Is Your WordPress Site Being Targeted by Bots?

If you’ve noticed strange search queries or unusual behavior on your WordPress site, you’re not alone. WordPress powers over 40% of the web, making it a prime target for automated bots looking for vulnerabilities.

Recently, I logged into my WordPress dashboard and found odd search queries like /home/order/complete/id/1 and var_dump(md5(2333)) thanks to the help of Relevanssi – A Better Search plugin.

See below screenshot.

screenshot of plugin Relevanssi User Searches dashboard

Now I know these aren’t normal user searches. And with the help of ChatGPT, I was able to confirm these are most likely automated probes trying to exploit vulnerabilities in plugins or other databases.

ChatGPT helping to troubleshoot search queries

I no longer care about making typos with ChatGPT, it gets me.

Is it ok to trust what ChatGPT says?

Of course! But just like any other source, online or for real life, you should get a second opinion. For me, it’s good ole’ Google.

screenshot of Google SERPs showing malicious content

What Are These Bots Looking For?

Bots are testing your site for:

Exposed files or APIs like /order or /index.
Injection vulnerabilities (e.g., var_dump attempts to dump sensitive server data).
Outdated plugins or themes that might have unpatched security holes.

Why You Should Be Concerned

While these bots may not succeed immediately, they pose a real threat. If your site isn’t properly secured, it could lead to:

Malware injection
Data theft
Website defacement or downtime

Now’s a great time for WordPress maintenance for your website.

How to Protect Your WordPress Site

Here’s how to safeguard your site from bot attacks:

Install a Security Plugin: Use tools like Wordfence or Sucuri to block malicious traffic and monitor activity.
Update Everything: Keep WordPress, plugins, and themes up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
Disable File Editing: Add define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); to your wp-config.php.
Restrict Sensitive Endpoints: Use .htaccess or a firewall to block access to files like xmlrpc.php and /wp-admin.
Scan for Malware: Run a full scan to ensure your site hasn’t already been compromised.

Stay Proactive

Bots are persistent, but with the right security measures in place, you can stay ahead of potential threats. Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to keeping your WordPress site safe.

Need help securing your WordPress site? Contact me for professional support!