Why do some plugins ask for ftp access?

  • Resolved geowb

    (@geowb)


    8 years, 5 months ago

    I’m curious as to why some plugins want ftp access to one’s site. As someone who supports non-profits I may want to explore a plugin to see if it merits inclusion in a client’s site. But I will not provide ftp access to my development site – I see it as a significant security violation. I’m behind a firewall for a reason. So when I’m asked to provide ftp access I decline and exclude the plugin from consideration. But why does a plugin want or need ftp access?

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
  • Moderator Steven Stern (sterndata)

    (@sterndata)

    Volunteer Forum Moderator

    8 years, 5 months ago

    If you get a request for FTP credentials when you try to install a plugin from the WP dashboard, it most likely means your file permissions or ownership are incorrect.

    For WP to install plugins, (1) the files must be owned by the userid under which the PHP process is running and (2) that user must have write access to the WP file tree.

    Thread Starter geowb

    (@geowb)

    8 years, 5 months ago

    Thanks for the reply. Here’s an example that does not meet those criteria:

    I’m working on a Windows 10 system that has a WordPress installation on a VirtualBox Ubuntu VM. The WP installation has my name as its file owner and I log in to admin on my name. Yet an attempt to install WooCommerce presents the FTP credentials screen. Not sure of the php process owner – it’s either me or www-data. The latter is unlikely to ever be the log in for a WP admin.

    Moderator Steven Stern (sterndata)

    (@sterndata)

    Volunteer Forum Moderator

    8 years, 5 months ago

    The php process owner is probably www-data, so the file tree should be owned by www-data:www-data

    sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /path/to/wordpress

    Thread Starter geowb

    (@geowb)

    8 years, 5 months ago

    Fascinating! That makes it possible to install Woo Commerce. New one on me! Thanks.

Viewing 4 replies - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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