Outdated CMS Plugins: A Hidden Danger for Websites in 2025 & Beyond

Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress and Drupal are popular among website owners due to their flexibility and ease of use. However, these platforms can also present significant security risks, particularly when plugins and themes are not regularly updated to newer versions. CMS websites are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, with non-CMS sites also facing a growing number of security issues.

As cyber threats evolve, keeping CMS plugins up to date is more critical than ever. Let’s dive into why CMS websites are prime targets for cyberattacks, how outdated plugins can compromise security, user experience, and SEO rankings, and how SiteLock can help protect against these risks.

Why Are CMS Websites Vulnerable?

CMS platforms allow users to customize their websites through various plugins and themes, offering enhanced functionality without the need for coding expertise. However, this flexibility comes at a cost. Each additional plugin or theme creates a potential entry point for cybercriminals.

A concerning trend in 2024, and sure to continue throughout 2025, is the prevalence of websites running outdated versions of CMS software, making them easy targets for exploitation. Additionally, limitations in data collection methodologies mean that accurately assessing how many WordPress sites are truly up-to-date is challenging. Keeping plugins current is not just a best practice—it’s a necessity for website security.

What Can Outdated Plugins Do to Your Website?

Outdated plugins pose a substantial threat to website security, user experience, and search engine rankings. Many website owners underestimate the risks of leaving plugins unpatched, assuming their site is too small to be targeted or that a minor delay in updates won’t cause harm. However, hackers actively scan the internet for known vulnerabilities in outdated plugins, making any unpatched site a potential target.

Even neglecting to update a single plugin can introduce security vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, or spread malware. With millions of websites relying on CMS platforms, these security gaps have a massive potential impact, affecting businesses, users, and overall trust in online platforms.

Below, we break down the key dangers of outdated plugins and why regular updates are essential for maintaining a secure, high-performing website.

Security Risks and Cyber Threats

An outdated plugin is often the weakest link in your website’s security. When developers stop maintaining a plugin, known vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making it an easy target for cybercriminals. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to:

• Gain unauthorized access to your website and compromise admin privileges and permissions.

• Exploit security loopholes to inject malware, leading to site defacements or data breaches.

• Steal user data, leading to legal and compliance issues (e.g., GDPR violations).

Hackers don’t need to discover new vulnerabilities themselves—they simply exploit publicly disclosed flaws in outdated plugins. If a plugin has been abandoned, it’s only a matter of time before malicious actors take advantage of it.

Website Performance and User Experience Issues

Outdated plugins can break website functionality, leading to frustrating user experiences and potential loss of visitors. Some common issues include:

• Incompatibility with the latest CMS versions, leading to broken features.

• Slow website load times, frustrating users and increasing bounce rates.

• Broken links and forms, making it difficult for visitors to engage with your content.

Poor user experience not only affects engagement but can also damage trust. Visitors encountering a sluggish or broken site are less likely to return, reducing long-term retention and revenue.

Negative SEO Impact

Search engines prioritize secure, well-functioning websites. If outdated plugins introduce security risks or performance issues, your SEO rankings could suffer in multiple ways:

• Losing search rankings due to security warnings.

• Experiencing lower organic traffic from search engines like Google.

• Getting blacklisted if malware is detected.

The Misconception About Search Engine Detection

Many website owners mistakenly believe that search engines will notify them of security issues. However, search engines are not a reliable safety net. Without comprehensive blacklisting data, it’s impossible to depend on search engines for timely alerts about malware infections.

Proactive monitoring and security measures are the only way to safeguard your website from cyber threats.

How to Check If a Plugin Is Outdated

Before a plugin causes issues, you must determine whether it is still actively maintained and compatible with the latest version of your CMS. Many website owners continue using outdated plugins, assuming that if their site still functions, there’s no immediate danger. However, a plugin can become a security risk long before it starts visibly breaking your site.

It’s recommended to regularly audit all installed plugins to make sure they are actively maintained and up to date. Here are the key steps to check if a plugin is outdated:

• Check the Last Update Date: Most CMS platforms, including WordPress, display the last update date of each plugin. If a plugin hasn’t been updated in over a year, it may no longer be actively maintained.

• Verify Compatibility with the Latest CMS Version: Plugins should be compatible with the most recent version of your CMS. On WordPress, the plugin page will often indicate which version of WordPress it was last tested with. If a plugin hasn’t been tested for multiple major CMS updates, it could introduce security risks.

• Look for Plugin Warnings in the CMS Directory: Many CMS directories, including the WordPress Plugin Repository, provide warnings when a plugin hasn’t been tested with recent versions. These warnings might say, “This plugin has not been tested with your version of WordPress” or “This plugin has not been updated in X years and may no longer be maintained.”

• Read Recent User Reviews and Support Forums: Even if a plugin appears to be working fine, check user reviews and support forums to see if others are reporting security vulnerabilities, broken functionality, or lack of developer response.

• Confirm Licensing and Developer Activity: For premium plugins, verify that your license is still active and that the developer is still providing security updates and new versions of the plugin. Some plugins lose support when the developer discontinues the product, leaving your site exposed.

How to Keep Your CMS Plugins Up-to-Date

To prevent security risks and ensure your website runs smoothly, follow these best practices for updating CMS plugins:

1. Set Up Automatic Updates

Most CMS platforms allow automatic updates for core software and plugins. Enabling automatic updates for trusted, well-maintained plugins ensures that you receive not only new features but also critical security patches as soon as they are released. However, for plugins that significantly impact website functionality, consider testing updates on a staging site before deploying them live.

2. Regularly Audit Installed Plugins

Even if your website is functioning properly, some plugins may be outdated or abandoned without your knowledge. Make it a habit to:

• Review your plugin list at least once a month to check for outdated or inactive plugins.

• Remove plugins you no longer use, as inactive plugins can still present security risks.

• Replace outdated plugins with actively maintained alternatives.

3. Use a Plugin Management Tool

If you manage multiple plugins across one or more websites, keeping track of updates manually can become overwhelming. A plugin management system is a user-friendly tool that allows you to view all installed plugins in one place and streamlines the update process.

4. Always Backup Before Updating

Before applying updates, especially for mission-critical plugins, create a full website backup. This ensures that if an update causes compatibility issues or breaks functionality, you can easily restore a working version of your site.

How to Replace Defunct Plugins with Safer Alternatives

If a plugin you rely on is no longer maintained, it becomes a security risk and should be replaced immediately. Follow these steps to find a secure, actively maintained alternative:

1. Search for an actively maintained alternative – Look for plugins in your CMS's official plugin directory that are regularly updated and compatible with the latest version.

2. Check reviews and support forums – Ensure other users have had a positive experience and that the developer actively maintains the plugin.

3. Test the new plugin on a staging site – Verify that the replacement plugin works properly and does not cause conflicts before deploying it live.

4. Hire a developer if no alternative exists – Some features may need to be custom-built to maintain security and functionality.

How SiteLock Provides Comprehensive Protection

SiteLock delivers a complete suite of security solutions tailored to the needs of CMS users. Our Web Application Firewall (WAF) blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your site, while daily malware scanning and automated vulnerability patching help keep your plugins and themes secure.

With SiteLock, you don’t have to worry about outdated software exposing your website to attacks. Our automated tools ensure your CMS remains up-to-date, significantly reducing the risk of an attack and safeguarding your website’s integrity.

For Agencies and Web Hosts

If you're an agency or web host looking to protect your customers' websites, consider partnering with SiteLock. By offering our security solutions, you can provide your clients with robust protection against cyber threats. Learn more about our partnership opportunities today.

Stay Secure with SiteLock’s Comprehensive Protection

While CMS platforms offer tremendous value to website owners, they also come with inherent security risks. Throughout 2025, cyber threats will become more sophisticated, making proactive security measures more important than ever.

By updating plugins, replacing defunct plugins, and using comprehensive website security solutions from a trusted provider like SiteLock, you can protect your website, your visitors, and your business. Stay proactive, keep your website secure, and don’t let outdated plugins become a hidden danger. With SiteLock, you’re equipped to protect your website against evolving threats and ensure your online presence remains safe.