What are the best practices for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive files, such as database configuration files, through POST data manipulation in PHP?

To prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files through POST data manipulation in PHP, it is important to validate user input and sanitize data before using it to access files. Additionally, it is recommended to store sensitive files outside of the web root directory to prevent direct access from the browser. 

// Validate user input and sanitize data
if(isset($_POST['file']) && $_POST['file'] == 'database_config.php'){
    // Load sensitive file outside of web root
    $file_path = '/path/to/secure/directory/database_config.php';
    if(file_exists($file_path)){
        // Access the file securely
        $config_data = file_get_contents($file_path);
        // Process the file data as needed
    } else {
        // Handle file not found error
        echo "Error: File not found.";
    }
} else {
    // Handle unauthorized access attempt
    echo "Unauthorized access.";
}

Keywords

PHP security file permissions input validation encryption

Related Questions