WordPress Release: 4.0.38

TL;DR

WordPress 4.0.38 is a security-focused maintenance release that replaces the update notification to clearly indicate that WordPress 4.0 has reached end of support. Users running WordPress 4.0 are now informed they need to update to a newer version to continue receiving security updates. This release is critical for users still on the 4.0 branch as it provides clear guidance on the security implications of running an outdated version.

Highlight of the Release

• Updated notification system to clearly indicate WordPress 4.0 has reached end of support
• Improved messaging to guide users toward upgrading to a supported WordPress version
• Enhanced security awareness for users on outdated installations

Migration Guide

Migration from WordPress 4.0.38

WordPress 4.0 has reached end of support and will no longer receive security updates. To ensure your website remains secure, you should migrate to a newer supported version of WordPress.

Migration Steps:

1. Backup your website: Create a complete backup of your files and database before proceeding
2. Check compatibility: Review your themes and plugins for compatibility with newer WordPress versions
3. Update in stages: Consider updating incrementally through major versions (4.0 → 4.9 → 5.x) if possible
4. Test thoroughly: After upgrading, test all functionality on your site to ensure everything works properly

For detailed migration instructions, refer to the WordPress documentation on updating WordPress.

Upgrade Recommendations

Priority: Critical

All WordPress 4.0 users should be aware that this version has reached end of support and will no longer receive security updates. While this 4.0.38 release provides an important notification update, it does not extend the support period for WordPress 4.0.

Action required:

• Plan to upgrade to a supported WordPress version as soon as possible
• WordPress 4.0 sites are vulnerable to security issues that have been fixed in newer versions
• Consider engaging with a WordPress professional if you need assistance with the upgrade process

The WordPress security team strongly recommends running the latest version of WordPress to ensure your site remains protected against known vulnerabilities.

Bug Fixes

No specific bug fixes are included in this release. The update focuses solely on replacing the update notification to properly indicate end of support status.

New Features

This release doesn't introduce new features as it's focused on updating the end-of-support notification for the WordPress 4.0 branch. The primary change is an improved notification system that clearly communicates to users that WordPress 4.0 is no longer receiving security updates and that they should upgrade to a newer version to maintain site security.

Security Updates

While this release doesn't fix specific security vulnerabilities, it addresses a security communication issue by clearly informing users that WordPress 4.0 has reached end of support and will no longer receive security updates. This notification change helps improve security awareness and encourages users to upgrade to supported versions that receive regular security patches.

Performance Improvements

This release does not contain any performance improvements. It focuses exclusively on updating the end-of-support notification system.

Impact Summary

WordPress 4.0.38 marks an important milestone as it officially communicates the end-of-support status for the WordPress 4.0 branch. The primary impact is informational - users running WordPress 4.0 will now receive clear notifications that their version is no longer supported and will not receive security updates.

This change helps improve security awareness among users still running WordPress 4.0, encouraging them to upgrade to supported versions. While the code changes are minimal (63 additions, 7 deletions across 6 files), the security implications are significant as it addresses a communication gap regarding the support status of this WordPress branch.

Site administrators should take this notification seriously and plan to upgrade to a supported WordPress version to maintain the security of their websites. This release serves as an important reminder that running outdated software poses increasing security risks over time.