File Inclusion (vulnerability)

≡Description

File inclusion is a web vulnerability that allows an attacker to include files on a server through the web browser. This technique is based on the manipulation of a server's file inclusion functions, which are commonly used in programming languages such as PHP. When a website does not properly validate user input, an attacker can send a request that includes a malicious file, which can result in the execution of unauthorized code on the server. File inclusions can be local (LFI) or remote (RFI), depending on whether the file is located on the same server or on an external server. This vulnerability can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, arbitrary command execution, and ultimately, the takeover of the server. File inclusion is one of the most common vulnerabilities in web applications and is a frequent target in penetration testing, where security experts seek to identify and mitigate these risks before they can be exploited by malicious attackers.