Company
Date Published
Author
Håkon Vågsether
Word count
463
Language
-
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a security vulnerability where files stored on a web server can be included in web pages through user input, potentially allowing an attacker to access sensitive files like configuration files or source code. This vulnerability arises when user input, such as a language selection parameter, is not validated, leading to potential unauthorized file access. While LFI does not grant root access, it can be exploited to reveal critical information. To mitigate LFI risks, developers should validate user inputs, such as by restricting input to predefined values or checking input length, to prevent unauthorized file inclusion. By implementing safer coding practices, like using an array of valid values for file inclusion, developers can enhance the security of web applications and protect sensitive data.