wp-includes/wlwmanifest.xml
The file wlwmanifest.xml is a manifest file located within the wp-includes directory of WordPress installations. This file is used to provide configuration information for Windows Live Writer (WLW), a blogging client developed by Microsoft.
Functionality and Purpose
- Windows Live Writer Integration: The primary function of
wlwmanifest.xml is to enable seamless integration between WordPress blogs and Windows Live Writer. It provides the necessary XML data that WLW uses to recognize and configure WordPress as a blogging platform automatically.
- Configuration Details: The XML file contains:
- Service name
- Blog type
- Homepage URL
- Support URL
- Support email
- API endpoints for XML-RPC
- XML-RPC Protocol: It facilitates the use of the XML-RPC protocol, which allows for remote posting and editing of blog content from within WLW.
Historical Context
Windows Live Writer was released in 2006 as part of the Windows Live suite of applications. Its purpose was to provide an offline blogging experience with rich text editing capabilities. WordPress, recognizing the potential for enhanced user experience through integration with such tools, introduced the wlwmanifest.xml file to facilitate this interaction:
- Originally, this file was crucial because WLW was a popular choice among bloggers for its WYSIWYG editing features and integration capabilities with various blogging platforms.
- Over time, as blogging platforms evolved, the relevance of WLW decreased, but WordPress has maintained support for backward compatibility reasons.
Security Considerations
There have been security concerns associated with the XML-RPC protocol, which wlwmanifest.xml supports:
- XML-RPC can be exploited for brute force attacks or DDoS attacks if not properly secured[1].
- WordPress provides options to disable XML-RPC through plugins or by modifying the .htaccess file to enhance security.
Modern Usage
While WLW is less commonly used today, the wlwmanifest.xml file remains in WordPress installations for:
- Supporting legacy systems or users still using WLW.
- Ensuring compatibility with other blogging clients or tools that might still use XML-RPC.
Sources