# Security Improvements ## Changes Made ### 1. Critical Vulnerability Fixes #### Path Traversal in thanks.php (CRITICAL) - **Before**: User could access ANY file on the system via `?file=../../../../etc/passwd` - **After**: - Validates file path using `realpath()` to resolve symlinks - Ensures file is within allowed `data/yaml/` directory - Verifies file extension is `.yaml` - Proper error handling without exposing system paths #### CSRF Protection - **Before**: Form could be submitted from any website - **After**: - Session-based CSRF tokens generated for each form load - Token validated on submission using timing-safe comparison (`hash_equals()`) - Token cleared after successful submission ### 2. Input Validation & Sanitization #### Deprecated Functions Replaced - **Before**: Used `FILTER_SANITIZE_STRING` (deprecated in PHP 8.1+) - **After**: Custom `sanitize_string()` function using `htmlspecialchars()` and `strip_tags()` #### Enhanced Validation - Required fields properly validated with custom `validate_required()` function - Email validation using `FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL` - URL validation using `FILTER_VALIDATE_URL` - Year validation with reasonable range checking (2000 to current year + 1) - Comprehensive error messages for validation failures ### 3. File Upload Security #### Random Filenames - **Before**: Used original or predictable filenames (author + timestamp) - **After**: - Generates cryptographically secure random filenames using `random_bytes()` - Prevents file overwrites - Prevents path traversal attacks via malicious filenames - Stores mapping to original filename for reference #### Enhanced File Validation - MIME type checking using `finfo` - File extension whitelist - File size limits (50MB max) - Proper error handling for upload errors - Cover image restricted to JPEG/PNG only ### 4. Bug Fixes - Fixed undefined variable `$memoireFolder` (used before definition) - Fixed undefined variable `$resume` (should be `$description`) - Fixed variable ordering (generate `$uniqueId` before using it) - Added proper `__DIR__` prefix for absolute paths ### 5. Error Handling - Try-catch block wraps entire form processing - Detailed error logging (not exposed to users) - User-friendly error messages - Proper exit after redirect - No system path exposure in error messages ## Nginx Configuration Notes Since this form is behind nginx password authentication, additional security layers: ### Recommended nginx config: ```nginx location /formulaire { auth_basic "Restricted Access"; auth_basic_user_file /etc/nginx/.htpasswd; # Rate limiting limit_req zone=form_limit burst=5 nodelay; # File upload size client_max_body_size 100M; # Timeout settings client_body_timeout 60s; # Prevent access to sensitive files location ~ /\. { deny all; } location ~ /(vendor|composer\.(json|lock)|error\.log)$ { deny all; } } ``` ## Additional Recommendations ### 1. Database Migration (In Progress) Moving to SQLite will provide: - Structured data storage - Better query capabilities - Easier data management - Prepared statements for SQL injection prevention ### 2. File Storage - Consider moving uploaded files outside web root - Serve files through PHP script with access control - Implement file scanning for malware if possible ### 3. Monitoring - Regularly review `error.log` for suspicious activity - Monitor file upload patterns - Set up alerts for failed CSRF validations ### 4. Backup Strategy - Regular backups of `data/` directory - Version control for code changes - Test restore procedures ### 5. PHP Configuration Ensure these settings in php.ini: ```ini file_uploads = On upload_max_filesize = 100M post_max_size = 100M max_execution_time = 60 max_input_time = 60 memory_limit = 256M # Security expose_php = Off allow_url_fopen = Off allow_url_include = Off display_errors = Off log_errors = On ``` ## Testing Checklist - [ ] Form submission with all fields - [ ] Form submission with minimal required fields - [ ] Invalid email format - [ ] Invalid URL format - [ ] Invalid year - [ ] File upload (various formats) - [ ] Large file upload (>50MB, should fail) - [ ] Invalid file types - [ ] Multiple file uploads - [ ] Cover image upload - [ ] CSRF token validation (try submitting with wrong token) - [ ] Path traversal attempt in thanks.php - [ ] Error handling for missing directories ## Known Limitations 1. **No atomic transactions**: File operations and YAML save not atomic 2. **No rollback**: Failed submissions may leave partial files 3. **Session storage**: CSRF tokens in default PHP session (consider database sessions) 4. **No upload progress**: Large files have no progress indicator 5. **No duplicate detection**: Same submission can be made multiple times These limitations will be addressed in the SQLite migration.