PHP - Make .txt file executable on apache

Question

I am looking for a way to let the apache server know that my .txt contains php executable code and that it should be executed. I want that to trick browsers and users into thinking that the file is a .txt while in fact it is a php file.

example:

http://example.com/test.txt

test.txt

<?php echo "Hello World"; ?>

possible duplicate of Is it possible to execute PHP with extension file.php.jpg? — Phil
– Phil, Commented Jan 31, 2014 at 4:01

Michael Pasqualone · Accepted Answer · 2014-01-31 04:17:30Z

5

To run this on a specific file only, the following AddType would work:

<Files test.txt> 
    AddType application/x-httpd-php .txt
</Files>

For a file without an extension:

<Files test> 
    ForceType application/x-httpd-php
</Files>

If this gives you issues, you may need to use application/x-httpd-php5 (notice the "5") depending on your environment setup.

Simply place in your server/virtual host config, or within a .htaccess file.

edited Jan 31, 2014 at 4:17

answered Jan 31, 2014 at 4:08

Michael Pasqualone

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4 Comments

NinjaStars Over a year ago

what if it would be of no extension?

Michael Pasqualone Over a year ago

@user2789433 In that situation (but why?) you'll need to ForceType the file. I've updated my answer.

NinjaStars Over a year ago

Is forcetype unsafe or problematic?

Michael Pasqualone Over a year ago

@user2789433 No, it's fine. The only security issue would be if you change the relevant apache config, .htaccess is deleted, then the file will be served to the user as a plain-text file. Thus exposing your PHP code. But this is no different to the risk you'd face if apache was to stop serving php altogether (client will download the raw PHP files).

Jenson M John · Accepted Answer · 2014-01-31 04:04:05Z

2

If you want to run other file extensions as PHP, Edit your .htaccess to specify the file type. For example, to run .txt as PHP:

AddType application/x-httpd-php .txt

answered Jan 31, 2014 at 4:04

Jenson M John

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2 Comments

NinjaStars Over a year ago

how about for a specific test.txt?

Michael Pasqualone Over a year ago

@user2789433 See my reply, my solution will work for a specific file only.

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