Are querystring parameters secure in HTTPS (HTTP + SSL)?

SecurityHttpsHttp Get

Security Problem Overview


Do querystring parameters get encrypted in HTTPS when sent with a request?

Security Solutions


Solution 1 - Security

Yes. The querystring is also encrypted with SSL. Nevertheless, as this article shows, it isn't a good idea to put sensitive information in the URL. For example:

> URLs are stored in web server logs - > typically the whole URL of each > request is stored in a server log. > This means that any sensitive data in > the URL (e.g. a password) is being > saved in clear text on the server

Solution 2 - Security

remember, SSL/TLS operates at the Transport Layer, so all the crypto goo happens under the application-layer HTTP stuff.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IP_stack_connections.svg

that's the long way of saying, "Yes!"

Solution 3 - Security

The entire transmission, including the query string, the whole URL, and even the type of request (GET, POST, etc.) is encrypted when using HTTPS.

Solution 4 - Security

I disagree with the advice given here - even the reference for the accepted answer concludes:

> You can of course use query string parameters with HTTPS, but don’t use them for anything > that could present a security problem. For example, you could safely use them to identity > part numbers or types of display like ‘accountview’ or ‘printpage’, but don’t use them for > passwords, credit card numbers or other pieces of information that should not be publicly > available.

So, no they aren't really safe...!

Attributions

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Content TypeOriginal AuthorOriginal Content on Stackoverflow
QuestionDeepView Question on Stackoverflow
Solution 1 - SecurityJoe RatzerView Answer on Stackoverflow
Solution 2 - SecurityMichael Howard-MSFTView Answer on Stackoverflow
Solution 3 - SecurityMarcelo CantosView Answer on Stackoverflow
Solution 4 - SecuritySteve WinterView Answer on Stackoverflow