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Manage XML-RPC

By brainvireinfo

Security & Privacy / Security Scanning & Malware Protection

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Manage XML-RPC Review - In-Depth Analysis

Manage XML-RPC to enhance security by enabling or disabling access based on IP addresses. Control pingbacks and HTTP headers effectively.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.65/10

User Rating

3/5 (based on 4+ reviews)

Active Installations

5,000+

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

You can now disable XML-RPC to avoid brute force attacks for given IPs or can even enable access for some IPs. XML-RPC on WordPress is actually an API that gives developers who build mobile apps, desktop apps, and other services the ability to talk to a WordPress site.

The XML-RPC API that WordPress provides gives developers a way to write applications that can do many of the things that you can do when logged into WordPress via the web interface.

Block XML-RPC by following ways. Disable pingback.ping, pingback.extensions.getPingbacks, and unset X-Pingback from HTTP headers to block bots from accessing specified methods. You can disable or block XML-RPC for all users.

Comparing to Alternatives

Manage XML-RPC is one of several plugins designed to control XML-RPC access on WordPress sites, providing options to block or allow specific requests to enhance security.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Effectively blocks XML-RPC brute force and DoS attacks as reported by users.
Allows granular control over XML-RPC settings including IP-based allow/deny rules.
Simple and straightforward to use with clear blocking functionality.
No known security vulnerabilities reported, indicating a secure codebase.

Weaknesses

Does not provide functionality to enable XML-RPC if it is disabled elsewhere.
Activation can cause backend access issues, including site downtime for some users.
Limited user interface and features compared to some alternatives.
No pro version or advanced premium features available.

User Sentiment Analysis

User reviews are polarized with half giving 5 stars praising its effectiveness and ease of use, while the other half report critical issues causing site downtime and functionality problems.

Positive highlights

'Simply works. I don't use jetpack and I don't care about ping backs… but I hate the staggering amount of xmlrpc attacks I've been seeing the past few months.' - mtreklivecom
'Easy in use! Works great!! Block entirely the access, block only pingback or/and allow/deny by IP.' - ideia internet

Common complaints

Plugin does not enable XML-RPC functionality, only disables it.
Activating the plugin can cause the WordPress backend to become inaccessible, resulting in site downtime.

Weaknesses

Lack of support for enabling XML-RPC when needed.
Potential to cause critical site errors and backend lockout.
Limited troubleshooting options for resolving activation issues.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Site owners looking for a simple and effective way to block XML-RPC attacks without needing advanced features or enabling XML-RPC functionality.

Not ideal for

Users who require enabling XML-RPC for legitimate purposes or those who cannot risk potential site downtime due to plugin activation issues.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides basic XML-RPC blocking capabilities, including IP-based allow/deny controls and the ability to block pingbacks.

Final Verdict

Manage XML-RPC offers straightforward and effective blocking of XML-RPC attacks with no known security vulnerabilities, making it a solid choice for users needing basic protection. However, its inability to enable XML-RPC and reports of backend access issues upon activation limit its reliability for some users.

Considering the availability of several alternative plugins with similar or enhanced features, users should weigh the risk of potential site downtime against their need for XML-RPC control. The lack of a pro version and limited feature set may also influence the decision for those seeking more comprehensive solutions.