PixelJuice Freshy Squeezed Apps and Plugins

Version Disclosure

What Is WordPress Version Disclosure?

WordPress websites can sometimes reveal which version of WordPress they are running.

For example, a website may publicly show:

WordPress 6.8.1

This information can be found through places such as:

  • Website page source
  • RSS feeds
  • WordPress-generated files
  • Publicly loaded scripts and styles

This is known as WordPress Version Disclosure.

Why Does This Matter?

Knowing your WordPress version does not give someone access to your website.

However, attackers may use publicly available information to identify websites that are running outdated versions of WordPress.

For example:

  • An old WordPress version may contain known security issues
  • Automated scanners can search for outdated websites
  • Attackers may target websites running vulnerable software

The important issue is not that your version is visible.

The important issue is whether your WordPress installation is up to date.

Is WordPress Version Disclosure Dangerous?

Usually, no.

Many WordPress websites reveal version information in some way.

A visible WordPress version does not mean:

  • Your website has been hacked
  • Your website is insecure
  • Someone can log in
  • Your data is exposed

A fully updated WordPress website is still protected, even if someone knows the version number.

The best security measure is always:

✅ Keep WordPress updated
✅ Keep plugins updated
✅ Keep themes updated
✅ Use strong passwords
✅ Use secure hosting

How To Reduce WordPress Version Disclosure

While hiding your WordPress version is not a replacement for updates, you can reduce unnecessary version exposure.

1. Remove the WordPress Generator Tag

WordPress may add a version tag to your website header:

<meta name="generator" content="WordPress 6.x.x">

A developer can remove this using:

remove_action('wp_head', 'wp_generator');

This prevents one common method of discovering your WordPress version.

2. Remove Version Information From RSS Feeds

WordPress feeds may also include generator information.

A developer can remove this using:

add_filter('the_generator', '__return_empty_string');

3. Remove Version Numbers From Scripts and Styles

WordPress may load files with version information in the URL:

Example:

/wp-includes/js/script.js?ver=6.8.1

4. Remove the WordPress Readme File

Some WordPress installations include:

https://yourwebsite.com/readme.html

This file can reveal WordPress information.

If it is not required, it can be removed from the website root directory.

Should I Hide My WordPress Version?

Hiding the version can reduce information available to automated scanners, but it should not be your main security strategy.

A hidden outdated WordPress version is still vulnerable.

An openly visible but fully updated WordPress version is generally safe.

The priority should always be:

  1. Keep WordPress updated
  2. Keep plugins updated
  3. Keep themes updated
  4. Remove unused software
  5. Maintain regular backups

How Pixeljuice Checks WordPress Version Visibility

Pixeljuice checks whether your website publicly exposes WordPress version information through common locations.

If a version is detected, this does not mean your website is compromised.

The check simply identifies whether WordPress information is publicly available.

Summary

WordPress Version Disclosure is an information exposure issue, not an immediate security failure.

Reducing version visibility can improve security hygiene, but keeping your website software updated is far more important.

A secure WordPress website is one that is:

✅ Updated
✅ Maintained
✅ Protected
✅ Regularly monitored