We manage a WordPress blog that recently experienced a security breach. A folder containing articles of "various topics" was uploaded to the main directory and some site files were modified. The .htaccess files were scattered throughout the folders, which resulted in the blocking of CSS, JS, and jQuery.
Additionally, the admin panel resembled a shopping list. I took the necessary steps to clean all the files, remove the .htaccess files, and restore the site. Passwords for all users, including those for hosting and FTP, were changed. However, every few days, new files reappear in the root directory, along with an .htaccess file that disrupts the admin panel and another folder with articles. It is clear that there is a backdoor on the site. How can we identify and permanently close this backdoor?
Any assistance you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
I'm not an expert in website security, but I can offer some general suggestions on how to identify and close a backdoor on your WordPress site.
Here are some steps you can consider taking:
1. Scanning and Monitoring: Regularly perform malware scans using security plugins or third-party services to detect any malicious files or code injections. Monitor your site for any unusual or unauthorized activity.
2. Inspect Modified Files: Examine the modified files to understand the changes made. Look for any suspicious PHP code, unfamiliar file names, or unexpected file extensions. Pay attention to files related to the WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
3. Database Check: Review your WordPress database for any unauthorized changes or unknown users. Remove any suspicious entries or accounts.
4. Update WordPress, Themes, and Plugins: Ensure that your WordPress installation, themes, and plugins are up to date. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Regular updates help to address these vulnerabilities.
5. Review User Accounts: Audit all user accounts and remove any unnecessary or suspicious accounts. Make sure that each user has the appropriate level of access. Reset passwords for all user accounts, including admin, hosting, and FTP.
6. Secure File Permissions: Set the correct file permissions and ownerships for all files and directories on your server. Restrict permissions to prevent unauthorized modifications.
7. Harden Security: Implement additional security measures such as two-factor authentication, strong password policies, and login attempt limiting. Consider using security plugins that offer features like firewall protection, IP blocking, and real-time scanning.
8. Check for Vulnerabilities: Conduct security vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses in your WordPress site. This can help you prioritize security actions and protect against future breaches.
9. Professional Assistance: If the issue still persists, consider seeking help from security professionals who specialize in WordPress security. They can perform a detailed analysis, provide tailored recommendations, and assist with the removal of the backdoor.
Remember that prevention is key to maintaining website security. Regularly update your software, use strong passwords, and be cautious when installing themes or plugins from unreliable sources.
Destroy everything and restore it to its previous state before the hacking occurred. Alternatively, demolish everything and rebuild from scratch without using any previous elements from the old site. Ensure backups are made.
I will add:
- Remove unnecessary, outdated, and unreliable plugins.
- Regularly update WordPress and plugins to the latest stable versions.
Additionally:
- Avoid using pirated plugins; investing in legitimate ones is more cost-effective than dealing with hack-related consequences.
- Before installing a plugin, carefully consider whether it is necessary.
The "Mix" method is the most efficient way to restore the site. It involves creating a new clean Wordpress on a subdomain and transferring the content to it via CSV export. If the template is still usable, it can be reassembled from scratch, and unnecessary plugins should be minimized. Additionally, connecting an antivirus service to the hosting is crucial to identify any potential issues that may arise during the restoration process. Once everything is ready, the main site can be replaced.
In my personal experience, I struggled with my own wordpress site for three years, trying everything to protect it from being compromised. However, despite my efforts, it still got hacked. This made me realize that cutting corners when it comes to the management system can result in losses in terms of SEO investments and traffic, not to mention the time wasted dealing with the aftermath.
As a solution, I decided to transfer my site to the Bitrix commercial system, and ever since then, I have never encountered any security issues. It taught me that a website is not just a simple tool; it needs to be of high quality in order to serve its purpose effectively.
Let me provide you with a detailed step-by-step approach to identify and permanently close the persistent backdoor in your website.
1. Comprehensive Security Audit:
a. Perform a thorough examination of your WordPress installation, including the web server, database, and all installed plugins and themes.
b. Use specialized security tools and services, such as WordPress security plugins (e.g., Wordfence, Sucuri, or iThemes Security), to scan your website for any suspicious activities, malware, or unauthorized modifications.
c. Analyze the website's logs, including the server logs, PHP error logs, and WordPress logs, to identify any anomalous activities, IP addresses, or access patterns that may indicate the presence of a backdoor.
d. Employ network monitoring tools to capture and analyze the website's traffic, looking for any unusual or suspicious network activity.
e. Scrutinize the content of all modified files, particularly the .htaccess files, to understand the attacker's techniques and the purpose of the injected code.
2. Isolate the Infected Environment:
a. Temporarily take the website offline to prevent further damage and the spread of the infection.
b. Create a comprehensive backup of the website, including the database, files, and any relevant logs. Store this backup in a secure, offline location.
c. Set up a separate, isolated testing environment, such as a local development server or a virtual machine, to investigate the issue without risking further compromise to the live site.
d. Carefully copy the backup of the website to the isolated environment, ensuring that no malicious files or code are inadvertently transferred.
3. Identify and Eliminate the Backdoor:
a. Meticulously analyze the modified files, including the .htaccess files, to understand the attacker's methods and the purpose of the injected code.
b. Use specialized tools, such as malware scanners, file integrity checkers, and web application firewalls, to detect and remove any malicious code or scripts that may be present.
c. Thoroughly inspect all plugins, themes, and core WordPress files for any suspicious or unauthorized modifications. Consider temporarily disabling or replacing any third-party components that may be compromised.
d. If necessary, consider a complete reinstallation of WordPress, ensuring that you use a clean, verified backup and update all components to the latest stable versions.
e. Carefully review and validate the integrity of the restored website in the isolated environment before migrating it back to the live server.
4. Enhance Security Measures:
a. Implement strong password policies for all user accounts, including the hosting and FTP credentials. Ensure that all passwords are complex, unique, and changed regularly.
b. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all administrative and privileged accounts to add an extra layer of security.
c. Review and update your WordPress security best practices, such as keeping the core, plugins, and themes up-to-date, disabling unnecessary features, and implementing robust logging and monitoring.
d. Consider using a web application firewall (WAF) or a security plugin specifically designed for WordPress to provide an additional layer of protection against common web application vulnerabilities and attacks.
e. Implement a robust backup and recovery strategy, ensuring that you can quickly restore your website in the event of a future incident.
5. Monitor and Maintain the Website:
a. Regularly monitor your website for any suspicious activity or the reappearance of malicious files. Set up automated security scans and alerts to detect potential threats or unauthorized access attempts.
b. Establish a routine maintenance schedule to keep your WordPress installation, plugins, and themes up-to-date and secure. Promptly apply any security patches or updates as they become available.
It's essential to approach this issue methodically and thoroughly to ensure that the backdoor is permanently closed and the website is secured against future attacks. Continuously monitoring and maintaining the security of your WordPress blog is crucial to protect your content, users, and reputation.