you're aware of all the risks your site faces, you'll be better positioned to implement a layered security strategy. These best practices can help you avoid many of the issues we've discussed while also providing much-needed peace of mind.

Using secure hosting providers

Selecting a hosting provider is never easy — but if you focus on price alone, you'll be doing yourself a major disservice. Examine reviews and search for signs of security issues faced by other website administrators. Opt for a dedicated server when possible, or vet extra carefully if you need to move forward with shared hosting.

Avoiding insecure third-party services

The use of third-party services and integrations in WordPress is common for adding new functionality. However, connecting your website with insecure services can potentially introduce vulnerabilities. For example, a third-party service offering an unsecured API can be exploited by hackers to inject malicious code or steal data. They're also notorious for their low-security standards that may compromise your admin credentials, potentially granting attackers access to your entire website.

Limiting user access and permissions

The aforementioned rule of least privilege reduces the number of avenues hackers can use to gain access to your site. In all likelihood, the vast majority of users do not require high-level privileges. For WordPress, this could mean carefully designating roles such as author, editor, or administrator. This principle doesn't merely apply to users; it's also a useful strategy for entire applications and processes.

Enforcing SSL encryption

SSL certificates provide powerful protection as data moves between sites and servers. This, in turn, makes it possible to achieve an encrypted connection. As a result, malicious parties will find it more difficult to intercept vulnerable data. Strategic SSL selection is important, however, as not all SSL certificates are made equal.

Upon implementing SSL, your site should shift to HTTPS. The authorities that issue these certificates must be recognized, and the certificates themselves should be current.

Monitoring website activity regularly

As we've mentioned, monitoring can reveal when DDoS attacks are underway and may also pinpoint other potential dangers. With continuous monitoring in place, you can feel confident that you'll receive an alert as soon as any vulnerabilities or signs of attack are detected. From there, you can rely on automated security solutions to fix these issues before they cause widespread damage.

Educating and implementing security policies

You might be confident in your security strategy, but do other users recognize where the greatest hazards exist? If they aren't properly educated on security protocol, they could expose your site to greater risk by using weak passwords, falling for phishing scams, or succumbing to CSRF.

WordPress.org is a great resource and provides support to keep WordPress sites secure, from regular updates to the WordPress core, themes, and plugins to patch security vulnerabilities. They also offer documentation, best practices, forums, and community support to educate users on their platform's cybersecurity.

Educate users about today's most alarming security concerns and implement strict policies to ensure that they take every protective measure available. Password policies, above all else, need to be strict, as this is one of the greatest shortcomings users will exhibit.

Consider a WordPress security service

While the strategies highlighted above can provide valuable protection, they may also prove difficult and time-consuming to implement. Streamline the process with a dedicated WordPress security service. Designed to address a wide range of security concerns, this solution can find and fix threats, while you focus on other aspects of designing and maintaining your WordPress site.

Secure your WordPress site with SiteLock

Your WordPress site is vulnerable by nature, but the right security solution can provide crucial protection against a vast range of threats. When in doubt, look to SiteLock to implement a robust security strategy. Offering automated solutions, we're here to boost security, performance, and even SEO for your WordPress site.

WordPress security made easy

A better alternative to WordPress security plugins, our services provide superior security strategies but don't use your resources or expose you to new threats. Plugin-based solutions can prompt significant performance degradations and may require manual upgrades. Skip these concerns and opt for a comprehensive security solution from SiteLock.

Layered security is the name of the game at SiteLock. We're pleased to provide the following essentials:

• Malware scanning and removal
• Automated patching for WordPress
• Web application firewall
• Content delivery network
• DDoS protection
• Blacklist monitoring

Ready to get started? Check out our security plans, which are designed to meet the unique needs of many types of WordPress administrators. Get in touch today to learn more.