File permissions are a crucial aspect of WordPress security, controlling access to your site’s files and directories. Understanding and properly configuring permissions can protect against unauthorized access while ensuring your site functions correctly. This guide will explain WordPress file permissions in detail and provide best practices for managing them securely.
Understanding File Permission Levels
File permissions in WordPress are based on Linux permissions. Here’s a quick overview of how they work:
Types of File Permissions
There are three main types of permissions that can be set for files and directories:
- Read (r) - Allows viewing file contents or listing directory contents
- Write (w) - Enables modifying files or creating/deleting/renaming files within a directory
- Execute (x) - Permits running programs/scripts or accessing subdirectories
Permission Groups
Permissions are assigned to three groups:
- User (u) - The owner of the file/directory (usually the creator)
- Group (g) - A set of users with shared permission levels
- Others/World/Public (o) - All other users not in the above categories
Symbolic and Numeric Notation
Permissions use either symbolic or numeric notation:
Symbolic: Letters represent permissions (e.g. rwxr-xr--)
- First 3 characters: User permissions
- Next 3 characters: Group permissions
- Last 3 characters: Others permissions
Numeric: Each permission has a value
- Read (r) = 4
- Write (w) = 2
- Execute (x) = 1
These are added for each group. For example, rwxr-xr-- in numeric form is 754.
WordPress File Permission Best Practices
Follow these guidelines to maintain secure yet functional file permissions:
Don’t Change Permissions Unnecessarily
In most cases, default permissions set by your hosting provider are sufficient. Only modify permissions if you encounter specific issues or errors.
Recommended Permission Levels
Generally recommended permissions:
- Directories: 755 (
rwxr-xr-x) - Files and .htaccess: 644 (
rw-r--r--) - wp-config.php: 600 (
rw-------) or 640 (rw-r-----)
Use the Principle of Least Privilege
Grant only the minimum necessary permissions for files and users to function. Avoid using root ownership except when absolutely required.
Back Up Your Website
Always create a full backup of your site and database before modifying file permissions.
Never Use 777 Permissions
Avoid setting any file or directory to 777 (rwxrwxrwx), as this grants unrestricted access and poses a significant security risk.
How to Change WordPress File Permissions
Several methods exist for modifying file permissions:
cPanel or Hosting Dashboard
- Access your hosting control panel
- Open the File Manager
- Right-click the file/folder
- Select “Change Permissions”
- Set desired permissions
FTP/SFTP
Step 1: Install an FTP client like FileZilla
Step 2: Connect to your server
Step 3: Right-click the file/folder
Step 4: Choose “File permissions”
Step 5: Enter the numeric value or check appropriate boxes
SSH/Command Line
Step 1: Access your server via SSH
Step 2: Navigate to the desired directory:
cd public_html/example_folder
Step 3: Use the chmod command to set permissions:
chmod 755 example.html
For recursive changes to directories:
chmod -R 755 example_subfolder
WordPress Security Plugins
Some security plugins offer file permission management features. For example, All-In-One Security (AIOS) can scan for and fix insecure permissions.
Common File Permission Errors in WordPress
- 403 Forbidden - Often caused by lack of read permissions
- Required file permissions missing - May occur if files aren’t owned by the web server user
- You need to make this file writable - Indicates lack of write permissions
- Permission denied. Error code: 3 - Various causes, including incorrect file ownership or insufficient permissions
- Installation failed: Could not create directory - WordPress lacks write permissions to the target directory
Properly managing WordPress file permissions is essential for maintaining a secure and functional website. While it’s important to understand how permissions work, exercise caution when making changes. Always back up your site before modifying permissions, and consult with your hosting provider if you’re unsure about the correct settings for your specific environment.