Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Protect Your WordPress Site

May 1, 2015

There was some big news earlier this week that has literally impacted millions of sites. A very large cross-scripting vulnerability was detected that made a number of WordPress plugins very vulnerable.

Quick Answer

Cross-site scripting (XSS) is a web security vulnerability where bugs allow attackers to inject harmful client-side scripts into web pages. This malicious script can bypass access controls, execute every time a page loads, and lead to issues such as scraping sensitive user information or redirecting site visitors. For instance, a significant XSS vulnerability detected in 2015 impacted over 400 popular WordPress plugins, including WordPress SEO and All in One SEO Pack. Technology Aloha emphasizes professional site maintenance to prevent XSS by ensuring plugins are updated and logs are monitored.

Cross-Site Scripting and What It Means For You

So should you start panicking? Let’s take a closer look.

Who is Impacted?

More than 400 very popular plugins suddenly became vulnerable including WordPress SEO, All in One SEO Pack, WP eCommerce, and the list goes on. If you have a WordPress site, you very well may have one of these plugins.

What is Cross-Site Scripting?

All software has bugs. After all, people aren’t perfect, and neither is the technology they create. Cross-site scripting, or XSS, occurs when these bugs cause specific security issues.

Here’s why it is so scary. It allows attackers to add side script into your pages. If you end up with XSS vulnerability, attackers can start to bypass access controls. Once this harmful script is embedded, it can execute every time the page loads.

An almost endless array of problems can be caused, ranging from scraping sensitive information to malicious redirecting of your site visitors.

How to Prevent Cross-Site Scripting

One way to avoid such issues is to make sure your site is professionally maintained. When you have expert assistance, you can be sure that all of your plugins are up to date and running properly. Plus, your logs will be properly monitored and everything will be kept safe and secure.

Technology Aloha can provide these services and much more. If you’re not already thoroughly protected against XSS, contact us today to learn more. The good news is we can ensure that your website is safe and secure.

What other articles might you find helpful?

You might find other articles helpful, such as 'The Complete Guide to Website Redesign: Costs & Necessity in 2026' which covers costs, UX strategy, SEO migration, and technical execution. Also consider 'Donor-Advised Funds Are Booming. Your Donation Page Probably Isn’t Built for Them.' to learn how to capture DAF gifts and relationships, and 'In Depth Guide to Website Redesign Case Study Process & Results' for strategic phases, technical debt fixes, and results to boost conversions and user engagement.

Jillyn Dillon

Founder + Managing Director

Marketing Strategy, Brand Positioning, Competitive Intelligence, Systems Strategy & Digital Experience

Jillyn is the Founder and Managing Director of Technology Aloha, where she works at the intersection of strategy, marketing, technology, and operations. Her background spans marketing strategy, brand positioning, competitive intelligence, business optimization, systems strategy, and digital experience.

She has more than a decade of Fortune 100 experience and has been helping businesses and nonprofits solve complex digital and operational challenges since founding Technology Aloha in 2012. She remains closely involved in client strategy, identifying the highest-leverage opportunities and making sure the team is solving the right problems before building solutions.

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