Is it advisable to store executable files outside of the web root directory when handling downloads in PHP?

It is advisable to store executable files outside of the web root directory when handling downloads in PHP to prevent direct access to sensitive files and potential security risks. By storing the files outside of the web root directory, you can control access to them through PHP scripts and ensure they are only downloaded by authorized users. 

<?php
$downloadFilePath = '/path/to/executable/file.exe';
$downloadFileName = 'file.exe';

if (file_exists($downloadFilePath)) {
    header('Content-Description: File Transfer');
    header('Content-Type: application/octet-stream');
    header('Content-Disposition: attachment; filename="' . $downloadFileName . '"');
    header('Expires: 0');
    header('Cache-Control: must-revalidate');
    header('Pragma: public');
    header('Content-Length: ' . filesize($downloadFilePath));
    readfile($downloadFilePath);
    exit;
} else {
    echo 'File not found.';
}
?>

Keywords

PHP web root directory security file downloads file storage

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