This is How to Fix the WordPress Website Redirect to cgi-sys/denied.shtml Error
If you've ever experienced your WordPress website suddenly redirecting to cgi-sys/denied.shtml
, you're not alone. This is a common issue that many WordPress users face, and it can be a frustrating problem to solve.
The cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect is usually a sign that your website has been compromised or is experiencing a security issue. In this article, we'll dive into the root causes of this problem, provide step-by-step solutions to fix it, and share some preventative measures you can take to avoid it in the future.
What Causes the WordPress Redirect to cgi-sys/denied.shtml?
There are a few common reasons why your WordPress website might be redirecting to cgi-sys/denied.shtml
:
-
Malware or Hacking: One of the most common causes of this issue is that your website has been infected with malware or has been hacked. Hackers often target WordPress websites because of their popularity and potential vulnerabilities.
-
Corrupted .htaccess File: The .htaccess
file in your WordPress installation is responsible for managing your website's URL structure and other server-level configurations. If this file becomes corrupted or is modified by an unauthorized party, it can cause the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect.
-
Plugins or Theme Issues: Sometimes, conflicts between plugins or problems with your WordPress theme can also lead to the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect. Incompatible or outdated plugins or themes can introduce security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
-
Server Configuration Changes: Changes made to your web server's configuration, such as modifying the Apache or Nginx settings, can also trigger the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect if they're not done properly.
How to Fix the WordPress Redirect to cgi-sys/denied.shtml
Now that we've identified the potential causes, let's dive into the steps you can take to fix the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect on your WordPress website:
1. Check for Malware and Clean Your Website
One of the first things you should do is scan your WordPress website for any malware or unauthorized changes. Here are the steps you can take:
-
Use a Malware Scanning Tool: Install a reputable WordPress security plugin like Wordfence, Sucuri, or MalCare and run a full website scan. These tools can help detect and remove any malicious code or files that may be causing the redirect.
-
Backup Your Website: Before making any changes, it's crucial to create a full backup of your WordPress website, including your database, files, and uploads. This will ensure that you can restore your site to a known-good state if necessary.
-
Update WordPress, Plugins, and Themes: Ensure that your WordPress core, all installed plugins, and your active theme are up-to-date. Outdated software can often be a vulnerability that hackers exploit.
-
Change Your WordPress Admin Password: If your website has been compromised, it's best to change your WordPress admin password to prevent further unauthorized access.
2. Inspect and Repair Your .htaccess File
The .htaccess
file is a crucial component of your WordPress website's configuration, and a corrupted or modified file can cause the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect. Here's how you can troubleshoot and repair it:
-
Locate and Backup Your .htaccess File: The .htaccess
file is typically located in the root directory of your WordPress installation. Make a backup of this file before making any changes.
-
Restore the Default .htaccess File: If the .htaccess
file is the culprit, you can try restoring the default WordPress .htaccess
file. You can find the default configuration in the WordPress Codex.
-
Regenerate the .htaccess File: Another option is to delete the existing .htaccess
file and let WordPress regenerate a new one. You can do this by going to your WordPress admin dashboard, navigating to Settings > Permalinks, and saving the changes.
-
Check for Malicious Code: Carefully inspect the .htaccess
file for any suspicious-looking code or redirects. If you find anything unusual, remove it and save the file.
3. Deactivate and Reactivate Plugins
Conflicting or outdated plugins can sometimes cause the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect. Try the following steps to identify and resolve any plugin-related issues:
-
Deactivate All Plugins: From your WordPress admin dashboard, go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and deactivate all of your installed plugins.
-
Reactivate Plugins One by One: Once all plugins are deactivated, reactivate them one by one, testing your website after each reactivation. This will help you identify the plugin (if any) that's causing the redirect.
-
Update or Replace Problematic Plugins: If you identify a specific plugin that's causing the issue, update it to the latest version or consider replacing it with an alternative plugin.
Get a Free AI Website Audit
Automatically identify UX and content issues affecting your conversion rates with Flowpoint's comprehensive AI-driven website audit.
4. Switch to a Default WordPress Theme
Your WordPress theme can also be a source of the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect. Try switching to a default WordPress theme, such as Twenty Twenty-One or Twenty Twenty-Two, to see if the issue is resolved.
-
Activate a Default WordPress Theme: From your WordPress admin dashboard, go to Appearance > Themes and activate a default WordPress theme.
-
Test Your Website: After activating the default theme, check if the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect is still occurring.
-
Update or Replace Your Current Theme: If the issue is resolved with the default theme, the problem is likely related to your current theme. You can either update your theme to the latest version or consider replacing it with a different theme.
5. Check Your Web Server Configuration
In some cases, changes made to your web server's configuration can also trigger the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect. Here's what you can do:
-
Contact Your Web Host: If you're unable to identify and fix the issue on your own, reach out to your web hosting provider for assistance. They may be able to help you troubleshoot any server-level configuration problems.
-
Review Your Apache or Nginx Settings: If you have access to your server's configuration files, such as the httpd.conf
(Apache) or nginx.conf
(Nginx), review them for any changes that may be causing the redirect.
-
Reset Your Web Server Configuration: As a last resort, you may need to reset your web server's configuration to the default settings. This should only be done with caution and with the assistance of your web host or a technical expert.
Preventing the WordPress Redirect to cgi-sys/denied.shtml
Now that you know how to fix the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect, let's discuss some preventative measures you can take to avoid this issue in the future:
-
Keep Your WordPress Installation Up-to-Date: Regularly updating your WordPress core, plugins, and themes is crucial to maintaining the security and stability of your website. Set up automatic updates or make it a habit to check for and install updates as soon as they're available.
-
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Ensure that your WordPress admin account and any other user accounts have strong, unique passwords. Consider enabling two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
-
Install a Reputable WordPress Security Plugin: Utilize a security plugin like Wordfence, Sucuri, or MalCare to monitor your website for any suspicious activity, scan for malware, and automatically block potential threats.
-
Regularly Backup Your Website: Implement a robust backup strategy to ensure that you can quickly restore your website in case of an issue. Consider using a WordPress backup plugin or a cloud-based backup service.
-
Limit File Permissions and Disable Directory Listings: Ensure that your WordPress files and directories have the appropriate permissions set, and disable directory listings to prevent unauthorized access.
-
Monitor Your Website's Activity: Regularly check your website's logs, error messages, and traffic patterns to identify any unusual activity or potential issues early on.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of your WordPress website being redirected to cgi-sys/denied.shtml
and maintain the overall health and security of your online presence.
If you're still experiencing issues with the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect after trying these solutions, it's recommended to seek the assistance of a WordPress development professional or your web hosting provider for further troubleshooting and support.
Flowpoint.ai can help you identify all the technical errors that are impacting your WordPress website's conversion rates and provide recommendations to fix them. With their AI-powered analytics and optimization tools, you can quickly pinpoint and resolve issues like the cgi-sys/denied.shtml
redirect to improve the overall performance and user experience of your website.