Is comparing computer names a reliable method for preventing session key theft in PHP applications?
Comparing computer names is not a reliable method for preventing session key theft in PHP applications as computer names can be easily spoofed or manipulated. A more secure approach would be to use secure session handling techniques such as using HTTPS, setting secure session cookies, and implementing proper input validation and data sanitization.
// Implementing secure session handling
session_start();
// Set session cookie parameters
session_set_cookie_params([
'lifetime' => 0,
'path' => '/',
'domain' => 'example.com',
'secure' => true,
'httponly' => true,
'samesite' => 'Strict'
]);
// Regenerate session ID to prevent session fixation attacks
session_regenerate_id(true);
// Validate and sanitize input data
$username = filter_input(INPUT_POST, 'username', FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
$password = filter_input(INPUT_POST, 'password', FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING);
// Perform authentication and set session variables
if ($username === 'admin' && $password === 'password') {
$_SESSION['authenticated'] = true;
$_SESSION['username'] = $username;
} else {
$_SESSION['authenticated'] = false;
}
// Redirect to appropriate page
if ($_SESSION['authenticated']) {
header('Location: dashboard.php');
} else {
header('Location: login.php');
}