How can developers ensure security when working with script names and file paths in PHP?

Developers can ensure security when working with script names and file paths in PHP by validating user input, sanitizing data, and using secure file handling functions. It is important to avoid directly using user input in file paths or script names to prevent directory traversal attacks or other vulnerabilities. 

// Example of validating and sanitizing file paths in PHP
$filename = $_GET['file'];
$allowed_files = ['file1.txt', 'file2.txt', 'file3.txt']; // List of allowed files

if (in_array($filename, $allowed_files)) {
    $filepath = '/path/to/files/' . $filename;
    
    // Use secure file handling functions like file_exists() or fopen()
    if (file_exists($filepath)) {
        // Process the file
    } else {
        echo 'File not found';
    }
} else {
    echo 'Invalid file';
}

Keywords

file paths script names security PHP functions validation

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