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Disable XML-RPC-API

By Amin Nazemi

Security & Privacy / Security Scanning & Malware Protection

Disable XML-RPC-API Review - In-Depth Analysis

Disable XML-RPC API to enhance website security and performance. Prevent brute-force and DDoS attacks by disabling unnecessary features.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.59/10

User Rating

4.2/5 (based on 43+ reviews)

Active Installations

100,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

1 / 10 (Very Low Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

This plugin helps protect your website from xmlrpc brute-force attacks, DDoS, and DoS attacks by disabling the XML-RPC and trackbacks-pingbacks on your WordPress site.

It offers features such as disabling access to the xmlrpc.php file, changing htaccess file permissions, minimizing CPU usage by disabling X-pingback, and removing pingback-ping links from the header. You can also blacklist or whitelist IPs for XML-RPC access.

Additionally, this plugin allows you to disable the JSON REST API, hide the WordPress version, and disable the built-in WordPress file editor. These options contribute to a faster and more secure WordPress experience.

Comparing to Alternatives

Disable XML-RPC-API is a plugin designed to disable XML-RPC functionality in WordPress, similar to other plugins in this category that aim to enhance security by limiting XML-RPC access.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Effectively disables XML-RPC API as intended.
Simple and straightforward to use without complex settings.
Lightweight and minimal impact on site performance.

Weaknesses

Reports of serious security concerns including alleged backdoor scripts.
Some users experienced site crashes and server errors after installation.
Lacks advanced features or granular control over XML-RPC functionality.
No active pro version or premium support available.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback on Disable XML-RPC-API is mixed, with some praising its functionality while others report critical issues.

Positive highlights

'does what it should' - bugscout
'Could you please add capability to exclude specific domain names' - ajaxy12 (suggesting feature improvements)

Common complaints

Plugin injects obfuscated backdoor PHP scripts causing security breaches.
Causes 500 server errors and site crashes reported by multiple users.
Annoying global admin notices promoting other plugins.
PHP files modified unexpectedly leading to site recovery efforts.

Weaknesses

Security vulnerabilities reported by users.
Stability issues causing site downtime.
Lack of transparency and trust concerns.
Poor user experience due to intrusive notices.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users seeking a simple and lightweight solution to disable XML-RPC functionality without needing advanced features.

Not ideal for

Users who prioritize security and stability, as there are serious reports of vulnerabilities and site crashes associated with this plugin.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version offers basic disabling of the XML-RPC API with no additional features or premium support.

Final Verdict

Disable XML-RPC-API aims to provide a straightforward way to disable XML-RPC on WordPress sites, but serious security and stability concerns have been reported by users, including alleged backdoor injections and site crashes.

Due to these risks and lack of a pro version or active support, users should consider more reputable alternatives for securing XML-RPC functionality.