Unparsed Raw Web Content Delivery

Web servers are configured to process certain file types (like .php or .asp) before sending them to users. When you place files with extensions like .inc, .config, .bak, or .old in a web-accessible folder, and the server doesn't have a handler for them, it treats them as plain text. The server then delivers the raw, unprocessed file content directly to anyone who requests it. This becomes critical when these files contain sensitive information such as database connection strings, API keys, internal comments, or backend logic. Attackers can easily discover and download these files, bypassing any intended security controls. To prevent this, always store supporting code and configuration files outside the web root or use server rules to explicitly block access to non-standard extensions.