WordPress Under Attack: 12 Real Threats and How to Defend Against Them

Introduction

WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it a lucrative target for hackers. While it’s secure out of the box, vulnerabilities often arise from outdated plugins, misconfigurations, and weak hosting environments. In this guide, we’ll explore the top WordPress attacks in 2025 and share a practical hardening recipe—including modern defenses beyond your server.

1. Brute Force Login Attacks

This type of attack happens when hackers use automated bots to try thousands (or even millions) of username and password combinations to break into your WordPress site. They usually target the default login page (wp-login.php) or the XML-RPC API (xmlrpc.php). If you’re using a weak password like “admin123” or “password”, these bots can easily guess it and gain full access to your site.

Think of it like someone standing at your door with a robot trying every possible key until one fits, to mitigate this –

Enable 2FA using plugins like WP 2FA or Wordfence.
Rename or protect login URL with WPS Hide Login.
Limit login attempts via Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.
Block XML-RPC unless required: phpCopyEditadd_filter('xmlrpc_enabled', '__return_false');

2. SQL Injection (SQLi)

Hackers trick your website into running unwanted database commands. For example, instead of just searching for “blog posts,” they might sneak in code that says “delete all users.” If your site doesn’t clean (sanitize) what people type in, that code could actually run.

Imagine someone slipping a dangerous command into a search box — and your site obeying it blindly.

Always use well-maintained plugins/themes.
Use prepared statements in custom code.
Enable WAF rules (e.g., Cloudflare’s managed ruleset).

3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

This happens when attackers inject harmful JavaScript code into parts of your site — like a blog comment. When other users view that page, the code runs in their browsers. It can steal login cookies or redirect users to scam sites.

Think of it as someone writing a booby-trapped note on your blog, and anyone who reads it gets hit.

Validate and sanitize all user inputs.
Use plugins that escape output properly.
Set Content Security Policy (CSP) headers.
Use Wordfence or similar scanners.

4. Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

This attack tricks logged-in users into doing things they didn’t mean to — like changing their password or deleting content — just by visiting a malicious website while still logged into yours. Imagine clicking a harmless-looking link that secretly tells your site: “Delete my account!”, to take care of it

Use nonces in form actions.
Verify HTTP referrer and origin headers.
Keep plugins/themes updated.

5. File Inclusion Vulnerabilities

Hackers try to load and run unauthorized files on your server. These files can be anything — like a hidden backdoor or a malware script. It often happens in plugins that allow uploading or referencing external files. It’s like giving someone permission to upload a file — and they sneak in a virus instead.

Disable allow_url_include and allow_url_fopen in php.ini.
Avoid untrusted plugins.
Disable dangerous PHP functions: iniCopyEditdisable_functions = exec,passthru,shell_exec,system

6. Malware Injection

In this attack, hackers sneak malicious code or files into your WordPress site. This code might redirect your visitors to shady websites, add spammy links, or create hidden admin accounts. Often, it’s done through vulnerable plugins or weak passwords. Assume it like someone planting a hidden trapdoor in your house — and using it whenever they want to sneak in.

Scan with Wordfence, Sucuri, or MalCare.
Disable file editing: phpCopyEditdefine('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);
Enforce strong file permissions: bashCopyEditfind . -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \; find . -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;

7. Outdated Plugins & Themes

Plugins and themes that aren’t updated can have known vulnerabilities. Hackers scan the internet looking for sites using old versions and exploit those flaws to break in. It’s like leaving your windows open because you forgot to upgrade to shatterproof glass — and thieves already know how to get in. In order to keep it maintained

Use auto-updates or ManageWP for central updates.
Remove unused plugins/themes.
Use only actively maintained plugins from trusted sources.

8. Privilege Escalation

Sometimes attackers find a way to increase their access level on your site. For example, they might start as a basic subscriber but trick the system into making them an admin — giving them full control. Imagine someone sneaking past the front desk and ending up with the keys to the entire building.

Audit roles and capabilities.
Use plugins like User Role Editor to lock permissions.
Restrict admin access by IP if possible.

9. Directory Traversal

This attack tricks your website into exposing hidden or sensitive files by manipulating file paths (like ../../wp-config.php). It can let hackers access configuration files or even system-level data. It is like someone finding their way into locked filing cabinets by taking shortcuts through the building’s ventilation.

Nginx/AWS WAF rules to block patterns like ../.
Sanitize input on all custom file functions.
Use ModSecurity or Cloudflare custom rules.

10. REST API Abuse

The WordPress REST API allows access to your site’s data (like posts and users) from other systems. If not properly protected, attackers can use it to gather usernames, modify content, or flood your site with fake data. It’s like an open window with no screen — useful for fresh air, but also easy for bugs to fly in.

Limit API access using plugins like Disable REST API.
Block unauthenticated endpoints unless needed.

11. Spam & Comment Injection

Bots and bad actors flood your comment sections or contact forms with unwanted ads, malicious links, or fake messages. This can harm your SEO, annoy users, and even get your site flagged by search engines. Think of it like someone plastering flyers all over your storefront — some with scam links that hurt your reputation.

Use Akismet Anti-Spam.
Enable CAPTCHA with reCAPTCHA by BestWebSoft.
Disable comments if unused or have the admin to review it.
Use a batch comment management plugins for easy approval or removal.

12. Search Engine Poisoning

This attack quietly inserts spammy or malicious content into your site — like hidden links or redirects to gambling, adult, or scam websites. It’s designed to hijack your SEO traffic or damage your credibility with search engines. It’s like someone hacking your billboard so it advertises their scam instead of your business — and your customers don’t even realize what’s happening.

Monitor file changes.
Regularly scan for hidden JavaScript or <a> tags in posts/pages.
Use Google Search Console and security plugins.

Server-Side Hardening

Nginx Recommendations:

server_tokens off;

location ~* /(xmlrpc\.php|readme\.html|license\.txt) {
    deny all;
}

location = /wp-config.php {
    deny all;
}

PHP (php.ini)

expose_php = Off
display_errors = Off
log_errors = On

MySQL Basic Hardening –

No remote access for root
Use strong passwords
Minimum required privileges for the WordPress DB user

Network-Level Protection using Cloudflare

How CloudFlare helps with WordPress?

DDoS protection
WAF (WordPress-specific ruleset)
Bot management using reCaptcha
Rate limiting for login pages
Automatic HTTPS with HSTS
Page Rules to protect /wp-login.php, /xmlrpc.php, and wp-admin

Recommended Cloudflare Page Rules –

URL Pattern	Setting
`yourdomain.com/wp-login.php`	Security Level: High, Cache: Bypass
`yourdomain.com/xmlrpc.php`	Disable, or set WAF rule
`yourdomain.com/wp-admin`	Cache Level: Bypass

Bonus Hardening Tips

Use a Web Application Firewall to enforce bot checks(Cloudflare, Sucuri, or Wordfence Premium).
Enable automatic backups to a remote location to a object storage service for files and databse dumps.
Enable two-factor authentication for all admins, WordFence is my personal favourite to start with.
Enforce SSL everywhere.
Use tools like WPScan, MalCare, or Jetpack Protect for regular audits.

Conclusion

WordPress security in 2025 isn’t just about firewalls or hiding login pages. It’s a layered defense strategy—covering application, server, and network levels. With smart hardening and tools like Cloudflare, you can protect your WordPress site from even the most sophisticated attacks.

Here’s a table of major real-life WordPress-related breaches, including key details.

Incident	Year	Affected	Root Cause	What Was Compromised	Key Lessons
Panama Papers	2016	Mossack Fonseca	Outdated Slider Revolution plugin	11.5M files, 2.6TB of confidential data	Update plugins, limit upload rights, patch zero-days
GoDaddy Breach	2021	1.2M+ users	Compromised provisioning system credentials	Emails, admin passwords, sFTP, SSL keys	Don’t store plaintext passwords, audit access
WP GDPR Compliance Plugin	2018	~100K+ sites	Vulnerable plugin used for privilege escalation	Admin access for unauthorized users	Use trusted plugins, apply principle of least privilege
Display Widgets Plugin Backdoor	2017	~200K+ sites	Purchased plugin was modified with malware	Created spammy pages and injected malicious links	Vet plugin authors, monitor installed plugins
KingComposer XSS Flaw	2020	Unspecified	Improper sanitization in page builder plugin	Potential takeover of admin sessions	Validate all user input, use secure coding practices
ThemeGrill Demo Importer	2020	~200K+ sites	Insecure REST API route allowed site reset	Complete site data wipe	Disable unused features, lock REST API endpoints