When a single WordPress plugin flaw can expose millions of websites worldwide, it’s a wake-up call for small business owners who rely on their site every day. The recent Slider Revolution vulnerability is one of those moments—affecting over 4 million WordPress sites and allowing attackers to read sensitive files stored on servers.
The issue lies in an arbitrary file read vulnerability found in specific versions of the popular Slider Revolution plugin. In simple terms, this bug allows unauthorised users to access files on your hosting server that should be private—like configuration files, API keys, or database credentials.
Hackers can exploit this weakness to gain insight into your website’s inner workings. Once they retrieve those hidden files, they can potentially use the data to take over admin accounts, inject malicious code, or exfiltrate sensitive customer information.
For example, a hacker could target the wp-config.php file—the blueprint that connects your site to its database. If they access it, they could duplicate your site elsewhere, harvest login details, or modify content unnoticed.
Unlike many plugin bugs, this one doesn’t require login access or elevated privileges. That means even an anonymous user could attempt to exploit it remotely if your plugin version is vulnerable. The risk isn’t theoretical—attack patterns for Slider Revolution are already circulating across security forums and exploit databases.
The flaw was responsibly disclosed and quickly patched by the plugin’s developers, but unpatched sites remain open doors for attackers. The reality is simple: if your plugins aren’t kept current, you are inviting risk. Attackers often scan the web for sites running outdated versions, striking before business owners even notice something is wrong.
At Ed Hosting, we actively monitor plugin vulnerabilities like this across our hosting network. Clients on our Managed WordPress Hosting plans are already protected—our system identifies affected plugins and applies patches as soon as they’re released. This proactive model means your site stays secure, even when headlines like this one hit the news.
As part of our commitment to expert WordPress hosting, we handle plugin management, server hardening, and malware prevention locally—right here in Australia. No call centres. No waiting days for answers. Just real tech support that knows your site inside out.
If you’re unsure whether your WordPress plugins are up to date—or if your current host isn’t actively managing your site’s security—don’t wait until a breach happens.
Contact the Ed Hosting team for a free WordPress security review. We’ll audit your site, patch any known vulnerabilities, and make sure your hosting setup meets Australian business-grade standards.
If you’re already on an Ed Hosting Update or Managed Service plan, you’re protected—no action needed.
For everyone else, take this as your cue to get proactive. WordPress doesn’t have to be risky when you have the right partner keeping watch.
Your business website is too important to leave exposed. With Ed Hosting’s managed web hosting and local Australian support, you’ll have confidence knowing experts are maintaining your site’s uptime, speed, and security every day.
Need help updating your plugins or checking your site’s security status? Contact us today.
A flaw in older versions of the Slider Revolution plugin that allows unauthorised users to read sensitive files on WordPress servers.
They can retrieve key files like wp-config.php, potentially gaining access to database credentials or admin logins.
Check your plugin version in WordPress. If you’re not on the latest release, update immediately or contact your web host for help.
Yes. Sites under Ed Hosting’s Managed or Update Services are automatically updated and protected from this vulnerability. If you do not have either of these services, please contact Ed Hosting immediately.
Immediately contact Ed Hosting for a security audit and cleanup.
