Malicious wp2shell WordPress Web Shell via PHP Drop to Plugin Directory
- Product
- linux
- Category
- file_event
- Author
- HuntRule
- Published
- 2026-06-05
- Updated
- 2026-08-28
ATT&CK techniques
PersistenceRecon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact
What it detects
This rule detects a PHP file written into a wp2shell plugin directory which is the web shell installed by the pre-auth WordPress RCE before command execution. Attackers drop the malicious plugin to gain a persistent server-side foothold. A PHP file appearing under this specific plugin path is a high-confidence web shell indicator.
Reporting behind it
Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.
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