Why does Apache + PHP require execution permissions to write to a file?

Question

It has always baffled me that if a folder has read and write permissions, Apache + PHP can't write to it. You have to end giving apache execution permissions to be able to write a file in that folder. Why?

For example with chmod 664 (where the build group includes the apache user) apache won't be able to write a temporary cache file in this folder:

drw-rw-r--  5 jenkins build 4096 Jun 15 13:05 cache

while with chmod 774 apache will be able to write a new file to the folder:

drwxrwxr--  5 jenkins build 4096 Jun 29 11:44 cache

Matthew Flaschen · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-29 23:32:42Z

11

You need execute permission to conceptually enter a directory (cd into it, list files within, etc.). It would have been clearer if they called this bit something else for directories. This article recommends thinking of it as the "search" permission on directories.

edited Jun 29, 2012 at 23:32

answered Jun 29, 2012 at 17:20

Matthew Flaschen

286k53 gold badges523 silver badges554 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

Comments

aphodius · Accepted Answer · 2012-06-29 17:23:30Z

2

When these permission are set for a directory it gives ability to access metainfo and accessing to contents I think this is why you need execute.

answered Jun 29, 2012 at 17:23

aphodius

1,24919 silver badges33 bronze badges

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Why does Apache + PHP require execution permissions to write to a file?

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Linked

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

2 Answers 2

Comments

Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Linked

Related