Apache upgrade broke a feature of WordPress

[Lincoln]

Lo all,

Ever since the Apache migration to 2.2, I noticed the "Press This" feature of Wordpress no longer works. It's a bookmarklet that uses javascript to open a new window with a small form that can allow you to quickly post an entry (works similar to Tumblr)

The problem is that it now gives me a 404 everytime I attempt to use it. my guess is that it has something to do with the way the new Apache processes the URL?

Here's how the bookmarklet looks when clicking on it while I'm at Google:

http://www.mydomain.com/wp-admin/press-this.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&t=Google&s=&v=2

Im thinking either the URL was too long or Apache can't read the special characters maybe? is there a setting I can change to help resolve this? Any help appreciated!

[slapshotw]

I think mod_security may be blocking a url with a second "http" in it-- ask support if they can confirm it's mod_security, and if so, can they turn off that specific rule for your bookmark file.

[Lincoln]

Originally Posted by slapshotw

I think mod_security may be blocking a url with a second "http" in it-- ask support if they can confirm it's mod_security, and if so, can they turn off that specific rule for your bookmark file.

I contacted support just now and they stated that mod_security was not allowed on the servers.

What else could it be? It was working fine before the migration.

[slapshotw]

Originally Posted by Lincoln

I contacted support just now and they stated that mod_security was not allowed on the servers.

Mod_security is installed on all the shared hostgator servers. Your person was misinformed and you should let a higher-level support person know, so they can be corrected (or is it possible you misinterpreted?).

Tell them you think they may have understood your question. Tell them you know for a fact mod_security is installed on at least the Apache2 servers and you believe one of the rules is blocking a legitimate URL, and ask for that script you're linking to to be excluded from that particular rule.

Also, was this a ticket? If so, you should post the ticket number so an HG admin can look at it and make sure the correct information is given to the techs.

-Matt

[Lincoln]

No, this was live chat support. I'll file a ticket and see if I get better help there. I should have done that to begin with, but I was in a hurry.

[slapshotw]

Do you remember the name of that chat tech/time and date you did it? If so you should still let support know about it so the tech can be given the correct information.

[Lincoln]

No, I've been trying to but I'm coming up blank since it was such a short chat.

The good news though is that you were right and it was a mod_security rule. The admin whitelisted me and the bookmarklet is now functioning again. Thanks for the help!

[Kazper]

Grrr. This update to mod_security has broken installation of phpBB as well *sighs* Massive problem. I guess I will open a separate support ticket but they should just fix that rule for all the accounts - I can't be the only one with that problem, nor will I be the only one in the future.

[pattimea]

I have the same issue with Press This, but I'm new to Wordpress and it's never worked for me on my self hosted install. Isn't there something that can be done server wide to fix this? I mean, if you offer a feature, shouldn't it work?
I HATE contacting support unless something is really broken

anyone?

Patti
bostonsandboxers.com

[Lincoln]

Patti,

You may need to contact support and have them whitelist you in order for the function to work like they had to with me. If you're not using the latest version of WordPress I would recommend upgrading first before contacting support.

[Jeffr0]

4 Years later after this topic was started, I am also experiencing this same type of behaviour on my WordPress 3.1. website. What would I need to do to confirm that mod_security is what is causing my issue?

[GatorJacob]

Hi Jeff,

Just contact support and / or live chat and we can get this fixed very quickly.

[Jeffr0]

Ok, I had to create a ticket and they quickly whitelisted me which allowed the PressThis Bookmarklet and a few other links within WordPress to function correctly.