Remove XML-RPC Methods Plugin

The plugin removes all methods from the WordPress XML-RPC API. It is an alternative to just using the xmlrpc_enabled hook, because that is only used “To disable XML-RPC methods that require authentication”.

Activating this plugin will disable pingbacks and trackbacks, because these rely on XML-RPC.

Testing the plugin

From the command line you can test if the plugin is working correctly using cURL:

curl -d '<?xml version="1.0"?><methodCall><methodName>system.listMethods</methodName><params><param><value><string/></value></param></params></methodCall>' https://<your domain>/xmlrpc.php 

This should only return system methods.

If the request returns methods starting with wp. the plugin is not active.

1. Download the plugin and unzip it. Copy the files to the /wp-content/plugins/wee-remove-xmlrpc-methods directory
2. Activate the plugin through the ‘Plugins’ menu in WordPress

1.4.0

• Tested with PHP 8.0
• Tested WordPress up to version 5.6.

1.3.1

• Correct description

1.3.0

• Replace PHP header function with http_response_code.
• Update readme.txt.
• Raise minimal supported WordPress version to 4.6.
• Tested WordPress up to version 5.5.

1.2.0

• Replace pings_open action function with built-in function.
• Increase pings_open action priority.
• Raise minimal supported WordPress version to 4.4.
• Tested WordPress up to version 5.4.

1.1.0

• Deactivate pingbacks on install.
• Remove RSD link reference.