WordPress wipes passwords after plugin hack

WordPress has reset all user passwords following the compromise of several popular plugins used on the content management platform.

The plugin author accounts were allegedly hacked and WordPress staff had noticed "cleverly disguised backdoors" in some of the applications.

"We determined the commits were not from the authors, rolled them back, pushed updates to the plugins, and shut down access to the plugin repository while we looked for anything else unsavoury," founder Matt Mullenweg said on a blog.

"We’re still investigating what happened, but as a prophylactic measure we’ve decided to force-reset all passwords. To use the forums, trac, or commit to a plugin or theme, you’ll need to reset your password to a new one."

He said those who use the AddThis, WPtouch, or W3 Total Cache plugins should upgrade each version from the user update page.