WordPress.DB.RestrictedFunctions.mysql_mysql_real_escape_string
mysql mysql real escape string
The plugin uses a raw MySQL extension or class instead of WordPress database APIs.
Why It Shows Up
The scan found `mysql_*`, `mysqli_*`, PDO MySQL, or related database functions in plugin code.
Why It Matters
Bypassing `$wpdb` can ignore WordPress database configuration, escaping conventions, character sets, and compatibility layers.
How to Fix
- Replace raw MySQL calls with `$wpdb` methods or higher-level WordPress APIs.
- Use `$wpdb->prepare()` for dynamic values.
- If a third-party library requires a database connection, isolate it and document why WordPress APIs cannot be used.
References
Affected Plugins
| Rank | Plugin | Score | Errors | Warnings | Installs | Added | Updated | Top Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Duplicator – Backups & Migration Plugin – Cloud Backups, Scheduled Backups, & More | 21 | 2,572 | 1,277 | 1m+ | Output is not escaped | ||
| #2 | Database Access with Adminer | 22 | 983 | 2,553 | 1k+ | Non-prefixed global variable | ||
| #3 | WP Umbrella: Security Backup Restore & Monitoring | 22 | 967 | 1,121 | 80k+ | Exception output is not escaped | ||
| #4 | WP-WebAuthn | 22 | 957 | 396 | 2k+ | Exception output is not escaped | ||
| #5 | ManageWP Worker | 23 | 501 | 570 | 1m+ | Non-prefixed class | ||
| #6 | Defender Security – Malware Scanner, Login Security & Firewall | 24 | 1,328 | 1,329 | 80k+ | Non-prefixed namespace | ||
| #7 | Easy Modal | 24 | 564 | 299 | 7k+ | Unsafe printing function | ||
| #8 | Database Manager – WP Adminer | 24 | 1,005 | 2,752 | 20k+ | Non-prefixed global variable | ||
| #9 | Advanced WordPress Reset – Debug, Recover & Reset WP | 25 | 475 | 464 | 10k+ | Output is not escaped | ||
| #10 | rtMedia for WordPress, BuddyPress and bbPress | 25 | 293 | 246 | 7k+ | Non-prefixed constant | ||
| #11 | Advanced Category Excluder | 31 | 349 | 160 | 600 | Output is not escaped | ||
| #12 | 404 Notifier | 40 | 39 | 41 | 600 | Output is not escaped |
