Reputation:
I import website files at the top of each page using:
require_once('../file.php');
Is this the correct approach? Or should I be using a different PHP function/approach to access private files? I'm concerned that this approach may be prone to directory traversal attacks.
Upvotes: 3
Views: 2116
Reputation: 34113
Is this the correct approach?
Yes.
Or should I be using a different PHP function/approach to access private files?
No, keeping them outside of your document root should be sufficient. If, for example, you have a Local File Inclusion vulnerability somewhere in your application, you should focus on fixing the vulnerabilities rather than trying to hide your sensitive files.
Security through obscurity is no security at all.
Upvotes: 3
Reputation: 540
Yep, it a good practice. But, if it impossible - put some files above web site www directory, then you can create .htaccess file (for apache) in private folder with content:
deny from all
It blocks access to any file in directory.
Upvotes: 2