WPScan Tutorial: The Complete Beginner’s Guide
WordPress powers more than 40% of websites worldwide, making it one of the most popular—and frequently targeted—content management systems (CMS). Keeping a WordPress site secure requires regular maintenance, updates, and security testing.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!One of the most trusted tools for assessing WordPress security is WPScan. It helps identify outdated WordPress versions, vulnerable plugins, insecure themes, exposed users, and other potential security issues.
Important: Only scan websites that you own or have explicit permission to test. Unauthorized security scanning may violate laws or terms of service.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to install WPScan, perform a basic security scan, understand the results, and improve your website’s security.
What Is WPScan?
WPScan is a command-line security scanner specifically designed for WordPress. It compares information gathered from a target site with a vulnerability database to identify known issues.
WPScan can detect:
- WordPress version
- Installed plugins
- Installed themes
- Vulnerable software versions
- Usernames (when publicly exposed)
- Misconfigurations
- Security headers
It is commonly used by:
- Security professionals
- System administrators
- Developers
- Website owners
Why Use WPScan?
Regular security scans can help you:
- Detect outdated plugins
- Identify vulnerable themes
- Find exposed WordPress versions
- Discover publicly visible usernames
- Verify security improvements after updates
- Reduce the risk of known attacks
WPScan is a diagnostic tool—it helps you identify potential problems so you can fix them.
Installing WPScan
On Kali Linux
WPScan is often pre-installed. If not:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install wpscanVerify the installation:
wpscan --versionOn Ubuntu
Install the required packages:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install ruby-full build-essential libcurl4-openssl-devThen install WPScan:
sudo gem install wpscanUsing Docker
You can also run WPScan without installing Ruby directly:
docker pull wpscanteam/wpscanExample:
docker run -it --rm wpscanteam/wpscan --url https://example.comYour First WPScan
To perform a basic scan:
wpscan --url https://example.comWPScan will collect information about the site’s WordPress installation and report any publicly detectable issues.
Typical information includes:
- WordPress version
- Theme name
- Plugin list
- Security headers
- Publicly accessible files (if any)
Using the WPScan Vulnerability Database
WPScan can use its vulnerability database to provide more detailed results. This requires an API token.
Example:
wpscan --url https://example.com --api-token YOUR_API_TOKENThe scan may then include known vulnerabilities affecting detected plugins, themes, or WordPress versions.
Understanding the Results
A WPScan report may include:
WordPress Version
Check whether the detected version is current. Running an outdated version can expose your site to known vulnerabilities.
Plugins
Review installed plugins and remove any that are no longer maintained or necessary. Update plugins regularly.
Themes
Ensure your active theme and any installed themes are up to date. Delete unused themes to reduce the attack surface.
Users
Some sites expose author usernames publicly. Consider whether this is appropriate for your site and adjust settings if needed.
Improving Your WordPress Security
If WPScan highlights outdated components or weak configurations, consider these best practices:
- Update WordPress core promptly.
- Keep plugins and themes updated.
- Remove unused plugins and themes.
- Use strong, unique passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Limit login attempts.
- Back up your site regularly.
- Use HTTPS with a valid TLS certificate.
- Install a reputable security plugin.
- Monitor server logs for unusual activity.
Automating Routine Security Checks
Website administrators can schedule regular WPScan runs on systems they manage to help identify outdated software before it becomes a larger issue.
A simple scheduled scan combined with update notifications can be part of a broader security maintenance routine.
Common Errors
WPScan command not found
Check that WPScan is installed correctly and available in your system’s PATH.
SSL Certificate Errors
If you’re scanning your own development environment with a self-signed certificate, verify your certificate configuration. Avoid disabling SSL verification on production systems.
API Rate Limits
If you use the vulnerability database heavily, you may encounter API usage limits depending on your plan. Consult the WPScan documentation for current limits.
Best Practices
To get the most value from WPScan:
- Scan only systems you own or are authorized to assess.
- Keep WPScan updated.
- Review findings carefully before making changes.
- Confirm vulnerabilities with trusted sources when needed.
- Combine WPScan with regular backups, updates, and monitoring.
Conclusion
WPScan is a valuable tool for WordPress administrators and security professionals who want to identify publicly detectable security issues and keep WordPress installations healthy. Used responsibly, it can help you discover outdated software, improve maintenance practices, and strengthen your site’s overall security posture.
Security is an ongoing process rather than a one-time task. Regular updates, backups, access controls, and periodic assessments all contribute to a safer WordPress environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is WPScan free?
WPScan is free to use for many purposes. Some features, such as vulnerability database access, may require an API token, depending on usage.
Can WPScan remove vulnerabilities?
No. WPScan identifies potential issues but does not fix them. You should update, reconfigure, or replace affected components as appropriate.
Is WPScan legal?
Yes—when used to scan websites that you own or have explicit permission to test. Unauthorized scanning may be unlawful or against a site’s terms of service.
Can beginners use WPScan?
Yes. Basic scans are straightforward, and learning to interpret the results is a good introduction to WordPress security.
How often should I scan my WordPress site?
A monthly scan is a good baseline for many sites. High-traffic or business-critical websites may benefit from more frequent security checks, especially after major updates or plugin changes.
