How do WordPress sites get hacked?

Since WordPress is a widely used platform, it often becomes a target for hackers. Their attacks are facilitated by the high number of outdated WordPress installations and outdated plugins and themes. These old versions of WordPress components contain vulnerabilities and security weaknesses that can be exploited.

The scanner connects to the target WordPress website and does a series of passive checks to identify the WordPress version, plugins, themes and users.By analyzing the HTML source code and the HTTP headers, WPScan manages to extract all the necessary information to perform the assessment. The vulnerabilities presented are determined based on the specific versions of Wordpress or plugins/themes that have been identified.The tool has also a database of WordPress vulnerabilities which is maintained and updated periodically.

A WordPress hack often starts by identifying which version of WordPress is running and what are the installed plugins and themes. The next step is to fingerprint the running versions of those components and to search for public vulnerabilities affecting them. A lot of public exploits are also available online.



For instance, a well known WordPress plugin called Revolution Slider is affected by multiple high risk vulnerabilities in some of its older versions.



Versions <= 4.1.4 of this plugin are affected by an Arbitrary File Download vulnerability which allows an attacker to download any file from the server (including php configuration files, database files, etc) by accessing a link such as: http://vulnerable_wordpress.xx/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=revslider_show_image&img=../wp-config.php

of this plugin are affected by an Arbitrary File Download vulnerability which allows an attacker to download any file from the server (including php configuration files, database files, etc) by accessing a link such as: Versions <= 3.0.95 of this plugin allow hackers to upload arbitrary files on the server including PHP shell files. The result of such an action is taking total control of the web server.

These hacks can be prevented by periodically scanning the WordPress installation using a tool such as our WordPress vulnerability scanner and identifying vulnerable components. These must be updated and the WordPress installation becomes a secure and trustful.