FFCF Tech on "Parse error: syntax error, unexpected '"/** The name of the database ' (T_CONSTA"

I recently started getting the error 'Parse error: syntax error, unexpected '"/** The name of the database ' (T_CONSTANT_ENCAPSED_STRING)'

When I looked at the wp-config every line had a quote mark before and after it rendering the file useless. Other than that, its fine. No mysterious code.

I've since moved the wp-config file out of the public_html directory. The site is now working again.

However, I've been unable to find the source of the hack. I've kept a backup of the (suspected) installation but have updated all plug-ins and the WordPress core files. I've gone through all the core WordPress files (a lengthy process), deleted all unused plug-ins and templates, checked the user upload directories, and checked the user database.

Has anyone seen anything like this in the past? Is it a hack or could it be a problem with my hosting company?