WordPress 4.3.6 is an older version of the world's most popular website builder, and it contains four medium-severity security vulnerabilities that could put your site at risk. If you're still running this version, it's critical to understand what threats you're facing and take action to protect your website. This guide breaks down each vulnerability in simple terms and shows you exactly what to do about it.
We've identified that at least 3 websites are currently running this outdated version, making them potential targets for attackers. The good news is that these vulnerabilities are fixable with the right steps, and we'll walk you through the process.
WordPress 4.3.6 is a version of WordPress released several years ago. WordPress is the software that powers over 40% of all websites on the internet—it's the platform you use to create and manage your website content without needing to write code. Think of it like the engine in your car; it runs in the background while you focus on creating great content.
This particular version (4.3.6) is quite outdated, and like older software of any kind, it has security gaps that have been discovered over time. Security vulnerabilities are weaknesses that hackers can exploit to access your website, steal data, or cause damage. The four vulnerabilities in version 4.3.6 relate to popular plugins (add-ons that extend WordPress functionality) and allow unauthorized access or data exposure if not addressed.
4 CVEs found. The most critical are explained below.
The Popup Box plugin has a security gap that allows anyone on the internet to view all your subscriber email addresses without logging in. This happens because the plugin doesn't check if someone has permission before showing this information.
Impact: Attackers can steal your entire email list and use it for spam, phishing, or selling to competitors. Your customer data is exposed to unauthorized access.
↗ View on NVDThe Popup Builder plugin's subscriber import feature has a flaw that allows unauthorized people to see sensitive subscriber information. Even though you imported the data securely, hackers can extract it afterwards.
Impact: Your customer and subscriber information could be stolen and misused for identity theft, spam campaigns, or sold on the dark web.
↗ View on NVDThe LearnPress learning management plugin has a flaw in how it handles certain requests that lets anyone extract sensitive data about your courses and students without permission.
Impact: Attackers can access student records, course content, and enrollment information. This violates privacy and could result in legal consequences.
↗ View on NVDThe XCloner backup plugin doesn't properly verify who's making changes to its settings. This means someone could reset your backup configuration and encryption keys without needing to log in.
Impact: Attackers can compromise your backup security, generate new encryption keys, and potentially access or corrupt your website backups, leaving you unable to recover from attacks.
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Running WordPress 4.3.6 puts your website at unnecessary risk. The four medium-severity vulnerabilities we've discussed can be exploited by attackers to access sensitive data or compromise your site's security. However, the solution is straightforward: update your WordPress installation and plugins to their latest versions. This should be done as soon as possible to protect your website, your visitors' data, and your business reputation.
If you're unsure about managing these updates yourself or want to ensure your website stays secure going forward, SiteRecipe.com can help. Our platform scans your website for vulnerabilities, outdated software, and security risks—giving you peace of mind that your site is protected. Visit SiteRecipe.com today to run a free security scan and see exactly what vulnerabilities your website has, then get actionable steps to fix them.
Web agencies use SiteRecipe to produce branded PDF security reports in 30 seconds.