Best exploit plugins for WordPress
The most popular exploit plugins for WordPress in November 2026, in WordPress.org’s own popular order, which follows active installs. Batch REST Guard leads with 100+ active installs, ahead of WP-Sentinel (60+) and Gauntlet Security (50+). All 5 plugins tagged “exploit” are below, with figures from WordPress.org that update every day.
Installs aren’t everything: a recent release, a “Tested up to” that matches the current WordPress, and support threads that get resolved show a plugin is looked after. Open any plugin for its downloads, rank history and alternatives.
Research this niche or see all plugins.
Top 5 exploit plugins
- 1.
Batch REST GuardThe most installed exploit plugin, with 100+ active installs. No reviews yet, updated 2 months ago.
- 2.
WP-Sentinel60+ active installs. Rated 2.6 from 5 reviews, last updated 14 years ago. Tested only up to WordPress 3.3.2.
- 3.
Gauntlet Security50+ active installs. Rated 5.0 from 8 reviews, last updated 10 years ago. Tested only up to WordPress 4.6.30.
- 4.
WP Smart Security20+ active installs. Only 1 review so far, last updated 10 years ago. Tested only up to WordPress 4.4.34.
- 5.
Exploit Scanner for Active Theme20+ active installs. No reviews yet, last updated 10 years ago. Tested only up to WordPress 4.8.34.
All 5 plugins tagged “exploit”
Batch REST Guard
Down in the last 7 days:26#15,993by vladanrs3 months ago
Block wp2shell REST batch attacks (CVE-2026-63030). Detect fake admins and backdoor plugins. Extra security for hacked sites.
- Installs
- 100+
- Rating
- –
- Downloads
- 6/day
WP-Sentinel
Up in the last 7 days:21#19,048by evilsocket14 years ago
A wordpress security system plugin which will check every HTTP request against a given set of rules to filter out malicious requests.
- Installs
- 60+
- Rating
- 2.6(5)
- Downloads
- 0/day
Gauntlet Security
Down in the last 7 days:170#20,863by Cornelius Bergen10 years ago
Performs a detailed security analysis of your WordPress installation. Provides specific instructions on how to make your site more secure.
- Installs
- 50+
- Rating
- 5.0(8)
- Downloads
- 0/day
WP Smart Security
Up in the last 7 days:220#26,071by bulktheme10 years ago
WP Smart Security is a comprehensive and easy to use WordPress security plugin. It gives you over 50+ ways to secure and protect your WordPress site.
- Installs
- 20+
- Rating
- 5.0(1)
- Downloads
- 0/day
Exploit Scanner for Active Theme
#27,402by Tauno Hanni10 years ago
Detects whether your theme files have fallen victim to malicious hackers.
- Installs
- 20+
- Rating
- –
- Downloads
- 0/day