WordPress.DB.RestrictedFunctions.mysql_mysqli_prepare

mysql mysqli prepare

The plugin uses a raw MySQL extension or class instead of WordPress database APIs.

medium weight

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.

Affected Plugins

RankPluginScoreErrorsWarningsInstallsUpdatedTop Issue
#1Matomo Analytics – Powerful, Privacy-First Insights for WordPress191,909878100k+Exception Not Escaped
#2Brizy – Page Builder2058972070k+Output Not Escaped
#3Prime Mover – Migrate WordPress Website & Backups221,3261,60010k+Non Prefixed Variable Found