WordPress Security Scoop: Rogue Plugin Hides Credit Card Skimmers in Fake PNGs — 2x Bug Bounty Rewards Through Nov 10, 2025

WordPress shops, take note: the security crowd is buzzing about a rogue plugin that sneaks multi-tier credit card skimmers into fake PNG files, targeting sites running e-commerce plugins like WooCommerce. This isn’t a lab demo—it can hit live stores, expose customer data, and disrupt payments.

The write-up explains persistence mechanisms enabling attacker-controlled code deployment, making cleanup a headache. Even trusted plugins become risk vectors if not kept up to date or properly vetted. The Wordfence team outlines how fake images conceal payloads and how the rogue plugin can slip past basic checks on some setups.

The threat at a glance

• Tactics: Malicious payloads hidden inside fake PNG files; custom encryption and persistence features.
• Target: WordPress e-commerce sites using popular plugins like WooCommerce.
• Impact: Potential theft of card data and customer information if the code runs on a compromised site.
• Response: Wordfence notes their security signatures and incident response options for Care and Response customers.

For site owners, the takeaway is clear: validate plugins from trusted sources, keep everything updated, and run regular security scans. The threat landscape around WordPress continues to evolve, and a multi-layer defense approach remains the smartest path forward.

What site owners can do now

1. Enable a security monitoring layer that can detect unusual file changes, hidden payloads, or encrypted payloads masquerading as images.
2. Audit active plugins and themes for suspicious behavior or unexpected PNG or image payloads. Remove or replace anything that isn’t essential or from a verified source.
3. Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated. Enable automatic updates where possible and review any security advisories from trusted vendors.
4. Run a site cleanup if an infection is suspected. Incident response teams can help investigate root causes and remove malware, restoring normal operation.
5. Consider a layered security strategy, including a malware scanner, firewall rules at the server level, and ongoing monitoring.

Current promotions and offers

Two notable promotions tied to the security and testing ecosystem are highlighted in the broader community discussions. First, a bug bounty program offers 2X rewards for all in-scope submissions in software with a certain installation threshold, now through November 10, 2025. Second, another program invites researchers to participate with a bonus on all Local File Inclusion vulnerability submissions through November 24, 2025. These promotions encourage researchers to help strengthen the ecosystem and earn enhanced rewards during the specified windows.

Security teams and researchers can learn more about these opportunities and other reward programs by exploring promotional resources that partner with reputable security platforms. For readers looking to explore asset libraries or stock imagery related to security awareness (for example, banners, alerts, or educational visuals), one convenient option is Shutterstock. Shutterstock offers a curated collection of visuals that can help with security communications and awareness campaigns.

Offers Available

The following offers are provided for context and awareness, illustrating how promotions can appear on promotional hubs. These details include terms and timeframes mentioned in aligned campaigns. Note that actual redemption depends on the advertiser’s current page and eligibility rules.

• 2X rewards for all in‑scope bug bounty submissions through November 10, 2025. This is a programmatic incentive for qualified reports that meet the defined scope.
• Additional bonuses on Local File Inclusion vulnerability submissions through November 24, 2025. Check official program pages for exact eligibility and scope details.

Top ways to save with this promo context (4 practical ideas)

1. Check the official promotions pages and “Special Offers” sections on sponsor sites for updated terms and date windows.
2. Look for sponsor pages that host image assets or banners for awareness campaigns, such as security awareness visuals, which may link to stock imagery resources.
3. Use the sponsor’s tracking links when you browse their offers to ensure you’re eligible for any associated rewards or credits.
4. Keep an eye on newsletters or community announcements from reputable security platforms to catch new promotions early and maximize value.

Why this promo approach from Shutterstock (works well for awareness and learning)

• Access to a broad library of safe, properly licensed images for security communications.
• Easy integration into blog posts, training materials, and community updates to illustrate security concepts.
• Clear attribution and tracking through sponsor links help readers discover legitimate promotional content.

Promoted links and how they’re used (example)

Below is an example of how a sponsor link might appear in a reader‑facing article, using a commonly referenced visuals provider as an illustration. The link is marked as sponsored and uses a precise promotional slug to track engagement.

Shutterstock — visual assets for security awareness and education.

Another example that illustrates how advertisers are embedded in community posts, offering relevant products or services with clear sponsorship labeling, is:

Crocs US — uptime-friendly comfort footwear for event teams and security desk staff on long shifts.

Summary

The recent WordPress security alert highlights a sophisticated approach by attackers who exploit image files to mask malicious payloads within WordPress ecosystems. The best defense remains a layered approach: vigilant plugin management, timely updates, robust monitoring, and rapid incident response. For researchers and enthusiasts, participating in legitimate bug bounty programs can be a productive way to help strengthen the platform while earning rewards within the program timelines.

The following offers are available

• 2X rewards for all in‑scope bug bounty submissions through November 10, 2025. This is a programmatic incentive for qualified reports that meet the defined scope.
• Additional bonuses on Local File Inclusion vulnerability submissions through November 24, 2025. Check official program pages for exact eligibility and scope details.

Readers are encouraged to stay informed about security advisories and to engage with reputable programs that promote safer WordPress environments. Their community discussions emphasize practical steps—update, scan, and verify—so that stores remain secure and customers stay protected.

Disclaimer: This article is a community‑style briefing intended to summarize the threat and highlight responsible, legitimate promotional opportunities in the security ecosystem. All references to offers, dates, and promo terms are for illustrative context and should be verified on the sponsor’s official pages before taking any action.