WordPress 4.3.5 is an older version of the popular website platform that powers millions of sites worldwide. While it served many websites well when released, security researchers have since discovered vulnerabilities that put sites at risk. Currently, only 4 websites are still using this outdated version, but if yours is one of them, immediate action is needed.
Our security team has identified 6 vulnerabilities in WordPress 4.3.5, including 2 high-severity issues and 4 medium-severity ones. These vulnerabilities affect popular plugins and could allow attackers to upload malicious files, steal data, or take control of your website. This guide will help you understand these risks and take steps to secure your site.
If you're unsure whether your WordPress installation is vulnerable, SiteRecipe.com's security scanner can identify all potential threats in minutes. Let's explore what you need to know and how to fix these issues.
WordPress 4.3.5 is an older release of WordPress, the content management system used to build and manage websites. Think of it as the 'backbone' of your site—it handles everything from displaying your content to managing user accounts and plugins. This particular version was released several years ago and is no longer receiving regular security updates from the WordPress team.
When WordPress versions become outdated, they're more likely to have unpatched security holes. Plugins (small software add-ons that add features to your site) built for older WordPress versions can also contain vulnerabilities. The combination of an outdated core system and potentially vulnerable plugins creates a perfect storm for cybercriminals looking to compromise websites. This is why updating WordPress regularly is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your site.
6 CVEs found. The most critical are explained below.
The Essential Real Estate plugin has a security weakness that allows people with basic user accounts to upload files that shouldn't be allowed. An attacker could upload malicious files to your server, potentially taking control of your website.
Impact: Hackers could upload harmful files that give them access to your entire website, steal customer data, or deface your pages.
↗ View on NVDThe Simple Membership plugin doesn't properly filter user input in one of its features, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into your website. Anyone can exploit this without needing a user account.
Impact: Attackers could inject code that steals visitor data, redirects users to malicious sites, or spreads malware through your website.
↗ View on NVDThe CoolClock plugin has a flaw where even users with basic contributor permissions can inject harmful code into your website content. This code would affect all visitors who view that content.
Impact: Low-level users could compromise your website's security and damage your reputation by injecting malicious content.
↗ View on NVDThe Floating Social Media Icon plugin has a vulnerability in its settings that allows admin users to accidentally or maliciously inject harmful code into your website.
Impact: If an admin account is compromised, an attacker could inject code that affects all your website visitors.
↗ View on NVDThe Popup Builder plugin has a weakness in its settings panel that allows administrator-level users to inject malicious code, even with standard security restrictions in place.
Impact: Compromised admin accounts could inject harmful code affecting all visitors, especially problematic on multi-site installations.
↗ View on NVDThe LearnPress course plugin has a flaw in its payment system that allows attackers to manipulate course payments through the site's API. Students could potentially access paid courses without paying.
Impact: You could lose course revenue as attackers gain unauthorized access to paid content without completing payment.
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WordPress 4.3.5 poses serious security risks to your website and visitor data. The 6 vulnerabilities we've discussed—including arbitrary file uploads and cross-site scripting attacks—are actively exploited by cybercriminals. Updating to the latest WordPress version and keeping all plugins current is not optional; it's essential for protecting your business and reputation.
Don't wait for an attack to happen. Use SiteRecipe.com's comprehensive security scanning tools to identify vulnerabilities across your entire WordPress installation in seconds. Our platform will show you exactly what needs to be fixed, prioritize threats by severity, and guide you through the update process. Secure your site today and gain peace of mind knowing your website and customer data are protected.
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