File Upload Validation
File upload validation is a security and data integrity practice in web development that involves checking and restricting files uploaded by users to a server. It ensures that only permitted file types, sizes, and content are accepted, preventing malicious uploads like viruses, scripts, or oversized files that could compromise system security or performance. This concept is critical for applications that handle user-generated content, such as social media, e-commerce, or document management systems.
Developers should implement file upload validation to protect against common web vulnerabilities like file injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks from malicious uploads. It is essential in scenarios where users upload images, documents, or media files, such as in content management systems, online forms, or cloud storage services, to maintain data quality and comply with security standards like OWASP guidelines.