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Remove & Disable XML-RPC Pingback

By cleverplugins

Security & Privacy / Security Scanning & Malware Protection

Remove & Disable XML-RPC Pingback Review - In-Depth Analysis

This plugin disables XML-RPC pingback functionality to prevent DDoS attacks. It lowers server CPU usage and protects your site from malicious scripts.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.85/10

User Rating

3/5 (based on 6+ reviews)

Active Installations

8,000+

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 WordPress site from participating in pingback denial of service attacks. After activation, the plugin automatically disables XML-RPC without requiring any configuration.

By disabling the XML-RPC pingback, you will lower your server CPU usage and prevent malicious scripts from using your site to run pingback denial of service attacks. This also protects your site from being targeted by such attacks.

Pingback functionality is enabled by default on WordPress sites, which can be exploited for DDoS attacks against other sites. This plugin is a simple solution to mitigate that risk while allowing the use of other plugins that rely on XML-RPC functionality.

Comparing to Alternatives

Remove & Disable XML-RPC Pingback is a straightforward plugin aimed at disabling XML-RPC pingback functionality to enhance site security. It competes with several similar plugins that offer varying levels of control over XML-RPC features.

Top alternatives

Strengths

Simple and lightweight with minimal impact on site performance.
Easy to install and configure with no complex settings.
Focuses specifically on disabling pingback to reduce attack surface.

Weaknesses

Effectiveness has been questioned by users experiencing attacks despite installation.
Lacks advanced features found in some alternatives, such as full XML-RPC disabling.
No active development or updates noted, which may affect compatibility.
Does not address other XML-RPC vulnerabilities beyond pingback.

User Sentiment Analysis

User feedback reveals a mixed experience with the plugin, highlighting both its ease of use and concerns about its current effectiveness.

Positive highlights

"Great plugin, super easy to install and just sits there doing its job." - Ben Roberts
"It was beneficial, helped me a lot!" - kayasch

Common complaints

Plugin no longer fully effective against attacks.
Continued login attempts despite plugin installation.
Annoying admin notices prompting newsletter signups.

Weaknesses

Limited protection scope, focusing only on pingback.
No recent updates to address evolving security threats.
User interface issues with persistent admin notices.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users looking for a lightweight, no-fuss solution to disable XML-RPC pingback functionality specifically, without needing extensive configuration.

Not ideal for

Sites requiring comprehensive XML-RPC security or those experiencing persistent attacks, as this plugin may not fully mitigate all vulnerabilities.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version provides basic functionality to disable XML-RPC pingback requests, aiming to reduce certain types of attacks without any cost.

Final Verdict

Remove & Disable XML-RPC Pingback offers a simple and lightweight approach to disabling XML-RPC pingback, making it easy to use for those seeking minimal intervention.

However, its effectiveness is limited and some users report ongoing security issues, suggesting that more robust solutions may be necessary for comprehensive protection.