Are you a WordPress site owner or administrator concerned about the security of your website? If you’re searching for how to scan WordPress site for malware, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for WordPress site owners, admins, and anyone responsible for maintaining a WordPress website. Here, we’ll clarify the scope of malware scanning by covering both manual and plugin-based methods for detecting and removing malware in your WordPress files and database.
Scanning for malware in your WordPress database is crucial because infections can persist even after cleaning your site files, leading to reinfection and ongoing security risks. By learning how to scan WordPress site for malware—including both files and the database—you can prevent reinfection, protect your site’s integrity, and maintain a safe experience for your visitors.
Why Regular Malware Scans Matter for WordPress Sites
WordPress sites should be scanned regularly for malware vulnerabilities. Regular scans can help detect malware before it causes damage, maintain SEO rankings and brand reputation, and prevent malware from going unnoticed for long periods. You can use tools like a free WordPress checkup for security and performance issues to quickly spot problems between full manual audits. Security experts recommend scanning your WordPress site at least once a month to ensure ongoing protection.
Table Of Content
WordPress Security: Things To Know Before You Scan Your WordPress Database
How to Perform a Malware Scan on WordPress Database Using Plugins?
WordPress Security: Things To Know Before You Scan Your WordPress Database
Before you scan WordPress database for malware, it’s essential to first scan WordPress for malware in your core files and clean out any infected code.
Malware often enters your database through injection scripts hidden in your WordPress files. If you don’t clean these files first, malicious code can reinfect your database, even after a full cleanup.
To get started, use a reliable WordPress malware removal plugin to detect and remove threats from your files.
Before making any changes, ensure that both your WordPress files and database are fully backed up. Using one of the best WordPress cloud storage plugins for off-site backups adds another layer of protection if your hosting account is compromised. If something goes wrong during the process, it’s far better to restore a compromised site than to lose it entirely—malware can be removed, but lost data may be unrecoverable.
Once your files are clean and your backups are secure, you’re ready to scan WordPress database for malware. Follow the steps below to detect and eliminate database malware from your WordPress site.
Methods to Manually Scan WordPress Database for Malware
Due to the severity of a malware infection, we strongly recommend letting an expert handle the cleanup. You can request our WordPress Malware Removal Service, and we’ll thoroughly clean your site and scan WordPress database for malware, removing all malicious files and threats. If you need personalized guidance or have questions about your specific case, you can contact a WordPress expert at FixRunner for direct support.
However, if you have some technical experience and prefer to handle it yourself, we’ll walk you through the process of removing database malware from your site.
There are two effective ways to do this:
Manual code search – ideal for those familiar with WordPress database structures.
Using a malware scanner WordPress plugin – a faster, more user-friendly option to scan WordPress for malware, including both files and the database.
If you prefer an automated approach, the next section covers plugin-based scanning methods.
Manual Code Search for Hidden Malware and Malicious Code
Hackers use a set of known functions to exploit vulnerable WordPress websites. You can scan WordPress database for malware by searching for these commonly used functions to see if they are present, which would suggest presence of database malware. Also, if your site is redirecting to spammy links, you should search your database for these links as well.
Export Your DB SQL
To search your DB, you would need to export it as text. Using the database tool provided by your web host, you can perform this export. In this guide, we show you how to do this using PhpMyAdmin.
Steps to Export and Search Your Database:
Login to your cPanel dashboard, scroll to the “Databases” section and click PhpMyAdmin.
Select your WordPress database from the list on the left.
Click Export in the top menu.
Leave the export method set to “Quick”, leave the format set to “SQL”, and click GO.
When the SQL download completes, open it in a notepad. This is where we will search for malicious code.
Easily exploitable PHP functions
To successfully scan WordPress database for malware, you should search for the two main indicators of DB malware infection. These are:
PHP functions that are commonly used by hackers (easily exploitable)
Unknown links, iframes, and code sections found in your site.
Commonly Exploited PHP Functions
Hackers often exploit specific PHP functions to inject malicious code into your site. While these functions have legitimate uses, their presence—especially within your database—can indicate a security breach. If you’re running WordPress, it’s important to scan your WordPress database for malware to detect any signs of tampering. Here are some commonly exploited functions you should look out for:
base64_decode: Used to decode data encoded with base64. Since WordPress is open source, it is very unlikely to contain encoded information. This function in your DB would usually indicate that a hacker is trying to hide or mask their malicious code.
What you should search for – “base64_decode( ” or “base64_decode (” (with a space before the opening bracket).
gzinflate: Used to decode (inflate) data that is encoded (deflated). Presence of this function points to a hacker trying to hide their activity.
What you should search for – “gzinflate(” or “gzinflate (”
eval: This language construct tries to process any string as valid PHP code. If you find this construct in your DB, it is very likely infected.
What you should search for – “eval(” or “eval (”
error_reporting(0): When the zero parameter is used, code errors will neither be displayed nor logged. If found, this may indicate a hacker hiding error reports.
What you should search for – “error_reporting(0)” or “error_reporting (0)”
shell_exec: Allows execution of commands at the operating system (server level). Since this enables hackers to take over an entire server, it is a prime target.
What you should search for – “shell_exec(” or “shell_exec (”
This is not an exhaustive list. You may research other PHP functions that hackers commonly use.
Unknown links or iframes in your website
Beyond well-known PHP functions, malicious code can also hide in your site’s content. Hackers often inject suspicious iframes and redirect links that are harder to spot without a thorough inspection; in many cases this shows up as a WordPress hacked redirect issue that sends users to spam or malicious sites. This is why it’s essential to scan your WordPress database for malware and review your website’s code carefully.
If you suspect an infection, avoid opening your site directly in a browser—doing so might spread the malware to your local system or other servers. Instead, use a safer method like cURL to display your site’s source code without rendering it. This is especially important if browsers are already showing a “deceptive site ahead” malware warning when visitors try to access your pages.
A simple tool to use is Online cURL. Just enter your full site URL (including “https://”) and press Enter. The tool will display the raw code behind your site, allowing you to search for hidden malware, redirect links, and unusual iframes. This step, combined with a regular scan of your WordPress database for malware, can help uncover issues before they escalate.
Carefully search this code for suspicious text. You may search and review all “iframe” tags and content since hackers often use them.
Generally, to scan WordPress database for malware, search for HTML sections that are out of place in your WordPress site. For example, if your site is about airplanes and you see a section with links and information about pharmaceuticals, that’s a red flag.
During your search, note down all iframes, links, and HTML sections that you find suspicious.
Searching the DB export
First, search within the exported SQL file for the easily exploitable PHP functions we have identified. Use the exact text in quotes after “what should you search for” (see above).
Next, if you identified some suspicious iframes, links, and other text from your code review using cURL, search for these in the DB SQL export.
If you find any of these in your database, it is very likely infected.
Malware Removal: Cleaning Up Your Database
If your search reveals that your database is infected, you would need to take steps to clean it. Our recommended method is restoring your DB to a time before the infection. If you had automatic backups running, you can do this quite easily. Otherwise, you would need to contact your web host for help or consider moving to fully managed WordPress hosting with built-in backups and security.
The second option is searching for the identified malicious links, iframes, or functions in your DB and removing them.
To do this, you need to have some advanced knowledge.
Steps to Search and Remove Malicious Code in PhpMyAdmin:
In PhpMyAdmin, click Databases and click on your WordPress database to select it.
Click Search.
Enter the search text in the “Words or Values” input box. Leave “Find” set to “at least one of the words”. In the “Inside Tables” input, ensure that you select all the tables. Click Go to perform the search.
In the search results, wherever a match shows up, you have the option to browse to, or delete the record.
Click Browse to view the record. You can then decide either to edit out the malicious text, or better yet, simply delete the record.
Repeat this for every malicious text you found in your search.
If you prefer an automated approach, the next section covers plugin-based scanning methods.
How to Perform a Malware Scan on WordPress Database Using Plugins?
As an alternative to manually searching your database, you can check for malware by using a WordPress malware removal plugin as a security solution with useful security features for malware detection and cleanup.
What is a WordPress Malware Scanner?
A WordPress malware scanner is a specialized tool or plugin designed to detect, identify, and sometimes remove malicious code, malware, and vulnerabilities from your WordPress site. Effective plugins compare core files against the official WordPress repository to spot unauthorized changes. There are comprehensive security suites available to scan WordPress sites for malware, including both files and databases. Recommended WordPress malware scanners include Wordfence, MalCare, and Sucuri Security. Sucuri SiteCheck scans for malware and identifies infected files, while Wordfence scans for malware using a comprehensive database of signatures and offers a free malware scanner with comprehensive detection. Jetpack Scan provides one-click malware removal after detection, and MalCare scans the entire site without using local resources. Malcure Malware Shield provides real-time threat intelligence updates. To scan for vulnerabilities, sites can utilize server-level scanning, and tools like Maldet and ClamAV can catch malware that WordPress scanners might miss.
Some WordPress malware plugins identify and delete malware automatically, and some even offer one-click malware removal after detection, as with Jetpack Scan. Others generate a report of suspected malware, allowing you to review and delete only those you confirm as threats.
For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, our WordPress website support services include regular scans and security monitoring using a WordPress malware removal plugin.
If you want plugin-based tools or other scanners for DB scanning, here are a few options:
MalCare WordPress Security
MalCare is a complete malware cleaning solution that will not only clean your website now but also run automatic daily scans to prevent future infections from happening. It scans the entire site without using local resources, and that proactive approach helps keep your site safe from future attacks.All In One WP Security & Firewall
Malcure Malware Shield is another option that provides real-time threat intelligence updates.
All In One WP Security & Firewall is one of the most popular plugins with DB scanning function. The DB Scanner looks for suspicious strings in core tables in your WordPress website database. Review the available scan options and whether a free version or paid plans make sense for the level of protection you want.
Exploit Malware Scanner
Wordfence is a free plugin with many active installations, and its free malware scanner uses a comprehensive database of malware signatures.Jetpack Protect automatically scans for over 28,700 vulnerabilities.
Exploit scanner is a plugin by Automattic (the company responsible for WordPress.com). This plugin scans the post and comment tables for potentially malicious code. When it finds suspicious content, it presents it back to you with a rating of Note, Warning, or Severe.
Sucuri SiteCheck is a remote scanner for known malware and website errors.
To scan for vulnerabilities, server-level scanning can supplement WordPress scanners; ClamAV and Maldet are common examples.
You can then decide what to delete.
Using both WordPress malware scans and an edge WAF improves application-level visibility, and pairing them with one of the best WordPress firewall plugins further hardens your site against brute-force attacks, malware injections, and other exploits.
Transitioning from plugin-based scanning, let’s address some common questions about WordPress malware scanning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my WordPress database has malware?
Signs include unexpected content changes, slow performance, redirects to suspicious sites, and other warning signs like unusual error messages or suspicious changes. To confirm, export your database via PhpMyAdmin and search for malicious PHP functions or unfamiliar URLs.
Plan monthly scans at least once a month, since malware can go unnoticed for long periods without scanning and regular checks help protect seo rankings and brand reputation.
How Much Does it Cost to Removal Malware From WordPress Database?
Costs vary: many security tools have a free version for basic scanning, while paid plans add more comprehensive protection; professional malware removal services may range from $50 to $500, depending on the complexity. Plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri can help, and Wordfence offers one-click malware removal for free. For ongoing support and protection, you can explore our plans which offer tailored solutions to keep your site secure.
What steps should I take after finding malware on my site?
First, after discovering malware on a hacked site, look for malicious activity such as unexpected new users or files, then clean your site files using a malware removal plugin. Then, scan your database for malicious code. Finally, install new versions of WordPress core files, plugins and themes regularly to reduce security vulnerabilities and help prevent future attacks, and properly remove unused or problematic plugins so they don’t become a security risk.
What should I do if I can’t remove the malware on my own?
Consider seeking professional help. FixRunner offers a WordPress Malware Removal Service that utilizes top scanners like MalCare and Wordfence to thoroughly clean your site and database. Effective plugins compare core files against the official WordPress repository when checking for suspicious files and security issues. If you can’t remove malware yourself, a hack repair service can scan your WordPress installation for compromised files and hidden backdoors. To get started, you can request a free estimate for our services.
How Can You Use This Information?
If your database is infected, the steps covered in this guide can help you identify malware, and clean up your database.
Whether you choose to use the manual search or the plugin option, please take care with what you delete. If not sure, Google it first. If ongoing security and maintenance feel overwhelming, you can hand this work off to professional WordPress website management services with 24/7 support.
To further ensure your WordPress core files and other content are properly cleaned, we suggest you read our 6 most effective WordPress malware removal plugins article, which WordPress users can use when scanning WordPress for malicious software and deciding how to remove malware.
In it, we have listed the best plugins to detect malware in WordPress files – including WordFence Security plugin, Quttera Web Malware Scanner, Sucuri Security and Sucuri Sitecheck Scanner (which offers remote scanning), etc. Some tools also streamline cleanup: Wordfence offers one-click malware removal for free, while Jetpack Scan provides one-click malware removal after detection.
We also recommend you check our WordPress security guide to secure your website properly, after you get rid of malicious code and malware, because a proactive approach with regular scans and layered protection can help keep website visitors safe from malware attacks and other security threats. This guide provides security tips and guides to help protect your site from malware, hack attempts (such as brute force attacks), SQL injection (such as base64 code injection), etc. Using both WordPress malware scans and an edge WAF also improves application-level visibility and can support faster response to security incidents.
Before you move on, check your wordpress dashboard or admin dashboard for security alerts and email alerts after cleanup, and fix any issues such as broken images affecting user experience and SEO that may have appeared during or after the hack.
Are there other steps you have used for malware scanning within your database? If yes, please share them in the comments below. If a hack or failed cleanup leaves you locked out or facing a blank dashboard, guides on fixing a blank WordPress admin panel can help you regain access, and more complex cleanup or hardening may warrant custom WordPress development for themes, plugins, and security.
Summary: How to Scan WordPress Site for Malware
To directly answer the query “how to scan WordPress site for malware,” here’s a concise checklist referencing both manual and plugin-based methods:
WordPress sites should be scanned regularly for malware vulnerabilities.
Manual Method:
Export your WordPress database using PhpMyAdmin.
Search the exported SQL file for suspicious PHP functions (e.g., base64_decode, gzinflate, eval, shell_exec) and unknown links or iframes.
Remove or clean any malicious code found, or restore from a clean backup.
Plugin-Based Method:
Use recommended WordPress malware scanners such as Wordfence, MalCare, and Sucuri Security.
Sucuri SiteCheck scans for malware and identifies infected files.
Wordfence scans for malware using a comprehensive database of signatures and offers a free malware scanner with comprehensive detection.
Jetpack Scan provides one-click malware removal after detection.
MalCare scans the entire site without using local resources.
Malcure Malware Shield provides real-time threat intelligence updates.
Comprehensive Security Suites:
There are comprehensive security suites available to scan WordPress sites for malware, offering layered protection and regular automated scans.
Server-Level Scanning:
To scan for vulnerabilities, sites can utilize server-level scanning.
Tools like Maldet and ClamAV can catch malware that WordPress scanners might miss.
Regular scans are recommended at least once a month for WordPress sites to help maintain SEO rankings, brand reputation, and overall site integrity.