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I recently created a .net web app that used over 200 custom validators on one page. I wrote code for both ClientValidationFunction and OnServerValidate which results in a ton of repetitive code.

My sql statements are parameterized, I have functions that pull data from input fields and validates them before passing to the sql statements or stored procedures. And the javascript validates the fields before the page submits. So essentially the data is clean and valid before it even hits the OnServerValidate and clean after it anyways due to the aforementioned steps.

This makes me question, is OnServerValidate really needed when I validate on the clientside?

Edit:

My OnServerValidates do simple things like making sure a skip pattern is enforced or that a short appears in a text (which is enforced anyways with my code that pulls data from text fields into parameters i.e. GetShort()). And these are being place in patient surveys, which most of the time are filled out by staff members.

So it seems like if I didn't have the OnServerValidate for these basic checks and just client side the following situations are:

  1. A user turns off javascript and cannot submit the form, which is expected as buttons are javascript driven for postbacks.
  2. A user forces a post. Which if this occurs my OnServerValidate would do jack to stop whatever they are trying to do since it is just looking at skip patterns, or would it?

Situation 2 is where I am getting lost. It seems like the user forcing a post is more than likely not to be caught by these simple OnServerValidates

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    It is trivial to construct a post request that doesn't even need to pass through your client side scripts
    – HorusKol
    Oct 22, 2012 at 21:13
  • To see just how trivial it is to completely bypass client side scripts and even the browser entirely, see this answer on a closely related question.
    – 8bittree
    Sep 19, 2019 at 17:39

2 Answers 2

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You do need them as the client can decide to allow javascript in their browsers. You also should consider those people who want to break your software. There are plenty of tools out there that can manufacture posts and submit them to your website without having used your front end.

Client side validation is nice for the user, but the server should never ever trust data that is sent to it.

--Update--

If I'm reading your edit properly, it sounds like the OnServerValidates are duplicating validation functionality that is already present on the server. Since that's the case, then you shouldn't need the OnServerValidates.

Furthermore, you are correct that if a user manufactures a post to your service, it will not trigger the OnServerValidates so you are better off keeping that type of validation where you have it currently on the server.

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  • but if they turn off javascript, they can't submit the page because the .net buttons are javascript driven. And even if they manufacture a post I still have code that validates input data before it even goes to the database. If its not valid, nothing goes to the database. So the OnServerValidate seems to be an unnecessary 3rd step. Am I missing something else?
    – peroija
    Oct 22, 2012 at 12:35
  • "I still have code that validates input data before it even goes to the database". I'm surprised you aren't doing this validation (Business Logic) in the OnServerValidate(s). By using the validation controls you get nice ways to handle error messages back to the client after a postback. Why do the extra work and validate outside of that pipeline? Oct 22, 2012 at 12:59
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    @peroija Its not that they can turn off javascript. Its that they can still send the complete data packet for the submission without using your page. Client side validation is good to protect the user from a silly mistake. Server side validation protects you from someone wishing to violate you.
    – Rig
    Oct 22, 2012 at 14:09
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    Parameterized queries will only prevent Sql Injection. There are a host of other way users can insert malicious data into your system and affect your users. Here is a link that talks about a five common ones. symantec.com/connect/articles/… Oct 22, 2012 at 15:15
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    +1 for "the server should never ever trust data that is sent to it" Oct 22, 2012 at 20:37
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If I was going to skip doing validation, I'd be much more likely to do it on the client than on the server.

The problem with skipping it anywhere is that someone may open up a security hole by assuming validation is being done when it's not.

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