Protect The Shire

WordPress to Automatically Block High-Risk Plugin Updates Before Distribution

WordPress is introducing an automated security screening process for every new plugin release before it reaches millions of sites through the WordPress.org API. Updates flagged with high risk will be blocked from automatic installation, giving developers time to address issues. Previously, only initial plugin submissions were reviewed, while subsequent versions could introduce vulnerabilities, backdoors, or malicious ownership changes without checks. Each release now undergoes a six-hour delay under the Protect The Shire initiative, where multiple AI models and Jetpack Scan analyze changes to produce a combined risk score. High-risk updates are withheld from auto-updates, and developers receive detailed reports. The system has already proven effective by catching a backdoor in a plugin with around 20,000 active installations on July 28, preventing distribution after Wordfence notification. Developers can fix problems and resubmit, or appeal results, though fixing is usually faster than manual review.