That error:
Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Failed opening required 'zip://_(:з」#∠)_'
/public_html/wp-content/db.php
usually means your WordPress site has been hacked or corrupted. The zip://_(:з」#∠)_ path is not valid WordPress code — it’s a common sign of injected malware.
Since the error is coming from:
/wp-content/db.php
that file is the problem.
✅ Step-by-Step Fix
1️⃣ Delete the infected db.php
- Connect via cPanel File Manager or FTP.
- Go to:
/public_html/wp-content/ - Delete:
db.php
⚠️ Important:
WordPress does NOT normally include wp-content/db.php.
If it exists and you didn’t intentionally install a database plugin (like HyperDB), it’s malicious.
2️⃣ Check if Site Loads
After deleting db.php, refresh your site.
If it works → malware was removed successfully.
If not → continue below.
3️⃣ Replace Core WordPress Files
Download a fresh copy of WordPress from:
- WordPress.org
Then:
- Delete everything except:
wp-content/wp-config.php
- Upload fresh WordPress core files.
This removes hidden backdoors in:
wp-admin/wp-includes/
4️⃣ Scan for More Malware
Check these locations manually:
/wp-content/uploads/→ look for.phpfiles (should NOT be there)- Root folder → weird files like:
wp-login.php.suspected- random 6–10 character PHP files
.htaccess→ check for strange redirect code
If possible, install security plugin after cleanup:
- Wordfence
5️⃣ Change All Passwords
Very important:
- Hosting account
- FTP
- WordPress admin
- Database
- cPanel
🔍 Why This Happened
Common causes:
- Outdated plugins
- Nulled/pirated themes
- Weak passwords
- Old WordPress version
🚨 If It Keeps Coming Back
That means:
- There is another hidden backdoor
- Or your hosting account is compromised
In that case:
- Contact hosting support
- Ask for malware scan
- Or restore from clean backup




