How to Set Secure File Permissions in Laravel (Avoid 777 Permissions)

Setting the correct file permissions in your Laravel project is crucial for both security and functionality. One common mistake developers make is setting folder permissions to 777. This poses a major security risk, as it allows anyone to read, write, and execute files in that directory — making your server vulnerable to malicious attacks.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for setting Laravel file permissions to keep your web application secure and functional.

Why You Should Never Use 777 Permissions in Laravel

Using 777 permissions grants full access to anyone who can find your directory. This effectively allows hackers to upload malicious files, inject viruses, and execute harmful scripts. To avoid this, follow these secure methods to set ownership and permissions in Laravel.

Correct Ownership and Permissions in Laravel

There are two secure methods to configure file permissions in Laravel:

1. Webserver as Owner (Recommended by Laravel Documentation)

If your webserver user is www-data (common in Ubuntu environments), follow these steps:

Step 1: Assign ownership of your Laravel root directory to the webserver:

sudo chown -R www-data:www-data /path/to/your/laravel/root/directory

Step 2: Add your user to the webserver's group for easier file management:

sudo usermod -a -G www-data ubuntu

(Replace ubuntu with your username if different)

Step 3: Set the correct permissions for files and directories:

sudo find /path/to/your/laravel/root/directory -type f -exec chmod 644 {} \;
sudo find /path/to/your/laravel/root/directory -type d -exec chmod 755 {} \;

2. Your User as Owner (Preferred for Easier Management)

If you'd rather keep yourself as the owner for easier FTP management, follow these steps:

Step 1: Change ownership to your user with the webserver group:

cd /var/www/html/laravel   # Navigate to your Laravel root directory
sudo chown -R $USER:www-data .

Step 2: Set permissions for files and directories:

sudo find . -type f -exec chmod 664 {} \;
sudo find . -type d -exec chmod 775 {} \;

Step 3: Assign correct permissions for Laravel's storage and cache directories:

sudo chgrp -R www-data storage bootstrap/cache
sudo chmod -R ug+rwx storage bootstrap/cache

Best Practices for Laravel File Permissions

✅ Files (644 or 664) — Read and write permissions for the owner, read-only for others.
✅ Directories (755 or 775) — Read, write, and execute for the owner; read and execute for others.
✅ storage and bootstrap/cache (ug+rwx) — These directories require both read and write access for the webserver.

Conclusion

Proper file permissions are essential for maintaining a secure Laravel application. Avoid 777 permissions at all costs to prevent security vulnerabilities. By following these secure permission settings, you'll protect your Laravel project from malicious attacks while ensuring your website operates smoothly.

For more Laravel security tips and best practices, stay tuned to our blog!