Weakness (CWE)
CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory
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.
More detail
Many file operations are intended to take place within a restricted directory. By using special elements such as ".." and "/" separators, attackers can escape outside of the restricted location to access files or directories that are elsewhere on the system. One of the most common special elements is the "../" sequence, which in most modern operating systems is interpreted as the parent directory of the current location. This is referred to as relative path traversal. Path traversal also covers the use of absolute pathnames such as "/usr/local/bin" to access unexpected files. This is referred to as absolute path traversal.
How to prevent it (8 mitigations)
-
Implementation
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.
-
Architecture and Design
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.
-
Implementation
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
-
Architecture and Design
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].
-
Operation
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].
-
Architecture and Design, Operation
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.
-
Architecture and Design
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.
-
Architecture and Design, Operation
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.
Source: MITRE CWE-22
865 results · Clear filters · Feed
-
Critical 9.0
Contact Form by Bit Form: Multi Step Form, Calculation Contact Form, Payment Contact Form & Custom Contact Form builder 2.0 - 2.13.9 - Authenticated (Administrator+) Arbitrary File Read And Deletion
The Contact Form by Bit Form: Multi Step Form, Calculation Contact Form, Payment Contact Form & Custom Contact Form builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file read and deletion due to insufficient file path validation in multiple functions i…
-
Critical 9.3
Arbitrary Code Execution in WPS Office
Improper path validation in promecefpluginhost.exe in Kingsoft WPS Office version ranging from 12.2.0.13110 to 12.2.0.17115 (exclusive) on Windows allows an attacker to load an arbitrary Windows library. The patch released in version 12.1.0.17119 to mitigate …
-
Critical 9.3CVE-2024-7262 Exploited
Arbitrary Code Execution in WPS Office
Improper path validation in promecefpluginhost.exe in Kingsoft WPS Office version ranging from 12.2.0.13110 to 12.2.0.16412 (exclusive) on Windows allows an attacker to load an arbitrary Windows library. The vulnerability was found weaponized as a single-clic…
KEV Sep 3, 2024 -
Critical 9.2
Unauthenticated Path Traversal via URL Parameter in Enphase IQ Gateway version < 8.2.4225
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability via a URL parameter in Enphase IQ Gateway (formerly known as Envoy) allows an unautheticated attacker to access or create arbitratry files.This issue affects Envoy: f…
-
Critical 9.2
Insecure File Generation Based on User Input in Enphase IQ Gateway version 4.x to 8.x and < 8.2.4225
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability through a url parameter in Enphase IQ Gateway (formerly known as Envoy) allows File Manipulation. The endpoint requires authentication.This issue affects Envoy: from …
-
Critical 9.8
CometVisu Backend for openHAB affected by RCE through path traversal
openHAB, a provider of open-source home automation software, has add-ons including the visualization add-on CometVisu. Prior to version 4.2.1, CometVisu's file system endpoints don't require authentication and additionally the endpoint to update an existing f…
-
Critical 9.0
WordPress ListingPro plugin <= 2.9.4 - Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in CridioStudio ListingPro listingpro-plugin allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects ListingPro: from n/a through <= 2.9.4.
-
Critical 9.8
CVE-2024-37084: Remote code execution in Spring Cloud Data Flow
In Spring Cloud Data Flow versions prior to 2.11.4, a malicious user who has access to the Skipper server api can use a crafted upload request to write an arbitrary file to any location on the file system which could lead to compromising the server
-
Critical 9.1
The snapshot_path parameter in the /api/get-browser-snapshot endpoint in stitionai devika v1 is susceptible to a path t…
-
Critical 9.8
CLSA Directory Traversal vulnerability
Directory Traversal vulnerability in Marimer LLC CSLA .Net before 8.0 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the MobileFormatter component.
-
Critical 9.1
LibreChat through 0.7.4-rc1 does not validate the normalized pathnames of images.
-
Critical 9.8
TorchServe bypass allowed_urls configuration
TorchServe is a flexible and easy-to-use tool for serving and scaling PyTorch models in production. TorchServe 's check on allowed_urls configuration can be by-passed if the URL contains characters such as ".." but it does not prevent the model from being dow…
-
Critical 10.0
Arbitrary File Read in Ansible Playbooks in Jumpserver
JumpServer is an open-source Privileged Access Management (PAM) tool that provides DevOps and IT teams with on-demand and secure access to SSH, RDP, Kubernetes, Database and RemoteApp endpoints through a web browser. An attacker can exploit the ansible playbo…
-
Critical 10.0
Arbitrary File Write in Ansible Playbooks leads to RCE in Jumpserver
JumpServer is an open-source Privileged Access Management (PAM) tool that provides DevOps and IT teams with on-demand and secure access to SSH, RDP, Kubernetes, Database and RemoteApp endpoints through a web browser. An attacker can exploit the Ansible playbo…
-
Critical 9.6
SolarWinds Access Rights Manager Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
The SolarWinds Access Rights Manager was susceptible to a Directory Traversal and Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated user to perform remote code execution.
-
Critical 9.6
SolarWinds Access Rights Manager Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM) is susceptible to a Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution vulnerability. If exploited, this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated user to perform the actions with SYSTEM privileges.
-
Critical 9.6
SolarWinds Access Rights Manager Directory Traversal and Information Disclosure Vulnerability
The SolarWinds Access Rights Manager was susceptible to a Directory Traversal and Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated user to perform arbitrary file deletion and leak sensitive information.
-
Critical 9.6CVE-2024-23472 EPSS 19%
SolarWinds Access Rights Manager Directory Traversal Arbitrary File Deletion and Information Disclosure Vulnerability
SolarWinds Access Rights Manager (ARM) is susceptible to Directory Traversal vulnerability. This vulnerability allows an authenticated user to arbitrary read and delete files in ARM.
-
Critical 9.8
Directory Traversal vulnerability in xmind2testcase v.1.5 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the we…
-
Critical 9.8
BC Security Empire Path Traversal RCE
BC Security Empire before 5.9.3 is vulnerable to a path traversal issue that can lead to remote code execution. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability over HTTP by acting as a normal agent, completing all cryptographic handshakes, a…
-
Critical 9.1
Arbitrary File Write via /v1/runs API endpoint in lightning-ai/pytorch-lightning
A vulnerability in the /v1/runs API endpoint of lightning-ai/pytorch-lightning v2.2.4 allows attackers to exploit path traversal when extracting tar.gz files. When the LightningApp is running with the plugin_server, attackers can deploy malicious tar.gz plugi…
-
Critical 9.4
Directory Traversal vulnerability in Kalkitech ASE ASE61850 IEDSmart upto and including version 2.3.5 allows attackers …
-
Critical 9.8
WhatsUp Gold GetFileWithoutZip Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
In WhatsUp Gold versions released before 2023.1.3, an unauthenticated Remote Code Execution vulnerability in Progress WhatsUpGold. The WhatsUp.ExportUtilities.Export.GetFileWithoutZip allows execution of commands with iisapppool\nmconsole privileges.
KEV Mar 3, 2025 -
Critical 9.0
WordPress Consulting Elementor Widgets plugin <= 1.3.0 - Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in StylemixThemes Consulting Elementor Widgets allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Consulting Elementor Widgets: from n/a through 1.3.0.
-
Critical 9.8CVE-2024-34313 Public exploit
An issue in VPL Jail System up to v4.0.2 allows attackers to execute a directory traversal via a crafted request to a p…
-
Critical 9.8
An issue was discovered in VirtoSoftware Virto Bulk File Download 5.5.44 for SharePoint 2019. The Virto.SharePoint.File…
-
Critical 9.2
Adminer and AdminerEvo vulnerable to directory traversal and file upload
The file upload plugin in Adminer and AdminerEvo allows an attacker to upload a file with a table name of “..” to the root of the Adminer directory. The attacker can effectively guess the name of the uploaded file and execute it. Adminer is no longer supporte…
-
Critical 9.1
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in the TFTP Server in Distinct Intranet Servers 3.10 and earlier allow rem…
-
Critical 9.8
Shariff Wrapper <= 4.6.13 - Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion
The Shariff Wrapper plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in versions up to, and including, 4.6.13 via the shariff3uu_fetch_sharecounts function. This allows unauthenticated attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, …
-
Critical 10.0
Path thraversal in DeepJavaLibrary
DeepJavaLibrary(DJL) is an Engine-Agnostic Deep Learning Framework in Java. DJL versions 0.1.0 through 0.27.0 do not prevent absolute path archived artifacts from inserting archived files directly into the system, overwriting system files. This is fixed in DJ…
-
Critical 9.8
insecure upload
Remote Command program allows an attacker to get Remote Code Execution. This vulnerability can be executed in combination with other vulnerabilities and difficult to execute alone. So, the CVSS score for this vulnerability alone is lower than the score listed…
-
Critical 9.8CVE-2024-27173 Public exploit
insecure upload
Remote Command program allows an attacker to get Remote Code Execution by overwriting existing Python files containing executable code. This vulnerability can be executed in combination with other vulnerabilities and difficult to execute alone. So, the CVSS s…
-
Critical 9.8
Multiple Post-authenticated Remote Code Execution
The Toshiba printers provide several ways to upload files using the admin web interface. An attacker can remotely compromise any Toshiba printer. An attacker can overwrite any insecure files. This vulnerability can be executed in combination with other vulner…
-
Critical 9.8
Pre-authenticated Remote Code Execution
The Toshiba printers provide several ways to upload files using the web interface without authentication. An attacker can overwrite any insecure files. And the Toshiba printers are vulnerable to a Local Privilege Escalation vulnerability. An attacker can remo…
-
Critical 9.1
LFI Vulnerability due to Lack of Path Sanitization in parisneo/lollms
parisneo/lollms version 9.5 is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion (LFI) attacks due to insufficient path sanitization. The `sanitize_path_from_endpoint` function fails to properly sanitize Windows-style paths (backward slash `\`), allowing attackers to perfor…
-
Critical 9.0
WordPress MegaMenu plugin <= 2.3.12 - Unauthenticated Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in StylemixThemes MegaMenu allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects MegaMenu: from n/a through 2.3.12.
-
Critical 9.9
Wordpress Advanced Custom Fields Pro plugin < 6.2.10 - Contributor+ Local File Inclusion vulnerability
Vulnerability discovered by executing a planned security audit. Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in WPENGINE INC Advanced Custom Fields PRO allows PHP Local File Inclusion.This issue affects Advanced…
-
Critical 9.8
willdurand/js-translation-bundle potential path traversal attack and remote code injection
A path traversal and a javascript code injection vulnerabilities were identified in willdurand/js-translation-bundle versions prior to 2.1.1.
-
Critical 9.8CVE-2024-3429 EPSS 28%
Path Traversal in parisneo/lollms
A path traversal vulnerability exists in the parisneo/lollms application, specifically within the `sanitize_path_from_endpoint` and `sanitize_path` functions in `lollms_core\lollms\security.py`. This vulnerability allows for arbitrary file reading when the ap…
-
Critical 9.8CVE-2024-3234 Scanner template
Path Traversal in gaizhenbiao/chuanhuchatgpt
The gaizhenbiao/chuanhuchatgpt application is vulnerable to a path traversal attack due to its use of an outdated gradio component. The application is designed to restrict user access to resources within the `web_assets` folder. However, the outdated version …