Top 6 WordPress Attacks and How to Safeguard Your Site

For anyone running a WordPress site, security is a top priority. A successful attack can lead to serious issues like data leaks, legal penalties, and damage to your reputation – not to mention the growing threat of ransomware. 

We’re going to explore the 6 most common types of attacks on WordPress sites, identify the vulnerabilities that make them possible, and show you some practical steps to keep your site safe. 

Ready? Let’s get started. 

6 common WordPress site attacks

1. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is one of the most common and harmful attacks targeting WordPress sites. In fact, XSS accounted for 53.3% of all newly identified security vulnerabilities within the WordPress ecosystem, showing just how widespread and dangerous this threat is.

For instance, an attacker might post on a forum that doesn’t validate submissions. This post could contain a script that, when viewed, captures the user’s cookies and sends them to the attacker, allowing them to impersonate the user or perform social engineering attacks.

To guard against XSS, developers should always validate and sanitise user inputs to ensure only safe data is processed.

2. SQL injection

SQL injection (SQLi) attacks target your WordPress site’s database by inserting malicious SQL queries into input fields processed by a site. These attacks exploit vulnerabilities in code which fails (as with XSS) to properly validate and sanitise user inputs.

For example, an attacker could use a vulnerable search bar or contact form to inject a query that gives them access to your database. This access can lead to data exposure, modification, or deletion.

To protect against SQL injection, developers should always validate and sanitise all input fields and use prepared statements for database interactions.

3. Phishing

Phishing attacks trick individuals into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details, by pretending to be a legitimate source. Common forms include email phishing, where fraudulent links lead to fake login pages, and malware phishing, which involves malicious attachments.

Phishing can also be more targeted, such as spear phishing and whaling, or use voice (vishing) and SMS (smishing) methods.

To defend against phishing, educate users to recognise suspicious messages and use two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.

4. DDoS attacks

Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks aim to overwhelm your WordPress site’s server with excessive traffic, causing it to slow down or crash. These attacks are often launched from a network of compromised devices, known as a botnet.

There are three main types of DDoS attacks:

• Application Layer Attacks overwhelm specific applications on your server.
• Volumetric Attacks flood the network with traffic.
• Protocol Attacks exploit server resources like firewalls.

Mitigate DDoS attacks by using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to identify and filter out malicious bot traffic.

5. Malware infections

Malware, a term derived from “malicious software”, includes various harmful programs designed to infiltrate and cause harm to your WordPress site and visitors. Types of malware include:

• Viruses, which replicate to spread infection.
• Trojans, which disguise themselves as legitimate software.
• Ransomware, used by attackers to encrypt data and force you to pay a ransom to unlock it.
• Spyware, designed to monitor user activity.
• Keyloggers to record keystrokes to capture sensitive information.
• Rootkits that provide remote control over your site.
• Adware to display unwanted ads.

Prevent malware by regularly updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins, and scanning your site for suspicious activity.

6. Brute force attacks

Brute force attacks involve systematically trying numerous combinations to guess login credentials or encryption keys. Attackers use automated tools to try millions of combinations, targeting weak or commonly used passwords.

To mitigate brute force attacks:

• Use strong passwords
• Implement rate limiting in order to restrict login attempts from a single IP address.
• Use 2FA for an extra layer of security
• Use security plugins like Shield Security PRO to limit login attempts and block suspicious IPs.

WordPress security vulnerabilities

As we’ve seen, WordPress sites face a range of security vulnerabilities that can compromise their integrity. These vulnerabilities can stem from various sources, including the core software, plugins, and themes, as well as the human element involved in site management.

The core WordPress software itself can have inherent vulnerabilities, particularly in early releases or versions that have reached their End-of-Life (EOL). These weaknesses are usually addressed in updates, so running outdated versions significantly increases your risk. Keeping your WordPress core up-to-date is essential when protecting your site from these vulnerabilities.

In addition to core software issues, plugins and themes are common sources of vulnerabilities. These add-ons can introduce security flaws, especially if they are outdated, abandoned, or not actively maintained. When plugins or themes are no longer supported, they may become targets for attackers. Therefore, it’s essential to use plugins and themes from reputable sources and ensure they are regularly updated.

Another significant risk comes from zero-day vulnerabilities. These are security flaws that are known to attackers but not yet patched by developers. Such vulnerabilities can be particularly hazardous if they affect plugins, themes, or even the core WordPress software that aren’t promptly updated. Staying vigilant for security patches and updates is crucial in mitigating these risks.

Perhaps the most pervasive risk comes from the human element, which makes up 88% of cybersecurity incidents. Mistakes like using weak passwords or falling for phishing scams can leave your site vulnerable. Social engineering attacks, such as phishing and malware, exploit human vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for strong security practices. Educating users about these risks, enforcing strong password policies, and implementing measures like 2FA can significantly bolster your site’s defences.

Recon techniques used by WordPress attackers

Attackers utilise various recon techniques to gather critical information about WordPress sites, which they use to more effectively exploit vulnerabilities..

Enumeration is a technique where attackers collect detailed information such as valid usernames, OS details, and network infrastructure. For instance, if an attacker discovers a valid username from a WordPress post, they might test it on the admin login page with a random password. An error message indicating an incorrect password (instead of an incorrect username) confirms the username is valid, providing a potential starting point for further attacks, like brute force.

Directory indexing exposes sensitive content if a site lacks an index.html file, revealing directory structures and potentially vulnerable files. This information can be exploited to access critical files, identify misconfigured permissions, or conduct attacks like Cross-Site Scripting. Open directories also negatively impact SEO by allowing unintended content to be indexed.

Bypassing firewalls involves exploiting weaknesses in WAFs. Many WAFs have limitations, such as insufficient default controls or restrictions on request sizes they can analyse. Attackers exploit these by crafting requests that evade detection. For instance, padding a request with extra data to exceed the WAF’s scanning limit can bypass security measures, allowing malicious payloads to reach the server.

Best practices for safeguarding your WordPress site

Securing your WordPress site is crucial to protect it from hackers and cyber threats.

We outline over 27 vulnerabilities for WordPress sites and how to address them, but we’ve highlighted some of the most important best practices below.

1. Implement a reliable firewall with tight controls

A WAF acts as a barrier between your site and potential threats. It monitors, filters, and blocks malicious traffic before it reaches your WordPress site.

Many hosting providers offer built-in firewalls, but a dedicated WAF, such as the one included in Shield Security PRO, offers more comprehensive protection. It can prevent exploits by filtering harmful traffic and blocking known attack patterns.

2. Keep your site updated

Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Ensure your WordPress core, themes, and plugins are always up-to-date.

Shield Security PRO facilitates this by providing options to delay updates while still protecting against known vulnerabilities. Regular updates help mitigate risks from outdated software.

3. Scan for malware regularly

Routine malware scans are critical for detecting and addressing threats that might have bypassed other security measures.

Shield Security PRO’s AI-powered malware scanner, MAL{ai}, identifies and removes malicious code effectively. Automated scans help maintain a clean site environment, allowing early detection and remediation of potential threats.

4. Create regular backups

Backups are a safety net in case your site gets compromised or attacked. Regularly create backups of your WordPress site, including databases and files, to ensure you have a fallback option if needed. Backup solutions should be stored off-site or in the cloud to ensure they are safe from the same attack that could compromise your site.

5. Use strong passwords and 2FA

Strong passwords and two-factor authentication add layers of security to your login process. Use complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Implementing 2FA, which requires an additional verification step beyond the password, significantly enhances security. Shield Security PRO supports various 2FA methods, including passkeys and phone app-based codes.

6. Limit login attempts

Limiting login attempts helps prevent brute force attacks, where hackers use automated tools to guess passwords. Set restrictions on the number of failed login attempts allowed before a user is temporarily locked out.

Shield Security PRO’s Brute Force Login Protection feature provides options to set login cooldown periods and block IPs that exhibit suspicious behaviour.

7. Restrict permissions and privileges

Implementing the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) ensures that users only have access to the features and data necessary for their role. By restricting permissions, you minimise the risk of a compromised account causing significant damage. Regularly review user roles and permissions to ensure they are appropriately set.

8. Validate and sanitise user input

Proper validation and sanitisation of user inputs prevent XSS attacks and code injections. Ensure that any data entered by users is cleaned and validated before processing or storing. This reduces the risk of malicious code being executed through user input fields.

9. Use a reliable security plugin

A security plugin, like Shield Security PRO, automates many of the tasks involved in securing your WordPress site. Plugins offer features such as malware scanning, firewall protection, and automated updates, reducing the need for custom code and ensuring solid security measures are in place.

How Shield Security PRO helps you prevent WordPress attacks

Shield Security PRO offers a comprehensive suite of features to bolster your WordPress site’s defences against cyber attacks:

• Bad bot blocking: Shield Security PRO identifies and blocks malicious bots, distinguishing them from legitimate traffic to reduce spam and attacks.
• WAF: The WAF shields your site from DDoS attacks, SQL injections, and other common threats by filtering malicious requests before they reach your server.
• 2FA: Adds an extra layer of security during login, making unauthorised access significantly more difficult.
• Update delay: This feature prevents vulnerabilities from being exploited by delaying updates until they have been thoroughly vetted.
• Malware scanner: Regular scans detect and address malicious code to prevent infections and maintain site integrity.
• Vulnerability scanner: Identifies weaknesses in your site’s setup, allowing you to fix them before attackers can exploit them.
• Abandoned plugin detection: Alerts you to outdated or unsupported plugins that could create security gaps.

Protect your WordPress site with Shield Security PRO

Understanding the common attack types and vulnerabilities that threaten your WordPress site is essential when maintaining its security. Attackers use various methods to identify and exploit weaknesses, so proactive protection is essential. Shield Security PRO offers unmatched features to protect your site against these threats, including advanced firewalls, real-time monitoring, and automated security fixes. By integrating Shield Security PRO into your WordPress site, you can significantly reduce the risk of attacks and ensure a safer online presence. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get started with Shield Security PRO today!