How to dump an xml file generated from server to a random client, but I have to damp that file in a specific folder of clients

Question

I was thinking to dump an XML file generated from server to a random client requesting that. The problem is that I have to damp that file in a specific folder of clients ( C:/Application/POSMachine/WaitingXML ), for there is another application listening to that folder.

My approach :

1. A simple patch (to change chrome download address to the specific desired path)
2. Installing windows service/local-api for those clients who need this feature, and passing server-side generated XML to clients installed service/api, I am assuming I will get clients IP-address from the server and hit the service hosted in clients.

Request.GetOwinContext().Request.RemoteIpAddress

Any comments and better implementation is appreciated.

Answer 1

It would be a security risk to allow a website to download a file to an arbitrary location (that would mean a malicious website could just download a new svchost.exe to C:\\Windows\\System32 or what not)

Also your idea with running a service would not work in all cases, since your clients will most probably be behind a modem/router/NAT switch (or multiple). All these devices would have to be configured for port forwarding. So, you really need an 'client-outbound' connection (like a browser does).

I would implement a client program which can contact your server and download the file with a System.Net.WebRequest and save to the specific location. Another possibility might be to add a System.Windows.Forms.WebBrowser control and handle the FileDownload event. However, your question does not contain enough information to more specific (how does the client chose a file to download)