How to Find Malicious Code in WordPress and Protect Your Website

WordPress powers over 40% of websites worldwide, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike. However, its popularity also makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. Malicious code can infiltrate WordPress sites through vulnerable plugins, themes, or outdated software, compromising data and potentially damaging your website’s reputation.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how to find malicious code in WordPress, steps to mitigate the risks, and effective strategies to 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

Understanding Malicious Code and Its Impact

What Is Malicious Code?

Malicious code refers to harmful programming scripts or software designed to compromise a system’s functionality. In WordPress, it often appears in:

• Infected plugins or themes
• PHP files
• JavaScript code
• Database entries

Common Symptoms of Malicious Code in WordPress

• Unexplained redirects to unfamiliar sites
• Strange pop-ups or ads appearing on your site
• Slow website performance
• New users with administrator privileges
• Unwanted modifications to files

Step-by-Step Guide to Find Malicious Code in WordPress

1. Use a Malware Scanner Plugin

One of the easiest ways to detect malicious code is by using a trusted WordPress security plugin. Some popular options include:

• Wordfence Security: Scans core files, themes, and plugins for changes or vulnerabilities.
• Sucuri Security: Offers comprehensive malware scanning and file integrity checks.
• MalCare: Specializes in detecting and removing complex malware without affecting your site.

Steps to Scan with a Plugin:

1. Install and activate the plugin.
2. Navigate to the plugin’s settings panel.
3. Initiate a scan and review the results for flagged files or code.

2. Manually Inspect Core WordPress Files

If you suspect your site has been compromised, checking the core WordPress files manually can help locate malicious scripts.

Steps:

1. Log in to your site via FTP using a client like FileZilla or through your hosting cPanel.
2. Compare files in the WordPress core directories (e.g., /wp-admin/, /wp-includes/) with those from a fresh WordPress installation.
3. Look for:
   • Unknown PHP files.
   • Extra folders or files.
   • Modified wp-config.php or .htaccess files.

3. Search for Suspicious Code in Themes and Plugins

Hackers often target themes and plugins as entry points for malicious code.

Steps:

1. Navigate to /wp-content/themes/ and /wp-content/plugins/.
2. Open files like functions.php and look for obfuscated code (e.g., eval(base64_decode())).
3. Replace infected files with clean versions from the official WordPress repository.

4. Scan Your WordPress Database

Malicious code can also hide in your database, affecting functionality or adding spam content.

Steps:

1. Access your database using phpMyAdmin.
2. Check tables like wp_posts and wp_options for suspicious entries, especially ones with scripts or unusual content.
3. Use SQL queries to search for malicious patterns, such as:sqlCopy codeSELECT * FROM wp_posts WHERE post_content LIKE '%<script>%';

5. Review User Accounts

Hackers may create unauthorized admin accounts to gain persistent access.

Steps:

1. Go to Users > All Users in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Look for unfamiliar admin accounts.
3. Remove any accounts you don’t recognize.

How to Protect Your WordPress Website from Malicious Code

1. Keep WordPress Updated

Outdated WordPress versions, plugins, and themes often have security vulnerabilities. Ensure your site is running the latest versions to patch known issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Dashboard > Updates in your WordPress admin panel.
2. Update WordPress core, plugins, and themes regularly.

2. Install a Web Application Firewall (WAF)

A WAF can block malicious traffic before it reaches your website. Plugins like Wordfence or services like Cloudflare offer excellent protection.

3. Use Trusted Plugins and Themes

Avoid downloading plugins or themes from unverified sources. Always:

• Download from the WordPress Plugin Directory.
• Purchase from reputable theme developers like ThemeForest or StudioPress.

4. Strengthen Login Security

Prevent unauthorized access by enhancing your login process.

• Use strong passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Limit login attempts with plugins like Limit Login Attempts Reloaded.

5. Schedule Regular Backups

Frequent backups ensure you can restore your site quickly if something goes wrong. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to automate the process.

What to Do If You Find Malicious Code

1. Take Your Site Offline Temporarily

Prevent further damage by placing your site in maintenance mode while addressing the issue.

2. Remove the Malicious Code

Delete infected files and replace them with clean versions. Use a malware removal plugin if you’re not comfortable doing it manually.

3. Contact Your Hosting Provider

Many hosting providers offer malware scanning and removal services. They can help clean your site and secure your server.

4. Restore from a Clean Backup

If cleaning the site isn’t feasible, restore it from a backup created before the infection occurred.

Conclusion

Protecting your WordPress website from malicious code requires vigilance, the right tools, and proactive measures. Regular scanning, using reliable plugins and themes, and keeping backups will help you maintain a secure site. By following these steps, you can identify and remove malicious code before it causes significant harm.

Take the necessary precautions today to ensure your WordPress site remains safe, secure, and functional for the long term.