My WordPress site got compromised recently and someone changed several files on my server. I’m trying to understand how this could happen.
Does this usually happen because of wrong file permissions? Or maybe WordPress itself has some vulnerability that lets people edit files? I want to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
I’ve been running this site for a while but I’m not super technical when it comes to server security. Should I be worried about specific permission settings? Are there common ways that attackers get access to modify WordPress files?
Any help would be great because I want to secure my site properly. I already restored from backup but I need to understand what went wrong.
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Database vulnerabilities get overlooked all the time, but they’re a huge attack vector. I dealt with something similar two years back - attacker got in through an SQL injection flaw in a theme function. They injected malicious code straight into the database, which then executed and gave them file system access. Beyond fixing those permission settings mentioned earlier, you should set up a Web Application Firewall and regularly scan your database for anything suspicious. Also check your wp-config.php file for unauthorized database users or connections. The attack probably didn’t come from where you think it did, so dig through your access logs from before the compromise happened. That’ll show you how they actually got in.
for sure! outdated plugins are a big risk. make sure to update everything regularly and keep an eye on any weird stuff happening. also, using strong passwords for wp-admin helps a ton!
File permissions are crucial in WordPress security. I learned this the hard way when my site was compromised last year. Ensure directories have permissions set to 755 and files to 644, as many hosting providers misconfigure this initially. In my case, hackers exploited a vulnerable contact form plugin that allowed file uploads, which they used to upload a backdoor. It’s important to implement file integrity monitoring and establish .htaccess rules to restrict access to sensitive files. Additionally, review your hosting panel for any suspicious FTP or file manager logins around the time the breach occurred, as the threat may still be present if it’s not properly addressed.
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