How to Enable PHP functions like exec(), proc_open() and system()
To secure and protect websites on our hosting platform, certain PHP functions cannot be enabled on Shared Hosting. More information is provided below.
Information on Disabled PHP Functions on Personal, Business, Premium and Reseller services
A small number of PHP functions, including exec() proc_open() and system() are disabled on our Personal, Business, Professional and Reseller hosting servers. As these are shared hosting servers, they contain multiple cPanel accounts and clients on each server. To maintain the security of our clients, their emails and websites (almost all of which are businesses) we have to maintain a strict security policy and aren't able to enable them for any individual users or cPanel accounts.
The list of disabled functions is based on up-to-date security recommendations by the cPanel company. Almost all hosting companies which use cPanel will have a similar security protocol in this regard.
PHP is regarded as the most insecure technology on the internet,which makes it dangerous, especially as most websites are built using PHP. Web builders like WordPress, Joomla, Magento and most others are essentially applications made using PHP.
You can see how often a new PHP hack/exploit is discovered here (at least 1 each month) by checking this link.
The functions are most commonly used by minor plugins and themes for WordPress, Joomla or other Content Management Systems. The best option in this case would be to look for an alternate plugin or theme which doesn't have this requirement. If you absolutely require the use of disabled PHP functions, you will need to consider moving your website to a VPS or Dedicated Server where your website would have its own dedicated environment. This removes the security risk to others on our servers, although the risk to your website still remains.
You can find details of our VPS and Dedicated Server products here:
VPS: digitalpacific.com.au/vps/managed-vps
Dedicated Server: digitalpacific.com.au/dedicated/dedicated-servers
Enable Disabled PHP Functions on VPS and Dedicated Servers
Step 1 - Log into WHM and navigate to the MultiPHP INI Editor.
Step 2 - (1) Click on Editor Mode.
(2) Select the PHP version you want to enable the module for.
(3) Find the disable_functions line and remove the function you want to enable.
(4) Click Save.
