In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, WordPress stands as one of the most popular content management systems (CMS) in the world. Its widespread use makes it a prime target for cyber-attacks.
This case study delves into how we perform penetration tests for WordPress Websites, highlighting the importance of regular security assessments to safeguard against potential threats.
Our client EzMushroom.com contacted us as they are about to launch a shop on there WordPress website and were worried about security vulnerabilities that could compromise their customer data and overall site integrity.
They wanted to ensure that their launch would be smooth and secure, and that their site would be resilient against common cyber threats.
Engagement with EzMushroom
EzMushroom, a budding blog turning e-commerce platform specializing in mushroom cultivation techniques, was on the cusp of launching their online store. Before going live, they reached out to us for a comprehensive security assessment. Our objective was to identify any security gaps that could be exploited by cybercriminals and to provide solutions to mitigate these risks.
Penetration Testing Approach
We tailored our penetration testing approach to fit the unique needs of EzMushroom’s WordPress-based e-commerce platform. Our team focused on areas that are critical for e-commerce security, such as payment gateway integration, customer data protection, and overall site security.
During the scoping phase Ezmushroom explained there were not comfortable about live scanning of there back-end website so instead we opted to create a local copy of there site, installing the same theme, plugins, etc and performed back end analysis of there back-end without effecting the live system.
Methodology
1. Planning and Reconnaissance
We began by gathering information about the target environment, including domain names, IP addresses, and the types of data processed by the website. This phase also involved mapping out the website’s structure and identifying the plugins and themes in use.
2. External Scanning & Enumeration
Using automated tools, we scanned the website for known vulnerabilities, outdated plugins, and themes using common tools such as Nmap, Burp and WPscan. We also enumerated user accounts, WordPress versions, OSINT information and server information.
3. Back-End plugin Analysis
We performed back-end analyses and code reviews of the plugins which we installed on our local build of there site. For an example of how we did this please see this post here .
4. Analysis and Reporting
Finally, we compiled our findings, detailing each vulnerability, the methods used to exploit them, and the potential business impact. We provided a risk assessment for each issue and prioritized them based on severity.
Conclusion
By addressing the vulnerabilities we identified, EzMushroom was able to launch their online store with confidence, knowing that their site’s security posture was significantly strengthened. This case study highlights the critical role of proactive penetration testing, especially for e-commerce platforms that handle sensitive customer data. With the right approach to security, businesses like EzMushroom can not only protect themselves from cyber threats but also build trust with their customers, ensuring a secure and successful online presence.