How to Scan Vulnerabilities on WordPress Using VirtualBox?

WordPress is one of the most popular tools for creating websites. But, like any software, it can have security weaknesses, or vulnerabilities. If we leave these vulnerabilities unchecked, hackers can take control of a website. Scanning for these vulnerabilities can help keep a website safe, and VirtualBox is a great tool to do this. In this guide, I’ll explain how to use VirtualBox to scan a WordPress website, in simple steps.

What You Need

To follow along, you’ll need:

1. VirtualBox – a free program that lets you create a “virtual” computer.
2. A WordPress website – either online or on your computer.
3. Kali Linux – a special operating system with tools for security scanning.

Step 1: Set Up VirtualBox

1.1 Install VirtualBox

• Go to the VirtualBox website (https://www.virtualbox.org/) and download the software.
• Install it by following the on-screen instructions.

1.2 Create a New Virtual Machine

1. Open VirtualBox.
2. Click on “New” to create a new virtual machine.
3. Name it Kali Linux.
4. Set Type to Linux and Version to Debian (64-bit) or Other Linux (64-bit).

Tip: Use at least 2GB of RAM if possible for better performance.

Step 2: Install Kali Linux in VirtualBox

Kali Linux has a lot of tools to scan for vulnerabilities, which is why we’re using it here.

2.1 Download Kali Linux

• Go to Kali Linux’s official website and download the latest version.

2.2 Set Up Kali Linux in VirtualBox

1. Open VirtualBox and select the Kali Linux machine you created.
2. Click on Settings > Storage and add the downloaded Kali Linux ISO file.
3. Start the virtual machine and follow the instructions to install Kali Linux.

Step 3: Scan for Vulnerabilities Using Kali Linux

Now that we have Kali Linux running in VirtualBox, we’re ready to scan our WordPress site.

3.1 Open the Terminal in Kali Linux

1. Launch Kali Linux in VirtualBox.
2. Open the Terminal (similar to Command Prompt) in Kali Linux.

3.2 Install WPScan

WPScan is a tool made for scanning WordPress sites.

• In the Terminal, type: sudo apt update && sudo apt install wpscan

3.3 Run WPScan

1. To scan a WordPress website, type: wpscan --url http://your-wordpress-site.com
2. If your website has a login, use the following command: wpscan --url http://your-wordpress-site.com --usernames yourusername --passwords password123

Note: Replace your-wordpress-site.com with the actual site address, and yourusername with your WordPress username.

Interpreting the Scan Results

WPScan will show information on vulnerabilities, such as weak passwords or outdated plugins.

Vulnerability Type	Description	Action
Weak Password	Easily guessed password	Change to stronger
Outdated Plugin	Plugin with known security issues	Update plugin
WordPress Core Issue	Vulnerability in WordPress itself	Update WordPress core

Conclusion

Using VirtualBox and Kali Linux, we scanned our WordPress site for security vulnerabilities. Regularly checking your site helps prevent hackers from taking control. Following these steps will help you keep your site safe!

FAQs

1. What is a vulnerability in WordPress?

A vulnerability is a weakness or flaw in your WordPress website that hackers can use to gain unauthorized access or cause harm. Common vulnerabilities include weak passwords, outdated plugins, or themes with security issues.

2. Why do I need VirtualBox and Kali Linux to scan for vulnerabilities?

VirtualBox allows you to create a virtual computer on your own device. Kali Linux, installed on this virtual computer, has specialized tools like WPScan that are powerful for scanning websites, especially WordPress, for security vulnerabilities.

3. Is scanning my WordPress site for vulnerabilities legal?

Yes, it is completely legal to scan your own website or any site you have permission to check. However, scanning sites without permission is illegal and can lead to serious consequences.

4. How often should I scan my WordPress site for vulnerabilities?

Ideally, you should scan your site every few months or whenever you make major updates, like adding new plugins or themes. Regular scanning helps catch vulnerabilities early.

5. What should I do if WPScan finds vulnerabilities?

If WPScan finds issues, it will usually suggest ways to fix them. Common actions include updating plugins, themes, or your WordPress version. If you have weak passwords, change them to strong, unique ones.