access denied to symlinked file, apache 2 as localhost (debian wheezy)

mzzxx11 · 11-11-2013, 11:49 AM

I've installed apache on debian wheezy (stable).

I've symlinked a php file from my home directory to /var/www.

when I enter

Code:

localhost/myfile.php

in the browser,
I get an error message:

Code:

You do not have permission to run myfile.php

copying the file to /var/www allows me to run it, but I want it to be symlinked to my home dir.

any suggestions?

TIA

jpollard · 11-11-2013, 12:56 PM

Very likely it is a security restriction.

The directory defined in the apache configuration file likely has FollowSymLinks disabled...

Another possibility is that apache does not have access to your home directory (the entire path of the symbolic link must allow apache to access it).

mzzxx11 · 11-13-2013, 11:09 AM

tnx.

how do I solve this issue?

jpollard · 11-13-2013, 11:23 AM

Either change the configuration file (if that is the problem) or change the access protections for all directories between apache and the file being linked to.

The problem with a symlink is that it requires the user home directory to be world readable (generally rx, but x should work just as well), as well as any directories down to the file... This may be against the local security policy.