Debug Mode Enabled
What This Means
This finding indicates that WordPress debug mode is enabled on your site.
Debug mode is intended for development and troubleshooting, not for production use.
Why It Matters
When debug mode is enabled, your site may display:
- error messages
- warnings and notices
- file paths
- system details
This information can be used by attackers to:
- understand your site structure
- identify vulnerabilities
- gain insight into your environment
How Steel Security Detects This
Steel Security checks whether WordPress debug settings are enabled.
This includes:
- debug output being displayed
- debug logging configuration
If debug mode is active in a way that exposes information, it is flagged.
How to Fix It
To resolve this issue:
- disable debug mode in your WordPress configuration
- ensure errors are not displayed publicly
- use logging instead of on-screen output for troubleshooting
You may also use Steel Security hardening controls related to debug settings.
What to Expect After Fixing
After disabling debug mode:
- error messages will no longer be visible to visitors
- sensitive system details will be hidden
- your site will appear more stable and secure
How to Verify
To verify the fix:
- reload your site and observe for visible errors
- confirm that warnings and notices are not displayed
- optionally review logs for captured errors
Common Causes
- debug mode left enabled after development
- troubleshooting changes not reverted
- misconfigured environment settings
Best Practices
- disable debug mode in production environments
- use error logs for troubleshooting instead of display
- separate development and production configurations
- review debug settings regularly