The WordPress default configuration allows administrators to install plugins and edit PHP files, posing a significant risk of malicious code execution on the underlying web server. To mitigate this, site owners can enable security hardening mechanisms, such as disabling file editing and plugin installation from within the admin dashboard. Even with these measures in place, an attacker could exploit vulnerabilities like Cross-Site Scripting to gain privileges and install backdoors by manipulating media file uploads or leveraging Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerabilities in themes. A vulnerability discovered in WordPress prior to version 5.2.4 allowed attackers to execute code on the web server using simple Cross-Site Scripting flaws, highlighting the importance of keeping WordPress installations up-to-date and utilizing security hardening mechanisms like those described in the official WordPress hardening guide.