Code -> Automatic POST and GET data sanitization

[Jamie Edwards]

I propose a set-it-and-forget-it sanitization technique for POST and GET data.

While not suggesting the exact code, class structure or even use of classes I have used to describe the feature, something along the same lines may be useful.

The idea is best suggested in code:

PHP Code:

<?php

    require_once("UserDataObject.class.php");

    // We want to get some post data.
    // Create our UserDataObject and pass it $_POST
    $postdata = new UserDataObject( $_POST );

    // Get something out of it with the knowledge that it is safe
    $kbid = $postdata->get_var("id");        // Effectivley gets sanitzed $_POST['id']
       
?>

And the contents of UserDataObject.class.php:

PHP Code:

<?php

    class UserDataObject
    {
       
        private $data;

        __construct( $d )
        {
            $this->data = $d;
        }

        public function get_var( $key )
        {
            return $this->sanitize( $this->postdata[$key] );
        }

        private function sanitize( $data )
        {
            // data to sanitize here.. remove quotes, add slashes, whatever
        }

        private __set() { }
        private __get() { }
       
    }
       
?>