The Malicious Code Hiding in My Client's Database

It took about thirty seconds to realize this wasn't a routine support ticket. The "weird link" my client found was malicious JavaScript, and it wasn’t immediately visible in templates. It was hidden in the database—a security breach designed to load external scripts that could compromise visitor security.

The Backstory

My first instinct was to check the templates on the live server—nothing. Then I looked at the CMS entries where the malicious script was appearing—still nothing visible. That's when I realized: the malware was hiding in the database itself.

My stomach dropped. This wasn't just a cosmetic problem—visitors to this site were being exposed to who-knows-what, and I had no idea how long it had been happening.

I searched the database for the code I'd seen in the page source, and there it was—injected into multiple tables. Someone had gained unauthorized access to the CMS control panel and buried malicious JavaScript in content fields where it wouldn't be immediately obvious.

From there, I had to manually remove the code from the specific database entries for the two affected pages. But I couldn't stop there. I ran queries across much of the database to make sure the code wasn't lurking anywhere else, waiting to resurface.

These attacks typically succeed through one of three vulnerabilities:

• Outdated CMS or plugin versions with known security holes
• Weak or compromised passwords
• Unpatched server software

While there may be other possibilities, the fact remains: maintenance matters.

The Fix

After finding the code in a couple of fields in the database, I had to systematically identify all the compromised data. I then cleared all caches, removed infected database backups, and made sure that all users changed their passwords. And of course, I updated server and database credentials.

The whole time, I was wondering: how did this get in here? And more importantly—what was it actually doing to visitors? The relief I felt when I finally traced the code and confirmed what it was doing to the site can't be overstated.

Thankfully the malware was relatively boring—it was basically a redirect to a site that happens to be part of an advertising service that website publishers use to generate revenue on their sites. (Yay capitalism I guess. 🙃) But I don’t want to imagine if it had been worse and gone unnoticed for months. The consequences could have included data theft, SEO damage, blacklisting by search engines, loss of customer trust, and not to mention, legal liability for compromised user data. That last one makes my stomach flip.

Prevention is Cheaper Than Cleanup

Website security breaches don't happen to "other people". They happen to real businesses with real consequences. The good news? Most attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that regular maintenance prevents. Here’s what to watch for:

• Strange links or content appearing on your pages that you didn't add.
• Sudden drops in performance or unusual traffic patterns.
• Warnings from Google about malware or suspicious activity.
• Your hosting provider flagging security concerns.
• Complaints from visitors about redirects or pop-ups.

Any of these could mean you've already been compromised.

Regular maintenance—such as CMS and plugin updates, and routine backups—catches vulnerabilities before they're exploited. Block 81 provides support and maintenance plans that include all of this, plus uptime monitoring, quick response when issues arise, and peace of mind knowing someone has your back.

The client this happened to has a support plan with us, which means this cleanup effort cost them nothing extra. Had they not had a support plan, they would've paid more than one month of our lowest tier offering to fix this mess.

Don't wait for your site to go down or a breach like this to make website security and maintenance a priority.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to clean up a hacked website? 
It depends on the extent of the compromise. This particular breach took over two hours to track down and remediate—and that's with immediate access and knowing what to look for. More complex breaches can take significantly longer.

Can I prevent my website from being hacked? 
While no website is 100% hack-proof, regular maintenance dramatically reduces your risk. Keeping your CMS and plugins updated, using strong passwords, and monitoring for suspicious activity catches most vulnerabilities before they're exploited.

What should I do if I find malicious code on my site? 
Don't panic, but act quickly. Document what you found, take your site offline if necessary to protect visitors, and get professional help. Attempting to fix it yourself without understanding the full scope can make things worse.