How to scan vulnerabilities on wordpress using virtualbox

To scan vulnerabilities on a WordPress site using VirtualBox, you can create a virtual testing environment and use security tools to identify weaknesses. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the VirtualBox Environment

1. Install VirtualBox
   Download and install VirtualBox on your system.
2. Set Up a Virtual Machine (VM)
   • Download a Linux ISO (e.g., Kali Linux, Ubuntu) or another OS you want to use for scanning.
   • Create a new VM in VirtualBox, allocate RAM, storage, and attach the downloaded ISO to boot the VM.
   • Install the OS on the VM.
3. Configure Networking
   • Use NAT or Bridged Adapter for internet connectivity.
   • Ensure the VM and WordPress site (if on your local network) are reachable from each other.

2. Set Up Tools for Scanning

Install security tools on the virtual machine. Below are some popular tools for WordPress vulnerability scanning:

a. WPScan

WPScan is a command-line tool specifically designed to scan WordPress sites.

• Install WPScan
  On a Linux-based OS, run: sudo apt update sudo apt install wpscan Alternatively, use gem install wpscan if you have Ruby installed.
• Update WPScan’s Vulnerability Database wpscan --update
• Run WPScan
  Example commands:
  • Scan a WordPress site: wpscan --url http://example.com
  • Enumerate plugins and users: wpscan --url http://example.com --enumerate p,u
  • Use an API key for the vulnerability database:
    Get a free API key from WPScan’s website. wpscan --url http://example.com --api-token YOUR_API_KEY

b. Nikto

Nikto is a web server scanner that can find vulnerabilities in WordPress.

• Install Nikto
  On Linux: sudo apt install nikto
• Run Nikto
  Example command: nikto -h http://example.com

c. Burp Suite

Burp Suite can identify vulnerabilities such as SQL injection or XSS in WordPress.

• Install Burp Suite
  Use the free version from Burp Suite’s website.
• Proxy Configuration
  • Set up a proxy server to capture requests to the WordPress site.
  • Test for vulnerabilities manually or using Burp’s scanner tools (available in the professional version).

3. Test WordPress in a Sandbox

If you want to scan your WordPress setup offline:

1. Set Up a Local WordPress Installation
   • Install a web server (e.g., Apache, Nginx) and a database (e.g., MySQL) on the VM.
   • Use a tool like XAMPP or LAMP for an easy setup.
   • Download and set up WordPress in the web server’s root directory.
2. Run Vulnerability Scans Locally
   Point WPScan, Nikto, or other tools to the local WordPress URL (e.g., http://localhost/wordpress).

4. Analyze Results and Mitigate Vulnerabilities

1. Check Reports
   Review the findings from WPScan, Nikto, or Burp Suite. Look for vulnerabilities in:
   • Outdated WordPress versions.
   • Plugins or themes.
   • Misconfigurations.
2. Take Action
   • Update WordPress, plugins, and themes.
   • Remove unused or vulnerable components.
   • Harden WordPress security (e.g., restrict file permissions, disable unnecessary APIs).

5. Optional: Use Prebuilt Vulnerability Scanners

Some tools bundle multiple security features and are ready to use:

• OWASP ZAP: Another excellent vulnerability scanner.
• Metasploit: For advanced penetration testing.
• Acunetix (Trial): Commercial tool for website scanning.

Tips

• Always scan with permission if the WordPress site is not yours.
• Use snapshots in VirtualBox to revert changes in your testing environment.
• Consider isolating your VM for security.

Would you like more detailed steps for a specific tool?