CWE-22
Allowed-with-ReviewImproper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
Abstraction: Base · Status: Stable
The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.
13136 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-R874-FFH8-2FVJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-08-15 18:31 – Updated: 2024-04-04 06:57fs.mkdtemp() and fs.mkdtempSync() can be used to bypass the permission model check using a path traversal attack. This flaw arises from a missing check in the fs.mkdtemp() API and the impact is a malicious actor could create an arbitrary directory.
This vulnerability affects all users using the experimental permission model in Node.js 20.
Please note that at the time this CVE was issued, the permission model is an experimental feature of Node.js.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-32003"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-08-15T16:15:10Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "`fs.mkdtemp()` and `fs.mkdtempSync()` can be used to bypass the permission model check using a path traversal attack. This flaw arises from a missing check in the fs.mkdtemp() API and the impact is a malicious actor could create an arbitrary directory.\n\nThis vulnerability affects all users using the experimental permission model in Node.js 20.\n\nPlease note that at the time this CVE was issued, the permission model is an experimental feature of Node.js.",
"id": "GHSA-r874-ffh8-2fvj",
"modified": "2024-04-04T06:57:49Z",
"published": "2023-08-15T18:31:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-32003"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://hackerone.com/reports/2037887"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/JQPELKG2LVTADSB7ME73AV4DXQK47PWK"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce@lists.fedoraproject.org/message/PBOZE2QZIBLFFTYWYN23FGKN6HULZ6HX"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230915-0009"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R875-M3XH-7F29
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-01-02 18:30 – Updated: 2026-01-02 18:30A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect several product versions. If a local attacker gains a user account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data.
We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: Qfinder Pro Mac 7.13.0 and later Qsync for Mac 5.1.5 and later QVPN Device Client for Mac 2.2.8 and later
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-53594"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-01-02T16:16:59Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect several product versions. If a local attacker gains a user account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data.\n\nWe have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions:\nQfinder Pro Mac 7.13.0 and later\nQsync for Mac 5.1.5 and later\nQVPN Device Client for Mac 2.2.8 and later",
"id": "GHSA-r875-m3xh-7f29",
"modified": "2026-01-02T18:30:30Z",
"published": "2026-01-02T18:30:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-53594"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.qnap.com/en/security-advisory/qsa-25-55"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-R87F-26V2-9P82
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-06 00:00 – Updated: 2022-05-13 00:00On F5 BIG-IP 16.1.x versions prior to 16.1.2.2, 15.1.x versions prior to 15.1.5.1, 14.1.x versions prior to 14.1.4.6, 13.1.x versions prior to 13.1.5, and all versions of 12.1.x and 11.6.x, a directory traversal vulnerability exists in iControl SOAP that allows an authenticated attacker with at least guest role privileges to read wsdl files in the BIG-IP file system. Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-29474"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-05-05T17:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "On F5 BIG-IP 16.1.x versions prior to 16.1.2.2, 15.1.x versions prior to 15.1.5.1, 14.1.x versions prior to 14.1.4.6, 13.1.x versions prior to 13.1.5, and all versions of 12.1.x and 11.6.x, a directory traversal vulnerability exists in iControl SOAP that allows an authenticated attacker with at least guest role privileges to read wsdl files in the BIG-IP file system. Note: Software versions which have reached End of Technical Support (EoTS) are not evaluated",
"id": "GHSA-r87f-26v2-9p82",
"modified": "2022-05-13T00:00:23Z",
"published": "2022-05-06T00:00:25Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-29474"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.f5.com/csp/article/K59904248"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R887-GFXH-M9RR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-02-08 18:07 – Updated: 2023-03-06 19:44Impact
Importing a malicious .mrpack file can cause path traversal while downloading files.
This can lead to scripts or config files being placed or replaced at arbitrary locations, without the user noticing.
Patches
No patches yet.
Workarounds
Avoid importing .mrpack files from untrusted sources.
References
https://docs.modrinth.com/docs/modpacks/format_definition/#files
{
"affected": [
{
"database_specific": {
"last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 0.16.2"
},
"package": {
"ecosystem": "Go",
"name": "github.com/nothub/mrpack-install"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.16.3"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-25307"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2023-02-08T18:07:16Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2023-06-26T15:15:09Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "### Impact\nImporting a malicious `.mrpack` file can cause path traversal while downloading files.\nThis can lead to scripts or config files being placed or replaced at arbitrary locations, without the user noticing.\n\n### Patches\nNo patches yet.\n\n### Workarounds\nAvoid importing `.mrpack` files from untrusted sources.\n\n### References\nhttps://docs.modrinth.com/docs/modpacks/format_definition/#files\n",
"id": "GHSA-r887-gfxh-m9rr",
"modified": "2023-03-06T19:44:37Z",
"published": "2023-02-08T18:07:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nothub/mrpack-install/security/advisories/GHSA-r887-gfxh-m9rr"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-25307"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nothub/mrpack-install/commit/a1f424b6a616d2de95228781eef3b92b9769f23c"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/nothub/mrpack-install"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nothub/mrpack-install/releases/tag/v0.16.3"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://quiltmc.org/en/blog/2023-02-04-five-installer-vulnerabilities"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
],
"summary": "mrpack-install vulnerable to path traversal with dependency"
}
GHSA-R88H-5MX3-FJ3X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-05-02 18:30 – Updated: 2026-04-08 18:33The Spectra – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in versions up to, and including, 2.12.6 via the get_block_default_attributes function. This allows authenticated attackers, with contributor-level permissions and above, to read the contents of any files named attributes.php on the server, which can contain sensitive information.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-3107"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-05-02T17:15:22Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The Spectra \u2013 WordPress Gutenberg Blocks plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in versions up to, and including, 2.12.6 via the get_block_default_attributes function. This allows authenticated attackers, with contributor-level permissions and above, to read the contents of any files named attributes.php on the server, which can contain sensitive information.",
"id": "GHSA-r88h-5mx3-fj3x",
"modified": "2026-04-08T18:33:05Z",
"published": "2024-05-02T18:30:53Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-3107"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/ultimate-addons-for-gutenberg/trunk/classes/class-uagb-block-module.php#L189"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3062684"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/110e5e67-b318-4ab2-9b4d-59aabcf7db7c?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R88P-4X27-MWMR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-07-12 00:00 – Updated: 2022-07-16 00:00The echoleegroup/PythonWeb repository through 2018-10-31 on GitHub allows absolute path traversal because the Flask send_file function is used unsafely.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2022-31534"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-07-11T01:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "The echoleegroup/PythonWeb repository through 2018-10-31 on GitHub allows absolute path traversal because the Flask send_file function is used unsafely.",
"id": "GHSA-r88p-4x27-mwmr",
"modified": "2022-07-16T00:00:30Z",
"published": "2022-07-12T00:00:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-31534"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/github/securitylab/issues/669#issuecomment-1117265726"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R8C4-7J88-47M9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-02 00:31 – Updated: 2026-06-02 18:31In createSessionInternal of PackageInstallerService.java, there is a possible to update a Device Policy Controller (DPC) into an invalid directory due to a path traversal error. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-0055"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-06-01T22:16:20Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "In createSessionInternal of PackageInstallerService.java, there is a possible to update a Device Policy Controller (DPC) into an invalid directory due to a path traversal error. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.",
"id": "GHSA-r8c4-7j88-47m9",
"modified": "2026-06-02T18:31:28Z",
"published": "2026-06-02T00:31:56Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-0055"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://source.android.com/docs/security/bulletin/2026/2026-06-01"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R8C9-G283-4F2R
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-07-15 21:31 – Updated: 2026-07-15 21:31The Gravity Forms plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.10.4 via the 'gform_uploaded_files' parameter parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. Exploitation requires the targeted form to not enforce login (so publicly accessible), which allows the unauthenticated attacker to reach the process_send_resume_link endpoint and supply an arbitrary recipient email address to receive the traversal-retrieved file as a notification attachment.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-12997"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-07-15T19:16:56Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The Gravity Forms plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 2.10.4 via the \u0027gform_uploaded_files\u0027 parameter parameter. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information. Exploitation requires the targeted form to not enforce login (so publicly accessible), which allows the unauthenticated attacker to reach the process_send_resume_link endpoint and supply an arbitrary recipient email address to receive the traversal-retrieved file as a notification attachment.",
"id": "GHSA-r8c9-g283-4f2r",
"modified": "2026-07-15T21:31:22Z",
"published": "2026-07-15T21:31:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-12997"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.gravityforms.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/5c03c07f-8f41-47c2-bc95-d92a623f5f7c?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R8CP-8VG8-PCGV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 01:22 – Updated: 2022-05-17 01:22Directory traversal vulnerability in get_file.php in phpMyBackupPro 2.1 through 2.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the view parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information. NOTE: this vulnerability exists due to an incomplete fix to CVE-2009-4050.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2015-4180"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-08-25T18:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Directory traversal vulnerability in get_file.php in phpMyBackupPro 2.1 through 2.4 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the view parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information. NOTE: this vulnerability exists due to an incomplete fix to CVE-2009-4050.",
"id": "GHSA-r8cp-8vg8-pcgv",
"modified": "2022-05-17T01:22:46Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T01:22:46Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-4180"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2015/06/04/10"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-R8FQ-3RXW-XRQ5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:48 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:48There is a directory traversing vulnerability in the download page url of AquaNPlayer 2.0.0.92. The IP of the download page url is localhost and an attacker can traverse directories using "dot dot" sequences(../../) to view host file on the system. This vulnerability can cause information leakage.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-7858"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-04-22T18:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "There is a directory traversing vulnerability in the download page url of AquaNPlayer 2.0.0.92. The IP of the download page url is localhost and an attacker can traverse directories using \"dot dot\" sequences(../../) to view host file on the system. This vulnerability can cause information leakage.",
"id": "GHSA-r8fq-3rxw-xrq5",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:48:16Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:48:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-7858"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.boho.or.kr/krcert/secNoticeView.do?bulletin_writing_sequence=36014"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
Mitigation MIT-5.1
Strategy: Input Validation
- Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.
- When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."
- Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
- When validating filenames, use stringent allowlists that limit the character set to be used. If feasible, only allow a single "." character in the filename to avoid weaknesses such as CWE-23, and exclude directory separators such as "/" to avoid CWE-36. Use a list of allowable file extensions, which will help to avoid CWE-434.
- Do not rely exclusively on a filtering mechanism that removes potentially dangerous characters. This is equivalent to a denylist, which may be incomplete (CWE-184). For example, filtering "/" is insufficient protection if the filesystem also supports the use of "\" as a directory separator. Another possible error could occur when the filtering is applied in a way that still produces dangerous data (CWE-182). For example, if "../" sequences are removed from the ".../...//" string in a sequential fashion, two instances of "../" would be removed from the original string, but the remaining characters would still form the "../" string.
Mitigation MIT-15
For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
Mitigation MIT-20.1
Strategy: Input Validation
- Inputs should be decoded and canonicalized to the application's current internal representation before being validated (CWE-180). Make sure that the application does not decode the same input twice (CWE-174). Such errors could be used to bypass allowlist validation schemes by introducing dangerous inputs after they have been checked.
- Use a built-in path canonicalization function (such as realpath() in C) that produces the canonical version of the pathname, which effectively removes ".." sequences and symbolic links (CWE-23, CWE-59). This includes:
- realpath() in C
- getCanonicalPath() in Java
- GetFullPath() in ASP.NET
- realpath() or abs_path() in Perl
- realpath() in PHP
Mitigation MIT-4
Strategy: Libraries or Frameworks
Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid [REF-1482].
Mitigation MIT-29
Strategy: Firewall
Use an application firewall that can detect attacks against this weakness. It can be beneficial in cases in which the code cannot be fixed (because it is controlled by a third party), as an emergency prevention measure while more comprehensive software assurance measures are applied, or to provide defense in depth [REF-1481].
Mitigation MIT-17
Strategy: Environment Hardening
Run your code using the lowest privileges that are required to accomplish the necessary tasks [REF-76]. If possible, create isolated accounts with limited privileges that are only used for a single task. That way, a successful attack will not immediately give the attacker access to the rest of the software or its environment. For example, database applications rarely need to run as the database administrator, especially in day-to-day operations.
Mitigation MIT-21.1
Strategy: Enforcement by Conversion
- When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
- For example, ID 1 could map to "inbox.txt" and ID 2 could map to "profile.txt". Features such as the ESAPI AccessReferenceMap [REF-185] provide this capability.
Mitigation MIT-22
Strategy: Sandbox or Jail
- Run the code in a "jail" or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict which files can be accessed in a particular directory or which commands can be executed by the software.
- OS-level examples include the Unix chroot jail, AppArmor, and SELinux. In general, managed code may provide some protection. For example, java.io.FilePermission in the Java SecurityManager allows the software to specify restrictions on file operations.
- This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of the application may still be subject to compromise.
- Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
Mitigation MIT-34
Strategy: Attack Surface Reduction
- Store library, include, and utility files outside of the web document root, if possible. Otherwise, store them in a separate directory and use the web server's access control capabilities to prevent attackers from directly requesting them. One common practice is to define a fixed constant in each calling program, then check for the existence of the constant in the library/include file; if the constant does not exist, then the file was directly requested, and it can exit immediately.
- This significantly reduces the chance of an attacker being able to bypass any protection mechanisms that are in the base program but not in the include files. It will also reduce the attack surface.
Mitigation MIT-39
- Ensure that error messages only contain minimal details that are useful to the intended audience and no one else. The messages need to strike the balance between being too cryptic (which can confuse users) or being too detailed (which may reveal more than intended). The messages should not reveal the methods that were used to determine the error. Attackers can use detailed information to refine or optimize their original attack, thereby increasing their chances of success.
- If errors must be captured in some detail, record them in log messages, but consider what could occur if the log messages can be viewed by attackers. Highly sensitive information such as passwords should never be saved to log files.
- Avoid inconsistent messaging that might accidentally tip off an attacker about internal state, such as whether a user account exists or not.
- In the context of path traversal, error messages which disclose path information can help attackers craft the appropriate attack strings to move through the file system hierarchy.
Mitigation MIT-16
Strategy: Environment Hardening
When using PHP, configure the application so that it does not use register_globals. During implementation, develop the application so that it does not rely on this feature, but be wary of implementing a register_globals emulation that is subject to weaknesses such as CWE-95, CWE-621, and similar issues.
CAPEC-126: Path Traversal
An adversary uses path manipulation methods to exploit insufficient input validation of a target to obtain access to data that should be not be retrievable by ordinary well-formed requests. A typical variety of this attack involves specifying a path to a desired file together with dot-dot-slash characters, resulting in the file access API or function traversing out of the intended directory structure and into the root file system. By replacing or modifying the expected path information the access function or API retrieves the file desired by the attacker. These attacks either involve the attacker providing a complete path to a targeted file or using control characters (e.g. path separators (/ or \) and/or dots (.)) to reach desired directories or files.
CAPEC-64: Using Slashes and URL Encoding Combined to Bypass Validation Logic
This attack targets the encoding of the URL combined with the encoding of the slash characters. An attacker can take advantage of the multiple ways of encoding a URL and abuse the interpretation of the URL. A URL may contain special character that need special syntax handling in order to be interpreted. Special characters are represented using a percentage character followed by two digits representing the octet code of the original character (%HEX-CODE). For instance US-ASCII space character would be represented with %20. This is often referred as escaped ending or percent-encoding. Since the server decodes the URL from the requests, it may restrict the access to some URL paths by validating and filtering out the URL requests it received. An attacker will try to craft an URL with a sequence of special characters which once interpreted by the server will be equivalent to a forbidden URL. It can be difficult to protect against this attack since the URL can contain other format of encoding such as UTF-8 encoding, Unicode-encoding, etc.
CAPEC-76: Manipulating Web Input to File System Calls
An attacker manipulates inputs to the target software which the target software passes to file system calls in the OS. The goal is to gain access to, and perhaps modify, areas of the file system that the target software did not intend to be accessible.
CAPEC-78: Using Escaped Slashes in Alternate Encoding
This attack targets the use of the backslash in alternate encoding. An adversary can provide a backslash as a leading character and causes a parser to believe that the next character is special. This is called an escape. By using that trick, the adversary tries to exploit alternate ways to encode the same character which leads to filter problems and opens avenues to attack.
CAPEC-79: Using Slashes in Alternate Encoding
This attack targets the encoding of the Slash characters. An adversary would try to exploit common filtering problems related to the use of the slashes characters to gain access to resources on the target host. Directory-driven systems, such as file systems and databases, typically use the slash character to indicate traversal between directories or other container components. For murky historical reasons, PCs (and, as a result, Microsoft OSs) choose to use a backslash, whereas the UNIX world typically makes use of the forward slash. The schizophrenic result is that many MS-based systems are required to understand both forms of the slash. This gives the adversary many opportunities to discover and abuse a number of common filtering problems. The goal of this pattern is to discover server software that only applies filters to one version, but not the other.