What Are Common CMS Security Vulnerabilities?
IntermediateQuick Answer
TL;DR
The most common CMS security vulnerabilities are SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), brute force attacks on login pages, vulnerable plugins and themes, insecure file uploads, cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and misconfigured permissions. WordPress accounts for roughly 90% of hacked CMS sites, primarily due to plugin vulnerabilities and delayed updates. Regular patching, strong authentication, and minimal plugin usage are the most effective defenses.
Key Takeaways
- SQL injection and XSS are the most exploited web application vulnerability classes
- Plugin and theme vulnerabilities are the leading attack vector for WordPress sites
- Brute force attacks exploit weak or reused passwords on CMS login pages
- Misconfigured file permissions and insecure upload handling create persistent backdoor access