Patchstack has been the leading WordPress threat intelligence provider for many years. This success results from high-quality security research, pioneering efforts in WordPress bug bounty hunting, and fostering strong collaboration between security researchers and plugin developers.
We believe that true impact comes through collaboration and transparency. That’s why Patchstack has officially partnered with other WordPress security companies such as Sucuri (by GoDaddy), Solid Security, Shield Security, SecuPress, WPMU DEV Defender, and many more.
In addition to working with other security companies, Patchstack maintains close relationships with plugin developers who trust us to manage their security reports and Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDPs). To date, over 650 plugins - including Elementor, WP Rocket, Visual Composer, and many other top plugins- have turned to Patchstack to keep their code secure.
As the most recent data shows, this collaborative approach has made Patchstack the leader in WordPress security, delivering the highest-quality vulnerability data with exceptional accuracy and speed, and enabling proactive protection.
In this article, we’ll break down our approach and explain why leading web hosting companies, such as GoDaddy, DigitalOcean, Hostinger, and others, have switched from all other WordPress vulnerability data sources to Patchstack.
High-Quality Threat Intelligence Is More Than Just Raw Data
Making data about the latest WordPress vulnerabilities publicly accessible is essential. That’s why we created the Patchstack Vulnerability Database, where anyone can search and access the latest WordPress security vulnerabilities—for free.
However, raw data isn’t enough. To accurately assess risk and exposure, vulnerabilities need context, especially as the volume of vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins and themes continues to rise.
The First WordPress-Specific Vulnerability Prioritization System
Patchstack has once again led innovation in this space. In 2023, we launched the first dedicated prioritization system tailored specifically for WordPress. The system was designed to reduce alert fatigue and noise by dynamically prioritizing vulnerabilities based on WordPress-specific factors, historical exploitation patterns, and real-time KEV (Known Exploited Vulnerabilities) tracking.
This approach has been widely embraced. In fact, most web hosting companies that alert their customers about vulnerabilities now prefer the Patchstack Priority score over the generic CVSS standard.
The Most Accurate KEV Data for WordPress Vulnerabilities
Patchstack is the only WordPress security company that can dynamically deploy virtual patching rules through software composition analysis (SCA). This has enabled us to build the most extensive collection of vulnerability-specific protection rules available today.
More than 11,000 unique rules are accessible to Patchstack customers and hosting partners. This deep visibility into exploitation attempts across millions of websites provides Patchstack with industry-leading KEV data tailored to WordPress vulnerabilities.
Carefully Validated Data and Trusted Collaboration
Many of our partners came to us after being disappointed by other vulnerability databases that generated false positives due to poor-quality data.
Our customers consistently tell us that Patchstack has the industry's most thorough validation process and the lowest false-positive rate. We also have the fastest response time in covering new vulnerabilities.
Patchstack has the largest dedicated threat intelligence team focused on the WordPress ecosystem. This reflects our unwavering commitment to data quality, integrity, and reliability.
Our close collaboration with security vendors, hosting providers, and plugin developers gives us a direct line for coordinating vulnerabilities quickly and accurately. This network allows Patchstack to elevate the security of the entire WordPress ecosystem.
The First and Most Popular WordPress Bug Bounty Platform
In 2018, we introduced a bold idea: an open bug bounty program to cover all 60,000+ WordPress plugins. That idea became the Patchstack Bug Bounty Program.
As the first open bug bounty program focused on WordPress plugins, we had to find a way to incentivize researchers to report vulnerabilities in open-source projects that couldn’t afford bounties.
We introduced gamification and uniquely offered our own cash rewards. This strategy worked. It fundamentally changed the WordPress security landscape.
In 2024, over 50% of all known WordPress vulnerabilities were reported via Patchstack’s bug bounty program. In Q1 of 2025, that number climbed to nearly 70%.
While some competitors have tried to copy our model, they often miss the core reason behind its success: the community.
Our bug bounty program is powered by a vibrant global community of ethical hackers who share a mission to make the web safer. We stay in close contact with each of them, organize events, and actively involve them in shaping the program’s future.
Patchstack encourages deep, impactful research, like the community-driven effort to tackle the issue of abandoned plugins.
In 2024, Patchstack paid out the highest-ever bounty for a single WordPress vulnerability. More and more ethical hackers are joining our fast triage, transparent payouts, and inclusive culture.
PS! It’s not just for researchers. Many developers excel in our program, too - join the community here.
The First VDP Platform for WordPress Plugins
Historically, reporting vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins has been cumbersome. Even today, many plugins lack a clear or secure channel for vulnerability disclosure.
With the EU Cyber Resilience Act - essentially a GDPR-like law for software security passed in late 2024, many popular plugins must comply. The first step is to establish a VDP.
Patchstack was trusted by the European Commission to help solve this problem. At WordCamp US 2024, we launched a free, managed VDP platform - a tool that sets up secure disclosure channels and streamlines coordination. Over 650 plugins have already adopted it.
Patchstack: Threat Intelligence Beyond CVEs
All public data shows that Patchstack is the best source for WordPress vulnerability data and threat intelligence, in terms of quality, accuracy, and speed. As the leading quality WordPress vulnerability intelligence provider, Patchstack sets the standard for proactive, reliable security insights.
But we go beyond CVEs. We have deep visibility into vulnerabilities that aren’t even reported through our bug bounty program.
Patchstack’s mission is to cover the entire lifecycle of open-source vulnerabilities. Collaboration is at the heart of that mission. Through our trusted partner network, we gain insight into new vulnerabilities, enabling us to protect websites before anyone else.
If you’re a web hosting company, website developer, or plugin developer, let’s get in touch! Together, we can make the ecosystem more secure for everyone.
