How to Disable XML-RPC in cPanel using .htaccess

Posted on 16 February 2023

XML-RPC is a protocol that allows remote access to WordPress sites. While it has some benefits, it can also be a security risk, as it can be used by hackers to launch DDoS attacks or brute-force attacks on your website. If you’re not using any plugins or apps that require XML-RPC, it’s a good idea to disable it to reduce the risk of attacks. Here’s how to disable XML-RPC in cPanel using .htaccess:

Table of Contents

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

The first step in disabling XML-RPC is to log in to your cPanel account. If you’re not sure how to log in to cPanel, contact your hosting provider for assistance.

Step 2: Navigate to File Manager

Once you’re logged in to cPanel, navigate to File Manager. This can usually be found in the “Files” section of cPanel. Click on the “File Manager” icon to access it.

Step 3: Locate .htaccess File

Once you’re in File Manager, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress site. This is where you’ll find the .htaccess file that controls the access to your site. If you can’t see the .htaccess file, make sure to enable the option to show hidden files.

Step 4: Edit .htaccess File

Right-click on the .htaccess file and choose “Edit” from the dropdown menu. This will open the file in a text editor.

Step 5: Add the Code to Block XML-RPC

To block XML-RPC, add the following code to your .htaccess file:

# Block XML-RPC
<Files xmlrpc.php>
order deny,allow
deny from all
allow from // IP
</Files>

Replace “// IP” with your own IP address. This will allow you to continue to access XML-RPC if necessary. If you need to access XML-RPC from multiple IP addresses, you can add additional “allow from” lines for each IP address.

Step 6: Save Changes and Test Your Site

Once you’ve added the code to your .htaccess file, save the changes and test your site to make sure everything is working properly. Make sure to test all the features and functionality of your site to ensure that everything is working as it should.

Additional Tips for Securing Your Site

Disabling XML-RPC is just one step in securing your site. Here are some additional tips to help you keep your site secure:

Keep Your WordPress Installation Up-to-Date

Keeping your WordPress installation up-to-date is crucial to ensuring the security of your site. WordPress releases regular updates that include security fixes, so make sure to update your site as soon as updates become available.

Use Strong Passwords

Using strong passwords for your WordPress account and your hosting account can help prevent brute-force attacks. Make sure to use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols in your passwords, and avoid using easily guessable passwords like “password” or “123456”.

Install a Security Plugin

Installing a security plugin, such as Wordfence or Sucuri, can help add an additional layer of security to your site. These plugins can scan your site for vulnerabilities, block malicious IPs, and provide real-time alerts if your site is under attack.

Limit Login Attempts

Limiting the number of login attempts can help prevent brute-force attacks. You can use a plugin such as Login Lockdown or WP Limit Login Attempts to limit the number of login attempts a user can make before being locked out.

Disable File Editing in WordPress

By default, WordPress allows you to edit files directly from the admin area. This can be a security risk if someone gains unauthorized access to your site. To disable file editing, add the following code to your wp-config.php file:

define( 'DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true );

This will disable the ability to edit files from the WordPress admin area.

Use SSL Encryption

Using SSL encryption can help secure your site by encrypting data transmitted between your site and your visitors. You can obtain an SSL certificate from your hosting provider or use a third-party provider like Let’s Encrypt.

Conclusion

Disabling XML-RPC is a simple and effective way to improve the security of your WordPress site. By following these steps, you can block XML-RPC and reduce the risk of attacks. Additionally, following the additional tips for securing your site can help keep your site safe and secure.