Disable XML-RPC-API

The Disable XML-RPC-API Plugin for WordPress provides an easy and effective way to secure your WordPress website by blocking external access to the XML-RPC API feature with a single click.

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What We Think:

84%

Highly recommended!

Disable XML-RPC-API: A Comprehensive Review

The XML-RPC-API was introduced in both WordPress and Jetpack back in the early 2000s. Originally meant to be an extension to XML-RPC, it allowed for users to remotely access their data, use their sites as an authentication service, or even pingback to other blogs. Unfortunately, this same technology has been abused frequently over the years. To help protect WordPress sites, the Disable XML-RPC-API plugin was created. This plugin, once enabled, will protect your WordPress site from the malicious use of XML-RPC-API technology.

Disable XML-RPC-API: Breakdown

The Disable XML-RPC-API plugin was created with the idea of protecting WordPress sites from attackers who were using XML-RPC-API technology to cause damage. The plugin will work to disable any attempts to access the XML-RPC-API from outside sources, as well as prohibit any authentication requests. By disabling the XML-RPC-API, the plugin is essentially putting a stop to any attempts to access the WordPress site from unauthorized sources.

The plugin also has a number of additional features that can help protect WordPress sites. For example, it can block any attempts to force authentication using XML-RPC technology, and will disable any pingbacks from external websites. This ensures that any attacks using pingbacks are also stopped in their tracks, which can be a major source of security issues for WordPress websites.

The plugin is also designed to be easy-to-use, and can be set up in a matter of minutes. All it requires is for the user to install the plugin from the WordPress dashboard, and the plugin will immediately begin to protect your website from any XML-RPC-API related attacks.

Pros of Using Disable XML-RPC-API

Improved Security: By disabling the XML-RPC-API, WordPress websites are able to limit the number of attack vectors available to malicious actors. This plugin makes it easy to disable the API on WordPress-powered websites, while still allowing other ways of communication and data exchange in a secure way, such as SFTP.

Reduced Server Load: Resource-constrained hosting environments can benefit from disabling the XML-RPC-API, as it reduces the number of requests the server needs to handle. Removing this protocol adds more available resources for other features, which will result in improved performance.

Reduction of Potential Attack Paths: With the XML-RPC-API disabled, attackers will have one less avenue to attack. Any attempt to exploit the protocol will be stopped since it has been disabled. This will improve the overall security of the WordPress website and lower the risk of a successful attack.

Increased Compatibility: When the XML-RPC-API is disabled, WordPress websites can be certain that all parts of the site work together in harmony without having to worry about any issues that can arise when none-compatible plugins or APIs interact.

Immediate Protection: The plugin provides immediate protection the moment it is installed and activated. As soon as it is enabled, WordPress websites can benefit from improved security and increased compatibility without any downtime.

Cons of Using Disable XML-RPC-API

Inability to Utilize Remote Connections: The Disable XML-RPC-API WordPress plugin removes the ability of users to connect remotely to their WordPress site. This means that users won’t be able to use Visual Studio Code, Jetpack, and other popular WordPress services that require remote connections. This lack of remote connectivity can drastically affect the usability of WordPress for developers and non-developers alike.

Restricted Accessibility for Third-Party Apps: When the Disable XML-RPC-API WordPress plugin is enabled, it restricts access to WordPress for all third-party applications that connect through it. This can impact the accessibility and functionality of many popular WordPress apps like WordPress.com, Remote Poedit, Cloudinary, and others. It can even make it difficult to make certain changes to WordPress with the mobile app.

Vulnerability to Security Threats: While enabling the Disable XML-RPC-API WordPress plugin may increase security in some areas, it also removes some of the protection that WordPress uses against malicious actors. Since XML-RPC is disabled, malicious actors can sometimes exploit other parts of the system to gain access to a WordPress site. This makes it more important for WordPress users to ensure they have other security measures in place.

Harder to Configure WordPress: Since disabling XML-RPC-API in WordPress removes the remote connectivity that is required for many popular services, it can make it difficult to configure and manage WordPress. Without a remote connection, users must make all of their changes manually or through an FTP client. This can be time consuming and may require more technical knowledge than other WordPress users are comfortable with.

No Support from Third-Party Services: Disabling the XML-RPC-API in WordPress can also result in a lack of support from third-party services and developers. This is because many services rely on connectivity through XML-RPC to function properly. Without a properly configured XML-RPC connection, users may find that some services or plugins can no longer be used or supported on their WordPress site.

84% Highly recommended!

In conclusion

The Disable XML-RPC-API plugin can be an invaluable tool for protecting WordPress websites from malicious attackers. With its easy-to-use setup process and comprehensive protection capabilities, it can help to keep any WordPress site secure and safe from attack. As technology continues to evolve, so too must the security measures of our websites, and this plugin can ensure that our sites are well-defended against any malicious activity.

Plugin Specifications

Version: 2.1.5
Last Updated: 8 months ago
Installs: 80,000+
WP Version: 4.8+
Tested Until: 6.4.2
PHP Version: N/A

Use Case Examples

Secure WordPress XML-RPC From Brute Force Attacks
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Using the Disable XML-RPC-API plugin, website owners can completely disable XML-RPC API access on their websites, protecting them from malicious brute force attacks. By disabling the XML-RPC interface completely, hackers will not be able to access core WordPress functions and features over the API, protecting the backend and front end of your website with improved security.
Prevent Spammers From Abusing XML-RPC API
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Reduce Attack Surface and Tighten WP Security
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Prevent DoS Attacks
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Prevent Unauthorized Remote Access
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