Running exec as a different user

Question

Is it possible to run exec() as a a different user (on my box it runs as www-data). I wish to execute a script that needs access to files that are not owned by www-data.

Answer 1

No, not directly. If you are on a linux machine and have the rights, you can set the set the setuid bit on your file.

Keep in mind that the webserver runs as a different user for a reason. It is a very important security mechanism and by working around it, you might cause a security vulnerability.