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What is XML-RPC in WordPress, and Why Should You Disable It?

XML-RPC has been a part of WordPress for many years, originally created to facilitate remote interactions with your website. However, today it is better known as a frequent security vulnerability. This article explains what XML-RPC is, why WordPress sites use it, and why you should strongly consider disabling it.

Understanding XML-RPC

XML-RPC stands for XML Remote Procedure Call. It’s a protocol allowing software applications to communicate remotely by sending XML-formatted requests via HTTP. WordPress included XML-RPC to allow remote publishing, site management, and integration with external applications.

Typical uses of XML-RPC include:

  • Remote publishing (posting to your blog from external apps).
  • Pingbacks and trackbacks.
  • Connecting to Jetpack and mobile apps for WordPress.

Why XML-RPC Became Problematic

Despite its usefulness, XML-RPC turned into a popular target for hackers due to its susceptibility to specific kinds of attacks:

1. Brute Force Attacks

Hackers frequently exploit XML-RPC’s multicall method to attempt multiple logins in a single HTTP request, significantly speeding up brute-force attacks.

2. DDoS and Amplification Attacks

Attackers can leverage XML-RPC pingback functionality, turning innocent websites into unwilling participants in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks.

3. Spam and Pingback Abuse

Pingbacks and trackbacks, though originally meant to notify authors of linked content, became avenues for spam comments and unwanted traffic.

Signs XML-RPC is Being Abused on Your Site

  • Excessive login attempts in security logs.
  • High CPU usage and spikes in bandwidth.
  • Frequent spam comments via pingbacks.
  • Decreased site responsiveness.

Benefits of Disabling XML-RPC

Disabling XML-RPC enhances your website’s security, providing immediate benefits:

  • Reduced Vulnerability: Eliminates a major vector for brute-force and DDoS attacks.
  • Improved Performance: Reduces unnecessary resource usage, enhancing your website’s speed and stability.
  • Less Spam: Greatly reduces unwanted spam comments and pingback notifications.

How to Safely Disable XML-RPC in WordPress

Method 1: Using a Security Plugin

Plugins like BotBlocker include built-in options to disable XML-RPC safely with just one click.

Method 2: Disable via .htaccess

Add this code snippet to your .htaccess file in the website’s root folder:

# Block WordPress xmlrpc.php requests
<Files xmlrpc.php>
  order deny,allow
  deny from all
</Files>

Method 3: Using functions.php

Alternatively, disable XML-RPC programmatically by adding to your theme’s functions.php:

add_filter('xmlrpc_enabled', '__return_false');

Can Disabling XML-RPC Break My Site?

In most cases, disabling XML-RPC won’t affect site functionality for regular users. However, if you use Jetpack, the WordPress mobile app, or third-party blogging tools, consider these points:

  • Jetpack relies on XML-RPC; disabling it fully will break Jetpack functionalities.
  • If you depend on WordPress mobile apps, keep XML-RPC enabled selectively through firewall rules or specialized plugins.

Recommended Approach: Selective Disabling

The best strategy is often selective disabling:

  • Block XML-RPC for general access.
  • Allow specific IP addresses or applications you trust.

Plugins like BotBlocker Pro offer easy configuration options to selectively manage XML-RPC access safely.

Conclusion: Secure Your Site by Managing XML-RPC Properly

XML-RPC once offered valuable remote functionalities, but today the risks outweigh its advantages for most WordPress sites. By disabling or managing XML-RPC carefully, you greatly improve security, site performance, and stability, reducing threats from malicious bots and attackers.

Protect your site today with BotBlocker

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