How To Check WordPress Plugins for Malware: Find and Fix Compromised Add-Ons

WordPress plugins are essential tools for enhancing your website’s functionality. However, malicious plugins or those compromised by hackers can pose serious security threats, leading to stolen data, a damaged reputation, and even complete site takedowns. Knowing how to check WordPress plugins for malware is crucial for keeping your website secure.

This guide will walk you through identifying malware in your WordPress plugins and taking actionable steps to remove threats and protect your site.

“IN TODAY’S WORLD, ENDPOINT PROTECTION IS NO LONGER A LUXURY; IT’S A NECESSITY. FAILING TO SECURE ENDPOINTS IS LIKE LEAVING THE FRONT DOOR OPEN FOR CYBERCRIMINALS, EXPOSING BUSINESSES TO THEFT, DISRUPTION, AND FINANCIAL LOSS.”

Raj Samani, Chief Scientist at McAfee

Why Plugins Can Be Vulnerable

Plugins are developed by third-party developers, and not all adhere to stringent security standards. This opens the door to several vulnerabilities:

• Outdated Code: Older plugins may not receive updates to patch vulnerabilities.
• Malicious Intent: Some plugins are intentionally designed to steal data or plant malware.
• Exploitation by Hackers: Even trusted plugins can be compromised if the developer’s system is hacked.

Signs a Plugin May Be Compromised

Before diving into tools and solutions, you should recognize the warning signs of malicious or infected plugins:

• A sudden increase in spammy content or redirects.
• Unusual slowdowns or crashes on your website.
• Unauthorized changes to website settings or content.
• Detection of malware in routine scans.
• Receiving notifications from your hosting provider about suspicious activity.

If you notice any of these, it’s time to investigate your plugins.

How to Check WordPress Plugins for Malware

Here’s a step-by-step approach to identify and address potentially compromised plugins:

Step 1: Audit Your Installed Plugins

1. Review Plugin Sources:
   • Ensure plugins are downloaded from the WordPress Plugin Repository or reputable marketplaces like CodeCanyon.
   • Avoid downloading plugins from unverified third-party sites.
2. Check Reviews and Updates:
   • Look at recent user reviews and ratings.
   • Ensure the plugin has been updated within the last six months.
3. Remove Unnecessary Plugins:
   • Deactivate and delete plugins you’re no longer using. Fewer plugins reduce your attack surface.

Step 2: Use a Malware Scanner

Several tools can help you scan plugins for malware:

1. Wordfence Security

• Scans all WordPress files, including plugins, for malware, backdoors, and suspicious code.
• Alerts you if a plugin has been modified or flagged as malicious.

2. Sucuri SiteCheck

• A free tool that scans your website, including plugins, for malware and vulnerabilities.
• Offers actionable reports to fix issues.

3. MalCare Security Plugin

• Scans your plugins for malware in real-time and provides one-click cleanup options.

Step 3: Manually Inspect Plugins

If a plugin is flagged but you’re not sure whether it’s safe, manually inspect its code:

1. Download the Plugin Files:
   • Access the plugin directory via FTP or your hosting provider’s file manager.
   • Save a copy of the suspected plugin for inspection.
2. Look for Suspicious Code:
   • Check for encrypted or obfuscated code (e.g., base64_encode).
   • Look for unauthorized calls to external URLs or servers.
3. Compare to the Original:
   • Download a fresh copy of the plugin from the official source.
   • Use a file comparison tool to identify unexpected changes.

Step 4: Test Your Site in a Safe Environment

Before removing or replacing plugins, test your site in a staging environment:

• Many hosting providers offer one-click staging sites.
• Use the staging site to deactivate suspicious plugins and monitor any changes in functionality or security.

How to Fix Compromised Plugins

Once you’ve identified a problematic plugin, here’s how to address it:

1. Deactivate and Delete the Plugin

• Go to your WordPress admin dashboard.
• Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins and deactivate the suspected plugin.
• Delete it completely from your site.

2. Restore from a Clean Backup

• If the plugin compromised your site, restore it from a backup taken before the infection occurred.
• Ensure backups are stored securely and not on the same server as your website.

3. Replace with Trusted Alternatives

• Look for plugins with similar functionality from reputable developers.
• Ensure the replacement plugin is regularly updated and well-reviewed.

Best Practices to Prevent Plugin-Related Malware

1. Keep Plugins Updated

Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and vulnerabilities. Keeping your plugins updated minimizes security risks.

2. Limit Plugin Usage

Only install plugins essential to your site’s functionality. Too many plugins increase the likelihood of vulnerabilities.

3. Enable Automatic Updates

For plugins you trust, enable automatic updates to ensure you’re always running the latest version.

4. Perform Regular Scans

Schedule routine malware scans using tools like Wordfence or Sucuri to detect potential threats early.

5. Monitor Plugin Activity

Use an activity log plugin to track changes made by plugins, including unexpected updates or suspicious behavior.

Why Checking Plugins Regularly Is Important

Neglecting plugin security can lead to:

• Loss of Data: Malware can erase or corrupt your content.
• SEO Penalties: Search engines may blacklist infected sites, causing a loss of traffic.
• Damage to Reputation: Visitors who encounter a compromised site may lose trust in your brand.

Taking a proactive approach to check and secure your plugins ensures your site remains safe, reliable, and trustworthy.

Conclusion

Knowing how to check WordPress plugins for malware is an essential skill for website owners. By auditing installed plugins, using malware scanners, and implementing best practices, you can minimize security risks and maintain your site’s integrity.

Make it a habit to review plugins regularly, and don’t hesitate to remove or replace those that compromise your security. With vigilance and the right tools, you can protect your site from malicious plugins and keep it running smoothly.