Hands-On Web Application Security: From Cloud to Code (AWS Lightsail + Bitnami + WordPress)
WordPress powers a large portion of the web, but its popularity makes it a common target for attacks. This hands-on tutorial guides you through securing a WordPress site deployed via Bitnami on AWS Lightsail, covering everything from cloud setup to code-level hardening. Download the slides to follow along step by step.
1. Understanding the Attack Surface
Even in a simplified stack like Lightsail + Bitnami + WordPress, there are multiple layers to secure:
Cloud Layer (Lightsail): Instances, firewalls, IAM permissions.
Server Layer (Bitnami Stack): Apache/Nginx, MySQL, PHP configuration.
WordPress Application: Plugins, themes, user authentication.
Code Layer: Custom themes or plugin code, hardcoded secrets, unsafe inputs.
Think of it like a layered cake: even if the top layer looks safe (WordPress), a weak foundation (Lightsail server misconfiguration) can spoil the whole cake.
2. Securing AWS Lightsail
Lightsail makes deployment simple, but default configurations need hardening:
Firewall Rules: Only allow HTTP/HTTPS and SSH from trusted IPs.
SSH Security: Use key pairs, disable password login, and optionally change the default port.
Automatic Backups & Snapshots: Schedule snapshots to quickly recover from compromises.
Monitoring: Enable Lightsail metrics and logs for unusual CPU/network spikes.
Hands-On Exercise:
Launch a WordPress instance on Lightsail with Bitnami.
Review firewall and SSH settings; lock down SSH access.
Take a snapshot of your instance before making changes.
3. Securing Bitnami WordPress Stack
Bitnami packages WordPress with Apache/Nginx, MySQL, and PHP—all need configuration:
Update the Stack: Keep WordPress, PHP, and MySQL up-to-date using
bncert-toolor Bitnami update scripts.SSL/TLS: Use the Bitnami HTTPS configuration tool to enable Let’s Encrypt SSL.
File Permissions: Ensure the WordPress files have correct ownership (
bitnami:daemon) and permissions (644for files,755for directories).Disable Directory Listings: Prevent attackers from browsing directories.
Hands-On Exercise:
Run
sudo /opt/bitnami/bncert-toolto configure SSL.Test HTTPS in a browser and verify SSL/TLS strength with SSL Labs
Review
/opt/bitnami/apps/wordpress/htdocspermissions.
4. Securing WordPress (AIOS)
AIOS (All-in-One Security) plugin simplifies WordPress security but requires proper configuration:
Login Security: Enable two-factor authentication, limit login attempts, and rename the login URL.
File Integrity Monitoring: Detect changes in core files, plugins, and themes.
Database Security: Change default table prefix and schedule database backups.
Firewall & Brute Force Protection: Block malicious IPs and monitor traffic.
Hands-On Exercise:
Install AIOS (All-in-One Security).
Follow the plugin wizard to configure firewall, login, and file integrity settings.
Test login throttling and two-factor authentication.
5. Securing Custom Code & Plugins
Even with AIOS, vulnerabilities in themes or custom plugins can be exploited:
Avoid Hardcoding Secrets: Use
wp-config.phpand environment variables for API keys.Check Plugins & Themes: Only use reputable sources; update regularly.
Hands-On Exercise:
Introduce a sample vulnerable plugin (or review an existing one).
Scan it with a static analyzer.
Apply fixes and validate functionality.
6. Continuous Monitoring & Maintenance
Security is ongoing:
Updates: Keep WordPress, plugins, and the Bitnami stack up-to-date.
Backups: Schedule automated Lightsail snapshots and WordPress backups.
Monitoring: Enable CloudWatch or other monitoring to detect unusual activity.
Hands-On Exercise:
Set up automated Lightsail snapshots.
Schedule AIOS database backups.
Test restoring a snapshot or backup to ensure recovery works.
Key Takeaways
Even managed stacks like Lightsail + Bitnami + WordPress require careful security hardening.
AIOS helps, but you must also secure the cloud and server layers.
Hands-on exercises reinforce best practices more effectively than theory alone.
Downloadable Lab Slides
The slides contain diagrams, commands, screenshots, and step-by-step exercises so you can follow along.
Additional Resources
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