WordPress operates more than 40% of websites. Due to its widespread use, hackers often target it. Researchers found around 8,000 new vulnerabilities in the WordPress ecosystem in 2024. Of these, 96% affected plugins, and only a small fraction impacted the core software.
These flaws may result in security breaches, site vandalism, or illegal access. Weak passwords, obsolete WordPress plugins, and insecure themes are common reasons. Regularly scanning your WordPress site for vulnerabilities is essential to maintain its security.
One effective method is to run WordPress locally using VirtualBox. This approach allows you to test updates, assess WordPress addons, and identify potential threats without jeopardizing your live site.
In this guide, we’ll analyze how to scan vulnerabilities on WordPress using VirtualBox. You’ll learn to set up a secure environment, utilize essential WordPress tools, and ensure your site remains protected.
Why Scan for Vulnerabilities on WordPress Using VirtualBox?
Cyberattacks are growing fast. In 2023, manufacturing took the biggest hit, facing nearly 25% of all attacks across major industries. The finance and insurance sector followed at 18%, while professional and business services made up another 15.4%. Even the healthcare industry was affected, showing that no field is safe anymore.
Now think about your set up WordPress site. It’s part of the world’s most-used content platform. That makes it a common target for automated bots, data theft, and plugin-based vulnerabilities. Running scans is not just a tech task, it’s the simplest way to protect your work and stay ahead of threats.
1. Keep Your Real System Safe
Using VirtualBox lets you scan your WordPress install in a safe zone. It acts like a second computer inside yours. Any problems or bugs found during testing stay inside the virtual space. Your central system won’t be touched.
2. No Extra Costs
VirtualBox is free and works on most operating systems. You don’t need to rent cloud servers or buy expensive software. Just install, set it up, and scan. That makes it a smart pick for anyone managing a website WordPress on a tight budget.
3. Spot Threats in Themes and Addons
Trying new WordPress addons or custom themes from outside the WordPress marketplace can be risky. They might carry malware or poorly written code. VirtualBox gives you a test space to scan and verify them before using them on your live site.
4. Test Safely Before Going Live
Want to update a WordPress install, WordPress marketplace theme, or plugin? Try it first in the virtual setup. This lets you catch bugs or slowdowns early.
Planning to add new WordPress tools or change core files? A test scan can reveal conflicts or performance issues before they occur. This means less downtime and fewer support headaches.
5. Learn While You Secure
Virtual scanning isn’t just for protection, it helps you grow your skills. You can try updates, break things, and fix them. That teaches you how to manage your WordPress setup and identify what makes a site strong or weak.
Learning how to scan vulnerabilities on WordPress using VirtualBox keeps you in control. You won’t need to guess what’s safe. You’ll know.
Pro tip: Always scan before adding new tools or themes, even if they seem trustworthy.
What Do You need to Scan Vulnerabilities on WordPress?
Here is what you need to get started:
System Requirements
- A computer with at least 8 GB of RAM.
- Minimum 30 GB of free disk space.
- Reliable internet connection for downloads and updates.
Software
- VirtualBox (free virtualization software).
- ISO image for Linux (Kali Linux or Ubuntu).
- WordPress install package.
Tools to Use Inside VirtualBox
- WPScan for scanning WordPress vulnerabilities.
- Nikto for web server scanning.
- Other tools, such as Burp Suite or Metasploit (optional for advanced scanning).
This setup makes it easier to learn how to scan vulnerabilities on WordPress using VirtualBox. You don’t need to risk your live site to do it.
Scanning Vulnerabilities On WordPress Using VirtualBox: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s take a quick look at how you can scan vulnerabilities using VirtualBox, a virtual machine that isolates your WordPress installation for secure testing.
How to scan vulnerabilities on WordPress using VirtualBox?
Scanning for vulnerabilities within your WordPress site is an essential step for maintaining security. Once you install VirtualBox, your WordPress installation runs locally, allowing you to examine security issues before launching your website. Such a method enables you to perform risk assessment within a protected space that does not impact your active site.
Step 1: Set Up VirtualBox for WordPress Testing
You must establish a WordPress site within VirtualBox before starting the vulnerability checks. Your first step should be to download and install VirtualBox on your computer system. You need to set up a virtual machine that allows you to install WordPress. Using this approach, you can access WordPress locally, which protects your active online site from testing-related damage.
Use the desired WordPress installation method to WordPress set up on your prepared virtual machine. Moving forward you can test the security of your WordPress web platform after finishing its installation phase.
Step 2: Install WordPress Plugins for Vulnerability Scanning
Security-related WordPress plugins are available for installation to detect system weaknesses. WordPress plugins have built-in features to identify common security threats, including outdated plugins, weak passwords, and publicly accessible directory content. The WordPress marketplace enables you to install these security add-ons properly to obtain updated protective features.
By using sustainable web design concepts, scanning becomes even more efficient. This entails keeping plugins and themes minimal, streamlining code, and eliminating bloat, actions that decrease attack surfaces and improve speed. Secure code is better for your site’s long-term security than it is for performance.
Step 3: Run Security Scans on Your WordPress Site
You can start the security scan after your WordPress installation is complete, with its theme and plugins ready. Your WordPress plugins offer a full site scanning capability. Ensure you investigate outdated system software in addition to assessing weak configuration parameters and malicious code that may threaten your WordPress site.
Step 4: Fix Vulnerabilities Found on Your WordPress Site
Check all detected vulnerabilities following the vulnerability scan. Constantly update WordPress plugins and themes to the newest available versions. Your WordPress installation needs security protection, which you can achieve by modifying settings and removing all unnecessary plugins or themes to prevent vulnerability exposure.
Step 5: Test Again After Making Changes
After applying the necessary fixes, it’s a good idea to rerun the scan to ensure that your WordPress website is secure. Always keep WordPress support in mind for any technical help you might need during this process. Ensuring your website WordPress setup is secure can help prevent future vulnerabilities.
How to scan vulnerabilities on WordPress using VirtualBox is a straightforward way to test your WordPress site’s security. By following these steps, you can run your WordPress locally, monitor for issues, and fix them safely.
Best Practices for Securing Your WordPress Site
Let’s have a look at Best Practices for Securing Your WordPress Site.
- Always keep WordPress plugins, themes, and WordPress tools updated. Old versions can open the door to attacks.
- Use trusted WordPress add-ons only. Avoid downloading from unknown sources or outside the WordPress marketplace.
- Scan your WordPress site regularly, especially before uploading to a live server.
- Set strong passwords for your WordPress install and user accounts. Weak passwords are easy targets.
- When you set up a WordPress website, choose a secure theme. A well-coded WordPress theme helps reduce risk.
- Remove unused WordPress plugins and themes. Extra files increase your chances of getting hacked.
- Limit access to your WordPress website. Only give admin rights to trusted users.
- If you’re using a headless WordPress setup, make sure your REST API endpoints are protected. Disable unused endpoints and authenticate every request to reduce exposure.
Knowing how to scan vulnerabilities on WordPress using VirtualBox gives you more control over your security. You can test changes safely before going live with a WordPress site.
FAQs
What Are the Vulnerabilities of WordPress?
Hackers target old WordPress plugins and themes. Weak passwords are also risky.
How to Scan A Website for Vulnerabilities Using Burp Scanner?
Open Burp. Visit your WordPress site in the browser. Start the scan. It checks for weak spots.
Is It Illegal to Scan A Website for Vulnerabilities?
Yes, if it’s not yours. Only scan when you have permission.
Is Burp Scanner Free?
There’s a free version. It has basic tools. Paid one gives more features.
How Many Times Has WordPress Been Hacked?
It happens often. Most hacks come from a weak setup and no updates.
Is WordPress Safe and Secure?
Yes, when used right. Keep your WordPress tools updated. Scan often.
Which of the Following Is A Standard WordPress Security Issue?
Old files and risky plugins. They open the door for attacks.
Final Vredict
Learning how to scan vulnerabilities on WordPress using VirtualBox helps you spot risks before they hit your live site. It’s a free and innovative way to test updates, scan WordPress plugins, and keep your site safe. You don’t need to risk anything. Run WordPress locally, scan in a safe space, and fix issues fast. This keeps your WordPress site secure and running smoothly. One small step today can prevent significant damage tomorrow. Always scan first.