Why Do Browsers Hide the Full File Path When Uploading Files?

Why Browsers Conceal Selected File Paths

When selecting files from an HTML input, you may notice that the displayed file path appears as "C:fakepath" or simply "" in Mozilla. This deviation from the true local path stems from a security measure implemented by certain browsers.

Protection Against Client-Server File Snooping

The reason for this obfuscation is to protect the client's system from malicious websites. If JavaScript were able to access the full local file path, it could potentially transmit sensitive information to the server without the user's consent. This would create a security hole that could be exploited for data theft or system compromise.

Alternatives for Achieving Full File Paths

If you require access to the complete local file path, there are a few alternatives you can consider:

• Use a custom server-side script: You can create a server-side script that generates a unique identifier for the selected file. This identifier can then be returned to the client and used to retrieve the file's path on the server.
• Use Flash (deprecated): Flash, before its deprecation, allowed for access to the full local file path. However, this method is no longer recommended due to Flash's security vulnerabilities.

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