Last Updated on 15 July 2023 by Daniel
The HTTP_REFERER (or “Referer”) header is an HTTP header field that contains the URL of the webpage that linked to the resource being requested. It is often used for various purposes, such as tracking traffic sources, implementing access controls, or personalizing content based on the referring page.
When it comes to reliability, the HTTP_REFERER header is not entirely reliable. While most modern web browsers send this header, it is not required by the HTTP specification. Some users or applications may disable or modify the Referer header for privacy or security reasons. Therefore, you cannot rely on the presence or accuracy of the Referer header in all cases.
In terms of security, the HTTP_REFERER header should not be trusted as a reliable source of information. It can be easily manipulated by malicious users or intermediaries. Attackers can forge or spoof the Referer header to trick a website or application into performing unintended actions or disclose sensitive information.
To ensure the security and integrity of your application, it is important not to rely solely on the HTTP_REFERER header for critical security decisions. If you need to enforce access controls or protect sensitive information, you should use more robust and secure mechanisms, such as authentication, authorization, and session management.
In summary, while the HTTP_REFERER header can be useful in certain scenarios, it is not a reliable or secure source of information. It should be treated as potentially unreliable and should not be used as the sole basis for making security decisions or trusting user-provided data.
