Media Files Missing after 4.2 update – Possible Solution

I think I may have found a solution to the issue of media files disappearing in the wp/admin dashboard in WP 4.2 and 4.2.1, as well as the themes’ images not showing up. Clicking the image links on my website was also giving me 403 errors.

After a week of frustration, updating to 4.2.1, deactivating all my plugins, defaulting to 2015 theme, an hour in chat with Bluehost support, double-checking all my permissions files, resetting .htaccess, etc. I found the solution to my website’s problem, and maybe yours too.

In my case, I had hotlink protection enabled on my bluehost server. I disabled it, and voila!, all my media files came back. My media folder (a cdn subdomain) was not an allowed referrer. So I entered the referrer url, clicked submit, and now all is right with the world! Maybe it’ll work for you too.

Still a work in progress, but here’s my site: https://hippiechickmusic.com