1. Introduction: Understanding the WordPress Version Meta Tag
WordPress automatically generates an HTML header tag containing version information:
<meta name="generator" content="WordPress 6.7.2">
This tag explicitly reveals the WordPress version powering your site. Initially, this was meant to help developers and users verify their installations and debugging processes. However, it has inadvertently become a potential security risk.
2. Revealing Sensitive Information to Attackers
One primary reason to remove the WordPress version tag is that it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance data. Hackers typically scan websites to detect vulnerabilities, and by publicly showing your WordPress version, you’re simplifying their efforts.
For example, a malicious actor could easily perform automated scans on hundreds of sites, quickly identifying your site running WordPress 6.7.2, then cross-reference this information against databases of known vulnerabilities.
An attacker might use simple tools like WPScan to identify and exploit weaknesses:
wpscan --url https://your-site.com
This scan immediately retrieves your WordPress version, making your site an easy target if vulnerabilities exist.
3. Increased Risk from Version-Specific Vulnerabilities
WordPress vulnerabilities are often specific to particular versions. For instance, if a known SQL injection vulnerability exists in WordPress 6.7.2, attackers will specifically target sites openly displaying that version.
Consider the case from 2020 when WordPress 5.5.1 had a known XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) vulnerability. Websites openly displaying that version became immediate targets. Attackers didn’t need sophisticated techniques; they simply focused attacks on sites advertising the vulnerable version, resulting in widespread security breaches.
By hiding your WordPress version, you add an additional layer of defense—forcing attackers to spend more effort to identify if you’re vulnerable.
4. Improving Security through Obscurity
While “security through obscurity” shouldn’t be your only defense, it remains a valid additional security practice. Obscuring details such as software version reduces the ease of automated attacks and requires attackers to perform deeper and more resource-intensive reconnaissance.
For instance, consider two websites:
- Website A publicly lists the WordPress version in its header.
- Website B removes the WordPress version from its header.
Attackers often choose the easier target, which in this scenario, would clearly be Website A. By removing your version number, you discourage opportunistic attackers, who may move on to easier targets rather than spend additional effort guessing or probing your site.
5. Best Practices: Removing and Securing the WordPress Version Information
There are several straightforward ways to remove the WordPress version information:
Method 1: Using Functions.php
Add the following line of PHP code into your active theme’s functions.php file:
remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');
This removes the meta tag completely from your site’s HTML header.
Method 2: Using Plugins
If you’re less comfortable with code, use security plugins such as:
- WP Hide & Security Enhancer: Allows simple toggling off of WordPress metadata.
- Wordfence Security: Offers comprehensive security features, including removing WordPress version exposure.
These plugins handle the removal safely and can be configured via simple dashboard options.
