When it comes to website security, one topic that often comes up is whether or not to disable XMLRPC. XMLRPC (or “XML Remote Procedure Call”) is a feature that allows various web applications and services to interact with your site. However, like any feature, it can also be a potential vulnerability for your site.
One of the main arguments for disabling XMLRPC is that it has been a common target for brute force attacks. Hackers can use “pingback” requests to try and guess usernames and passwords for your site. However, it’s important to note that reducing the attack surface is not the only factor to consider.
If you use Jetpack or other third-party services that rely on XMLRPC, disabling this feature could cause issues with those services. Additionally, some plugins may also rely on XMLRPC for certain functionality. Disabling this feature could negatively impact your site’s performance or cause certain features to break.
That being said, if you do not use any services or plugins that rely on XMLRPC, disabling this feature can be a reasonable security measure. You can do this via a plugin or by adding code to your .htaccess file. For those who use WordPress, simply adding the following code to your .htaccess file should do the trick:
order deny,allow
deny from all
Ultimately, the decision to disable XMLRPC largely depends on your individual circumstances. If you’re concerned about security and don’t use any third-party services or plugins that rely on this feature, it might be worth considering. However, it’s important to weigh the potential security benefits against the potential negative impacts on your site’s functionality.