Issue Apache & PHP-FPM Memory Usage Growing Exponentially

[stevewest15]

Server operating system version

CentOS 7.9.x

Plesk version and microupdate number

18.0.48

Hi,

Recently (since mid-Sept 2022), on all of our Plesk servers, I've been seeing the same issue w/ Apache & PHP-FPM memory usage growing exponentially. Prior to mid-Sept 2022, Apache PHP-FPM was stable (as you can see from the attached Plesk_Monitoring_Services_12months.png).

Not much has changed across the servers besides Plesk updates and routine OS updates (CentOS 7.9.x). On the impacted servers, we haven't added any new websites or email services. The only change I can recall recently is the deactivation of PHP 7.4 (due to EOL security updates) and the switching of most client websites (WordPress) to PHP 8.0.x or 8.1.x).

Any ideas about what could be causing the Apache PHP-FPM memory increase? See attachments for additional details.

Thank you,

SW

 

[Maarten]

It could be a memory leak in one of the PHP scripts or a bot attack on your server.
Did you check the logs to see what's going on?

# tail -f /var/www/vhosts/system/*/logs/error_log

# tail -f /var/www/vhosts/system/*/logs/proxy_access_ssl_log