Snippets: Disable XML-RPC

Some builders have this ability built in and many utility plugins will have this feature. However, if you don’t, here is a quick PHP snippet to disable XML-RPC.

add_filter( 'xmlrpc_enabled', '__return_false' );

Disabling XML-RPC on your WordPress website is a prudent security measure for several reasons. XML-RPC, or Extensible Markup Language Remote Procedure Call, is a protocol that allows remote communication between different systems. While it can be useful for some purposes, it also poses significant security risks when left enabled on your WordPress site. Here’s why you should consider disabling it:

  1. Security Vulnerabilities: XML-RPC has been known to be a target for hackers due to security vulnerabilities inherent in its design. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to launch various types of attacks, including brute force attacks, DDoS attacks, and even remote code execution attacks.
  2. Brute Force Attacks: One of the most common attacks leveraging XML-RPC is brute force attacks, where attackers attempt to guess usernames and passwords by repeatedly sending login requests via XML-RPC. Disabling XML-RPC can help mitigate the risk of such attacks by removing one potential entry point for unauthorized login attempts.
  3. DDoS Attacks: XML-RPC can also be used to amplify Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks by allowing attackers to send a large volume of requests to the server, overwhelming its resources and causing it to become unresponsive. Disabling XML-RPC reduces the attack surface and helps protect against DDoS attacks.
  4. Unused Functionality: For many WordPress users, XML-RPC functionality is unnecessary since it’s primarily used for remote publishing and communication with external services, features that may not be utilized by the majority of websites. Disabling XML-RPC removes this functionality, reducing the potential attack surface of your site.
  5. Improved Performance: By disabling XML-RPC, you can potentially improve the performance of your WordPress site by reducing the overhead associated with processing XML-RPC requests. This can lead to faster page load times and a better overall user experience for your visitors.
  6. Alternative Solutions: Many of the functionalities provided by XML-RPC, such as remote publishing and content management, can be achieved through alternative methods that are more secure and efficient, such as using the WordPress REST API or dedicated plugins designed for specific tasks.
  7. Enhanced Security: Overall, disabling XML-RPC is a proactive step towards enhancing the security of your WordPress website. By reducing potential attack vectors and eliminating unnecessary functionality, you can better protect your site and the data of your users from security threats.