Information disclosure vulnerabilities are some of the most common weaknesses found in WordPress websites. One of the most frequent low-severity but high-value endpoints used during reconnaissance is the WordPress core file wp-links-opml.php. This endpoint exists for legacy reasons and is rarely used on modern websites yet remains publicly accessible on many WordPress installations.
Even though wp-links-opml.php may not expose sensitive data directly it still reveals unnecessary metadata XML structures and internal behavior that attackers use to map your website. Understanding and fixing this vulnerability is important for reducing your attack surface.
What Is WordPress wp-links-opml.php
The wp-links-opml.php file is a built-in WordPress endpoint used in older versions for exporting Blogroll links in OPML format. WordPress removed the Blogroll feature from the UI years ago but kept the file for backward compatibility.
What wp-links-opml.php may reveal
- XML output revealing link structure
- Internal metadata
- Legacy system behavior
- File existence information
- Information usable in reconnaissance
Although harmless by itself it still increases exposure.
Why wp-links-opml.php Is a Security Risk
Information disclosure issues like wp-links-opml.php help attackers:
- Understand your WordPress environment
- Confirm the version of your WordPress installation
- Detect that you have legacy features still enabled
- Map server responses
- Combine this data with other endpoints for exploitation
Information disclosure is often the first step attackers use before launching an actual attack.
Even small clues matter.
How Attackers Use wp-links-opml.php
Attackers rarely begin with high-severity attacks. They start by scanning your website for open endpoints.
Phase 1: Discovery
Attackers scan for:
- wp-links-opml.php
- readme.html
- xmlrpc.php
- license.txt
- REST API user endpoints
Phase 2: Enumeration
They collect:
- WordPress version information
- Plugin versions
- Server behavior
- XML structures
- Legacy files still active
Phase 3: Attack Planning
They evaluate:
- Outdated plugins
- Core vulnerabilities
- REST API exposures
- Directory listing
- Misconfigurations
Phase 4: Exploitation
Using all collected data they attempt:
- Brute force attacks
- XSS
- Exploiting plugin vulnerabilities
- Uploading malicious files
This is why even low-severity information disclosure should not be ignored.
How to Check if wp-links-opml.php Is Publicly Accessible
Visit the endpoint manually:
https://yourwebsite.com/wp-links-opml.phpIf it loads and displays XML your website is revealing unnecessary information.
Indicators of exposure
- 200 OK response
- XML content shown
- Endpoint not blocked
A secure website should return 403 Forbidden or 404 Not Found.
How to Fix WordPress wp-links-opml.php Vulnerability
Below are the best methods to fix block and secure wp-links-opml.php.
Fix 1 Block wp-links-opml.php Using .htaccess
Blocking the endpoint at the server level is the most effective fix.
<Files "wp-links-opml.php">
Order Allow,Deny
Deny from all
</Files>After this the endpoint will return 403 Forbidden.
Fix 2 Block wp-links-opml.php in Nginx
location = /wp-links-opml.php {
deny all;
}Fix 3 Disable the Legacy Link Manager
If you do not use the legacy Link Manager disable it with:
add_filter('pre_option_link_manager_enabled', '__return_false');
This will disable the feature and prevent accidental usage.
Fix 4 Use a Security Plugin
Many WordPress security plugins can automatically:
- Block legacy files
- Restrict core endpoints
- Disable XML output
- Add firewall protection
Fix 5 Harden File Permissions
Use secure permissions:
- wp-config.php → 400
- Sensitive files → 440
Restricting file permissions prevents unauthorized viewing.
Fix 6 Disable Directory Indexing
This prevents attackers from finding the file through directory crawling.
Options -Indexes
Full Hardening Checklist
Core
- Disable wp-links-opml.php
- Remove or restrict legacy files
- Hide WordPress version metadata
Plugins and Themes
- Keep everything updated
- Remove unused plugins
- Remove outdated themes
Server
- Block sensitive files
- Disable directory listing
- Disable server signature banners
REST API
- Disable public user listing
- Restrict sensitive endpoints
Debugging
- Disable WP_DEBUG
- Remove debug logs
wp-links-opml.php Risk Analysis
| Factor | Description | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure | Public XML output | Low–Medium |
| Usage | Not used by most websites | Safe to disable |
| Attack Vector | Reconnaissance and enumeration | Medium |
| Fix Difficulty | Very easy | High priority |
Why You Should Block wp-links-opml.php
Blocking wp-links-opml.php improves security by:
- Reducing exposure
- Limiting WordPress metadata leakage
- Preventing reconnaissance-based attacks
- Hardening your system against automated scans
- Improving overall WordPress security hygiene
Even though it is a low-severity issue it is an important security hardening step.
Complete Prevention Strategy for WordPress Information Disclosure
Essential actions
- Hide WordPress version
- Block unused endpoints
- Disable XML-RPC if unused
- Restrict REST API
- Disable directory listing
- Remove unused plugins
- Use a firewall
Security headers to add
- X-Content-Type-Options nosniff
- X-Frame-Options DENY
- Referrer-Policy no-referrer-when-downgrade
- Content-Security-Policy default-src ‘self’
These headers reduce probing and exposure.
Summary
The wp-links-opml.php information disclosure vulnerability is a common WordPress issue that exposes unnecessary metadata. Even though it does not leak sensitive user data attackers use it to collect clues about your website during reconnaissance.
Blocking wp-links-opml.php and applying strong hardening ensures your site remains secure and less predictable to attackers.
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Inspired Monks provides expert WordPress security services including:
- Information disclosure detection
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