Is json_decode() dangerous?
Is json_decode() dangerous? The line of PHP code $response_decoded = json_decode($response); itself isn't inherently dangerous, but the context in which it is used can determine whether it poses security risks. Potential Risks: Untrusted Input : If $response contains data from an untrusted or user-controlled source (like an API response or user input), there could be risks associated with deserializing malicious JSON data. Error Handling : If the JSON string is malformed, json_decode will return null . If this isn't handled properly, it could lead to unintended behavior in your application. Data Injection : Maliciously crafted JSON could potentially be used to inject unwanted data or exploit vulnerabilities in the application, especially if the decoded data is used directly in further processing without proper validation or sanitization. Recommendations: Validate Input : Always validate and sani