Blocked by Firewall for WordPress New Install File Probing

Blocked by Firewall for WordPress New Install File Probing: Imagine this—you’re all set to launch your brand new WordPress site and you get blocked by a firewall before you even get started. Ugh, right? If you’re seeing security warnings about file probing you’re not alone.So many WordPress users run into this issue when dealing with firewall rules, security plugins or hosting restrictions.

Firewalls are supposed to protect your site from threats but sometimes they can be too protective—mistaking legitimate WordPress files for suspicious activity. This can mess up your install and leave you wondering what happened.

You can fix this with a few simple changes. In this post we’ll explain why firewalls block new WordPress installs, which files trigger security warnings and how to fix it so you can get your site up and running without sacrificing security.

When you install a new WordPress site, security firewalls may block access because of file probing detection, a technique used by hackers, bots or security scanners to find vulnerabilities. Firewalls are important for website security but sometimes mistakenly block legitimate install processes and you can’t finish the setup.

This happens because WordPress generates critical config files like wp-config.php and install.php during installation. Firewalls, security plugins and server side protections flag these files as sensitive and may block access to prevent unauthorized changes. And automated scanning tools from your hosting provider may misinterpret installation attempts as malicious file requests.

While these security measures protect your WordPress site from hackers, they can also block your install. Knowing how file probing works and which files are flagged will help you debug and install WordPress securely.

During a WordPress install, attackers and bots will probe for specific files to find vulnerabilities and get in. Firewalls and security plugins will block access to certain files to prevent threats. But sometimes this will break the install and you’ll need to manually adjust.

Here are the most common targets:

1. wp-config.php – This file has database credentials and security keys. If exposed, they can take full control of your site.

2. install.php & setup-config.php – These files install WordPress but are exploitable if left exposed after install.

3. xmlrpc.php – For remote connections and mobile apps but often targeted in brute-force login attacks.

4. readme.html – Displays WordPress version info making it easier for hackers to exploit known vulnerabilities.

5. debug.log – Stores error logs which may contain sensitive info that can be used for attacks.

Firewalls block these files for security reasons. Configuring whitelist rules or temporarily disabling strict settings during install will avoid disruptions and keep your site secure.

If your WordPress install is being blocked due to file probing follow these steps to bypass security restrictions and complete the install.

1. Disable Security Plugins Temporarily

Security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri will detect the install files as suspicious and block access. Disabling them temporarily will prevent unnecessary blocks during install.

Steps:

• Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Installed Plugins.
• Deactivate any active security plugin.
• Install WordPress and see if the issue is fixed.
• Enable the plugin after install for continued protection.

2. Check Firewall Logs & Whitelist Your IP

Your hosting firewall or security plugin may have blocked your IP due to file probing detection.

How to Fix:

• Check firewall/security logs in Wordfence, Sucuri, or your hosting panel.
• If your IP is blocked, whitelist it to allow install without security triggers.

3. Modify ModSecurity Rules

Most hosting providers use ModSecurity, a firewall that can block WordPress install files by mistake.

How to disable ModSecurity:

• Log into cPanel → Security → ModSecurity.
• Disable ModSecurity temporarily.
• Install WordPress and then re-enable ModSecurity for security.

4. Manual Install via FTP

If Softaculous is blocked, a manual FTP install is the way to go.

Steps:

• Download WordPress from wordpress.org.
• Use FileZilla to upload files to your public_html folder.
• Create a database via phpMyAdmin in cPanel.
• Go to yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php to complete the install.

5. Choose a Security Friendly Host

A managed WordPress host like Rocon will not interfere with installation while keeping your site secure.

Managed Hosting Benefits:

• Pre-configured security settings.
• Auto firewall rules.
• Support 24/7 for firewall issues.

Preventing WordPress firewall blocks during future installations or updates requires forward thinking security. Here are some advanced ways to protect your site and have access.

Enable reCAPTCHA

reCAPTCHA stops bot driven file probing by identifying legitimate users and bots. Adding reCAPTCHA to your login page, forms and comment sections reduces suspicious activity.

Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A WAF like Cloudflare or Sucuri sits between your site and incoming traffic. It blocks malicious requests before they hit your server, your installation files and sensitive data.

Monitor Firewall Logs

Check firewall logs and security reports in plugins like Wordfence or your hosting panel. Adjust firewall rules if legitimate requests are being blocked.

Block access to wp-config.php & xmlrpc.php

Modify your .htaccess file to prevent access to critical files like wp-config.php and xmlrpc.php, to reduce brute force attacks and file probing.

By following these security tips your WordPress site will be protected and not blocked.

Getting a firewall block during a new WordPress install due to file probing detection is annoying but it’s a good thing. Firewalls and security plugins are designed to detect and prevent malicious activity but sometimes they misinterpret legitimate installation processes as threats.

To work around these issues while staying secure:

• Temporarily disable security plugins like Wordfence or ModSecurity during install.
• Check firewall logs to see what’s being blocked and whitelist your IP if needed.
• Use manual FTP install if automated tools like Softaculous trigger security blocks.
• Modify firewall settings carefully so wp-config.php and install.php are protected.
• Choose security friendly hosting like Rocon which has firewall settings that don’t block unnecessary things.

By applying these troubleshooting steps, you can successfully install WordPress without disruptions, while keeping your website secure from real threats.

1. Why is my firewall blocking my new WordPress install

Firewalls block WordPress installs because of file probing detection. Security tools flag critical setup files like wp-config.php, install.php, and setup-config.php as suspicious and won’t let you change them.

2. How do I fix firewall blocks during WordPress installation?

You can fix this by:

• Temporarily disabling security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri.
• Whitelisting your IP in the firewall settings.
• Disabling ModSecurity in cPanel during install.
• Installing WordPress manually via FTP.

3. Will disabling security plugins make my site vulnerable?

Disabling security plugins only during install is safe. Once WordPress is installed, re-enable them to protect your site.

4. How do I check firewall logs to see what’s being blocked?

Most security plugins and hosting providers offer logs:

• In Wordfence: Go to Firewall → Live Traffic.
• In cPanel: Check ModSecurity logs.
• In Cloudflare: Go to Firewall Events in your dashboard.

5. Can I install WordPress without using automated tools like Softaculous?

Yes, you can install WordPress manually via FTP:

• Download WordPress from WordPress.org.
• Upload files to your public_html folder via FileZilla.
• Create a database in phpMyAdmin.
• Visit yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php to complete the setup.

6. What is ModSecurity, and should I disable it?

ModSecurity is a server firewall that blocks suspicious requests. If it’s blocking your WordPress install, you can disable it temporarily in cPanel under Security → ModSecurity and re-enable it after install.