Chris Grant (he/him) July 28, 2023 A 4 minute read

WordPress 6.2.2: A Critical Update for Your Website’s Security and Functionality

The WordPress community is buzzing with excitement as the latest version, WordPress 6.2.2, was unveiled on May 20th, 2023. While not a monumental update, it packs a significant punch when it comes to security enhancements and bug fixes. In this article, we’ll explore the key changes in this release, why it’s crucial to stay updated, and how you can ensure plugin and theme compatibility without encountering the woes of the past.

What’s New with WordPress 6.2.2?

The primary highlight of WordPress 6.2.2 is undoubtedly the reinforced security measures. This update was specifically designed to address a critical issue that arose in version 6.2.1, where themes were unable to parse shortcodes in user-generated content. The bug had a particularly adverse impact on block templates using shortcodes, causing a series of frustrating issues for users.

Naturally, some users became cautious after the 6.2.1 debacle, going as far as disabling automatic updates or reverting to the previous version, 6.2. But we must emphasize that keeping your WordPress installation up to date is paramount, as it ensures not only enhanced security but also smooth functioning.

The existence of the bug also led some users to implement temporary, albeit possibly unsafe, fixes to get their templates working again. Needless to say, this was far from an ideal situation. However, with the release of WordPress 6.2.2, all such issues have been thoroughly resolved, making it imperative for affected users to update promptly.

What’s Gone in WordPress 6.2.2?

Apart from the critical block template issue mentioned earlier, the rest of the changes introduced in version 6.2.1 (primarily a security update) remain unchanged. For a quick recap, here’s what version 6.2.1 included:

  • Blocked themes from parsing shortcodes in user-generated data.
  • Fixed a CSRF issue related to updating attachment thumbnails.
  • Addressed a flaw that allowed XSS via open embed auto-discovery.
  • Fixed bypassing of KSES sanitization in block attributes for low-privileged users.
  • Addressed a path traversal issue through translation files.

It was the first bullet point that sparked chaos in the WordPress community, but fret not, as the team has effectively resolved the issue in version 6.2.2. The rest of the security fixes remain intact, ensuring a robust and secure WordPress experience.

WordPress 6.2.2 Plugin and Theme Compatibility

While not everyone encountered issues with WordPress 6.2.1, the extent of compatibility problems depended on the themes and plugins installed. Fortunately, with WordPress 6.2.2, users can breathe a sigh of relief, as it has successfully addressed the issues that caused headaches in the previous update.

As a savvy WordPress user, it’s always wise to take regular backups of your website, especially if you choose to apply automatic updates. This practice acts as a safety net, providing reassurance that a recent version of your site is securely stored elsewhere should an update inadvertently cause plugin or theme compatibility issues.

For a seamless backup process, we recommend leveraging a plugin such as “Duplicator.” This powerful tool schedules secure backups as per your preference, facilitates hassle-free migrations to new hosting providers, and offers a 1-click restore feature for swift recovery in case of any mishaps.

In addition to managing WordPress updates, it’s equally crucial to stay on top of plugin and theme updates. Sometimes, after a WordPress update, plugins and themes may encounter minor glitches, which developers promptly fix through updates. Keeping these elements up to date helps maintain a smoothly functioning website.

To access updates for your essential plugins, head to Dashboard > Plugins > Installed Plugins, where you’ll be promptly notified if any updates are available. The same goes for WordPress themes; check the Updates section in your Dashboard or opt for a plugin like “Health Check & Troubleshooting” for regular health checks to ensure everything runs like clockwork.

Even from a security standpoint, it’s always wise to regularly update your themes and plugins. Outdated plugins and themes can serve as potential entry points for hackers, leading to security breaches and various website issues. According to WordPress, 6% of vulnerabilities in their platform are caused by outdated themes, and the consequences can range from leaking personal information to malware infections and even website downtime.

In conclusion, WordPress 6.2.2 may not be the most significant update in its history, but it packs a powerful punch by rectifying the issues that marred the previous version. Embracing this update ensures a more secure and smooth WordPress experience. Remember, keep your plugins and themes up to date, take regular backups, and let your website flourish on the foundations of WordPress’s latest innovation!