Securing PHP Web Applications

by Tricia Ballad, William Ballad

Easy, Powerful Code Security Techniques for Every PHP Developer Hackers specifically target PHP Web applications. Why? Because they know many of these apps are written by programmers with little or no experience or training in software security. Don't be victimized. Securing PHP Web Applications will help you master the specific techniques, skills, and best practices you need to write rock-solid PHP code and harden the PHP software you're already using. Drawing on more than fifteen years of experience in Web development, security, and training, Tricia and William Ballad show how security flaws can find their way into PHP code, and they identify the most common security mistakes made by PHP developers. The authors present practical, specific solutions--techniques that are surprisingly easy to understand and use, no matter what level of PHP programming expertise you have. Securing PHP Web Applications covers the most important aspects of PHP code security, from error handling and buffer overflows to input validation and filesystem access. The authors explode the myths that discourage PHP programmers from attempting to secure their code and teach you how to instinctively write more secure code without compromising your software's performance or your own productivity. Coverage includes Designing secure applications from the very beginning--and plugging holes in applications you can't rewrite from scratchDefending against session hijacking, fixation, and poisoning attacks that PHP can't resist on its ownSecuring the servers your PHP code runs on, including specific guidance for Apache, MySQL, IIS/SQL Server, and moreEnforcing strict authentication and making the most of encryptionPreventing dangerous cross-site scripting (XSS) attacksSystematically testing yourapplications for security, including detailed discussions of exploit testing and PHP test automationAddressing known vulnerabilities in the third-party applications you're already running Tricia and William Ballad demystify PHP security by presenting realistic scenarios and code examples, practical checklists, detailed visuals, and more. Whether you write Web applications professionally or casually, or simply use someone else's PHP scripts, you need this book--and you need it now, before the hackers find you!

Genres: Programming

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2008

About the author

I make stuff up.

Then I write it down. I publish the good bits.

I never really grew out of playing pretend or sitting cross-legged on the rug for storytime. Depending on my mood, I’m either four years old or eighteen or eighty.

I like cats. My cat told me so.

I geek out. A lot. And I’m really jazzed that geekery has widened to include more than Linux and gaming. (Not that there’s anything wrong with Linux or gaming. But there’s more out there, you know?) So what do I geek out on?

Food. I like really good, really interesting food. Especially food that doesn’t freak out my overactive immune system. Stupid allergies!

Art. But only the art I like. The art that tells me stories. Art that’s just…there…being art…doesn’t really excite me. Yeah, I know, I just don’t understand it. Whatever. Dragons, Fairies, Unicorns, and landscapes with paths to somewhere…Good Stuff. Random shapes that don’t make any sense? Not so much.

Travel. Not the “crash on my sister’s couch” kind of travel. Really nice resort with on-property spa travel. I would totally switch places with Samantha Brown.

Historically Accurate Gowns. If I thought I could get away with it, I’d probably dress like it was 1895. Or 1137. Or any time in between. What can I say? Clothes were prettier then (at least if you were wealthy enough to afford the good stuff)!

Old Houses. Especially Victorians. And castles. Well…replica castles with modern insulation and plumbing.

Oh – and I drink absurd amounts of coffee.

Reviews

[K. Mirchev]

The basic of securing php application. It's well writen. Very good book for beginner and intermediate.

[Trigal]

There is some usefull section in the book, but the most is general security advises.
I would recommend it to beginer / intermediate web developers.