Malware keeps creating files

  • I have malware on my website that keeps creating a wordpress folder with an index file, htaccess file and a couple of other files, it also changes the index file and a couple of others.

    i keeps changing them back, deleting the generated files, have changed my password several times, use wordfence and Securi neither have flagged any issues, all plugins/theme are up to date, everytime I think it has gone the net day or two things have changed again.

    What can I do? My hosting company is absolutely useless, they wont help in the slightest and take over a week to respond to anything.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 27 total)

  • Everything in your hosting I would consider insecure. I would recommend deleting everything in it completely (database and files) and importing a backup. Because with what you currently have in front of you, you will no longer be able to run a functioning web.

    Also change all passwords in the hosting. The access there, FTP and database.

    You can find more tips here: https://www.ads-software.com/support/article/faq-my-site-was-hacked/

    Hi @slowhost

    It sounds like you have a malware infection on your WordPress website that keeps coming back, even after removing it and taking other measures to secure your site. This can be a very frustrating and time-consuming problem to deal with. To help you resolve the issue, here are a few steps you can take:

    1. Back Up Your Website: Before making any changes, creating a backup of your website is essential. This will allow you to restore your site to its previous state if something goes wrong.

    2. Check for Malicious Code: Look for any suspicious or malicious code in your WordPress files, particularly in the theme and plugin files. You can use a tool like Hex to Hex Viewer to examine your files for any unusual code.

    3. Change All Passwords: Make sure to change all passwords associated with your website, including your WordPress admin password and FTP login credentials. Use strong, unique passwords, and consider using a password manager to help you generate and store them securely.

    4. Re-Upload Core Files: You can try re-uploading the core WordPress files. This will replace any compromised files with fresh copies. However, please back up your website before doing this, as it may cause some customizations to be lost.

    If you have tried these steps and the malware keeps returning, the infection may be more deeply rooted and require more advanced measures to remove. In this case, you may consider hiring a professional to help clean up your site.

    Thread Starter slowhost

    (@slowhost)

    Thank you for the advice guys, I have done all the steps apart from deleting everything but still keeps coming back, I have a company trying to fix the issue also, but keeps coming back.

    Is there a way to search all php files via the cPanel? That way I could look for any suspicious file names at least? I have asked the hosting company for SSH to search all but they won’t supply this, I have also asked them to upgrade the PHP but they won’t do this either.

    Hi @slowhost
    You could download the entire site on your PC and manually search for the affected files.

    Thread Starter slowhost

    (@slowhost)

    Yes, didn’t think of that, I don’t really know what I’m looking for? I was thinking if any php file name looked a bit wrong but then is there anything specific to look for within the php?

    Thanks again

    Every single file can have some kind of infection. Not only PHP, but also JavaScript, CSS and likewise image files. Therefore, trying to clean that up will lead you to a dead end. My recommendation would still be to delete everything.

    Additional to the advice above, if you decide to try and locate the bad code, then to narrow down what to search delete and replace all plugin and theme files and folders. The same with WordPress (except wp-config.php and /wp-content/). Then visually check wp-config.php and check the timestamps in wp-content for recently modified files.

    Moving forward, always keep a selection of clean backups locally.

    Thread Starter slowhost

    (@slowhost)

    I have tried to bulk download my site to check files, however I cannot do this via cPanel, I can only download a file at a time, which would take months to download them all.

    There are some files from when I first opened the site 10 years or so ago, but I’m unsure what to delete/keep, nothing is sticking out as corrupt tbh

    in cPanel go to Files >> Backup >> Partial Backups and in “Download a Home Directory Backup” select “Home Directory” (image). The backup will be compressed to a .tar extension and saved locally. It should take minutes to complete.

    Hello

    I have the exact same issue and tried everything suggested as well and it keeps coming back

    Thread Starter slowhost

    (@slowhost)

    Hello, the only way it was resolved was by changing all the server and hosting passwords, I didn’t log on and everything has been fine since. Maybe worth giving that a try, at least that way you can rule out them having a script on your pc to find the passwords.

    everything you did was completely correct and sufficient on your part, re-installing wordpress, changing the password and the like. The malware you mentioned has infected the entire shared hosting server and it is multiplying not only on your cpanel but also on others with whom you share resources.

    (@threadi)
    what you will recommend without a fresh backup?
    I checked and see that the one I have is also infected/
    delete all?
    set a new hosting and WP?
    rebuild project again previously adding security plugin, and everyday backups?

    (@orvel)
    Thanks for info
    Is there any opportunity to keep project content or somehow filter it from infected files?
    From my own experience somehow it infects even some files with code, and with no info of file changes I mean data of file changes

    Does this mean that there is no practical measures to ensure that your wordpress website is fully / absolutely secure 100% ?

    I have also been battling with this same issue for weeks, I have over 21 clients websites infected. And it’s really been a lot of frustration and have made me loose they trust.

    The malware/hacker keeps creating all kind of files, and even new themes and plugins, and also redirects my websites to a strange URLs.

    I keeps changing them back, deleting the generated files and codes, have changed my passwords several times, all plugins/theme are up to date.

    Also most unfortunate, I don’t have a safe backup to fall back on.

    Please I will appreciate any help?

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 27 total)
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