Weakness (CWE)
CWE-73: External Control of File Name or Path
The product allows user input to control or influence paths or file names that are used in filesystem operations.
How to prevent it (8 mitigations)
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Architecture and Design
When the set of filenames is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames, 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 provide this capability.
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Architecture and Design, Operation
Run your code in a "jail" or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict all access to files within a particular directory.
Examples include the Unix chroot jail and AppArmor. In general, managed code may provide some protection.
This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of your application may still be subject to compromise.
Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
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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.
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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.
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Implementation
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).
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Installation, Operation
Use OS-level permissions and run as a low-privileged user to limit the scope of any successful attack.
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Operation, Implementation
If you are using PHP, configure your application so that it does not use register_globals. During implementation, develop your 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.
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Testing
Use tools and techniques that require manual (human) analysis, such as penetration testing, threat modeling, and interactive tools that allow the tester to record and modify an active session. These may be more effective than strictly automated techniques. This is especially the case with weaknesses that are related to design and business rules.
Source: MITRE CWE-73
828 results · Feed
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Critical 9.8
Path Traversal and Arbitrary File Deletion in invoke-ai/invokeai
A vulnerability in invokeai version v6.0.0a1 and below allows attackers to perform path traversal and arbitrary file deletion via the GET /api/v1/images/download/{bulk_download_item_name} endpoint. By manipulating the filename arguments, attackers can read an…
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High 8.1
WP Import – Ultimate CSV XML Importer for WordPress <= 7.27 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary File Deletion
The WP Import – Ultimate CSV XML Importer for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the upload_function() function in all versions up to, and including, 7.27. This makes it possible…
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High 7.5CVE-2025-8422 Public exploit
Propovoice <= 1.7.6.7 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Read
The Propovoice: All-in-One Client Management System plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Read in all versions up to, and including, 1.7.6.7 via the send_email() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to read the content…
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High 7.5CVE-2025-59049 Scanner template
Mockoon has a Path Traversal and LFI in the static file serving endpoint
Mockoon provides way to design and run mock APIs. Prior to version 9.2.0, a mock API configuration for static file serving follows the same approach presented in the documentation page, where the server filename is generated via templating features from user …
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Critical 9.1
Tautulli vulnerable to Authenticated Remote Code Execution via write primitive and `Script` notification agent
Tautulli is a Python based monitoring and tracking tool for Plex Media Server. In Tautulli v2.15.3 and earlier, an attacker with administrative access can use the `pms_image_proxy` endpoint to write arbitrary python scripts into the application filesystem. Th…
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High 7.8
Azure Connected Machine Agent Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
External control of file name or path in Azure Arc allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
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Critical 9.1
Goza - Nonprofit Charity WordPress Theme <= 3.2.2 - Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion
The Goza - Nonprofit Charity WordPress Theme theme for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the alone_import_pack_restore_data() function in all versions up to, and including, 3.2.2. This makes it poss…
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Medium 4.7
Campcodes Recruitment Management System index.php include file inclusion
A security flaw has been discovered in Campcodes Recruitment Management System 1.0. This impacts the function include of the file /admin/index.php. The manipulation of the argument page results in file inclusion. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. …
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Critical 10.0
SUNNET Corporate Training Management System - External Control of File Name or Path
An external control of file name or path vulnerability in SUNNET Corporate Training Management System before 10.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands via a malicious file by controlling the destination file path.
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High 8.8
Harness Affected by Arbitrary File Write in Gitness LFS server
Harness Open Source is an end-to-end developer platform with Source Control Management, CI/CD Pipelines, Hosted Developer Environments, and Artifact Registries. Prior to version 3.3.0, Open Source Harness git LFS server (Gitness) exposes api to retrieve and u…
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Critical 10.0
Qi'anxin TianQing Management Center rptsvr Arbitrary File Upload
QiAnXin TianQing Management Center versions up to and including 6.7.0.4130 contain a path traversal vulnerability in the rptsvr component that allows unauthenticated attackers to upload files to arbitrary locations on the server. The /rptsvr/upload endpoint f…
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High 7.3
Campcodes Payroll Management System index.php include file inclusion
A weakness has been identified in Campcodes Payroll Management System 1.0. The affected element is the function include of the file /index.php. This manipulation of the argument page causes file inclusion. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. Th…
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High 8.1
Wptobe-memberships <= 3.4.2 - Authenticated (Subscriber+) Arbitrary File Deletion
The Wptobe-memberships plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the del_img_ajax_call() function in all versions up to, and including, 3.4.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, …
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Medium 4.8
Dpanel has an arbitrary file read vulnerability
dpanel is an open source server management panel written in Go. In versions 1.2.0 through 1.7.2, dpanel allows authenticated users to read arbitrary files from the server via the /api/app/compose/get-from-uri API endpoint. The vulnerability exists in the GetF…
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Critical 9.3
Directus allows unauthenticated file upload and file modification due to lacking input sanitization
Directus is a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. From 10.8.0 to before 11.9.3, a vulnerability exists in the file update mechanism which allows an unauthenticated actor to modify existing files with arbitrary contents (without …
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Medium 6.5
Cisco Evolved Programmable Network Manager and Prime Infrastructure Arbitrary File Download Vulnerability
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Evolved Programmable Network Manager (EPNM) and Cisco Prime Infrastructure could allow an authenticated, low-privileged, remote attacker to retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying file system…
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High 8.4CVE-2011-10030 Public exploit
Foxit PDF Reader < 4.3.1.0218 JavaScript File Write
Foxit PDF Reader < 4.3.1.0218 exposes a JavaScript API function, createDataObject(), that allows untrusted PDF content to write arbitrary files anywhere on disk. By embedding a malicious PDF that calls this API, an attacker can drop executables or scripts in…
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Medium 5.5
Windows Security App Spoofing Vulnerability
External control of file name or path in Windows Security App allows an authorized attacker to perform spoofing locally.
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High 8.8
: External Control of File Name or Path vulnerability in TAGFREE X-Free Uploader XFU allows : Parameter Injection.This …
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High 7.7
glpi-screenshot-plugin exposes local files in /ajax/screenshot.php
The glpi-screenshot-plugin allows users to take screenshots or screens recording directly from GLPI. In versions below 2.0.2, authenticated user can use the /ajax/screenshot.php endpoint to leak files from the system or use PHP wrappers. This is fixed in vers…
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High 8.6
Unexpected command execution in untrusted VCS repositories in cmd/go
The go command may execute unexpected commands when operating in untrusted VCS repositories. This occurs when possibly dangerous VCS configuration is present in repositories. This can happen when a repository was fetched via one VCS (e.g. Git), but contains m…
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Critical 9.1
Alone – Charity Multipurpose Non-profit WordPress Theme <= 7.8.5 - Missing Authorization to Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion
The Alone – Charity Multipurpose Non-profit WordPress Theme theme for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the alone_import_pack_restore_data() function in all versions up to, and including, 7.8.5. Thi…
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High 8.1
SureForms – Drag and Drop Form Builder for WordPress <= 1.7.3 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion Triggered via Administrator Submission Deletion
The SureForms – Drag and Drop Form Builder for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_entry_files() function in all versions up to, and including, 1.7.3. This makes it pos…
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High 8.6
Git alllows arbitrary file writes via bundle-uri parameter injection
Git is a fast, scalable, distributed revision control system with an unusually rich command set that provides both high-level operations and full access to internals. When cloning a repository Git knows to optionally fetch a bundle advertised by the remote se…
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Low 3.5
Windows Storage Spoofing Vulnerability
External control of file name or path in Windows Storage allows an authorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.
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High 8.7
Linkwarden Local File Inclusion Vulnerability
Linkwarden is a self-hosted, open-source collaborative bookmark manager to collect, organize and archive webpages. In version 2.10.2, the server accepts links of format file:///etc/passwd and doesn't do any validation before sending them to parsers and playwr…
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High 8.8CVE-2025-6463 EPSS 15%
Forminator Forms – Contact Form, Payment Form & Custom Form Builder <= 1.44.2 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion Triggered via Administrator Form Submission Deletion
The Forminator Forms – Contact Form, Payment Form & Custom Form Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the 'entry_delete_upload_files' function in all versions up to, and including, 1.…
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Critical 9.1
IBM QRadar SIEM command execution
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.5 through 7.5.0 Update Package 12 could allow a privileged user to modify configuration files that would allow the upload of a malicious autoupdate file to execute arbitrary commands.
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Medium 6.5
External control of file name or path issue exists in RICOH Streamline NX V3 PC Client versions 3.5.0 to 3.242.0. If an…
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Medium 5.6
CVE-2025-22241 salt advisory
File contents overwrite the VirtKey class is called when “on-demand pillar” data is requested and uses un-validated input to create paths to the “pki directory”. The functionality is used to auto-accept Minion authentication keys based on a pre-placed “author…
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Critical 9.5
Remote code execution and local privilege escalation due to UNC access and NetNTLMv2 hash theft
Improper input validation in the OSSEC HIDS agent for Windows prior to version 3.8.0 allows an attacker in with control over the OSSEC server or in possession of the agent's key to configure the agent to connect to a malicious UNC path. This results in the le…
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Critical 9.5
Remote code execution and local privilege escalation in Wazuh Windows agent via NetNTLMv2 hash theft
Improper input validation in the Wazuh agent for Windows prior to version 4.8.0 allows an attacker with control over the Wazuh server or agent key to configure the agent to connect to a malicious UNC path. This results in the leakage of the machine account Ne…
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High 8.8
Internet Shortcut Files Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
External control of file name or path in Internet Shortcut Files allows an unauthorized attacker to execute code over a network.
KEV Jun 10, 2025 -
Medium 5.5
Windows Security App Spoofing Vulnerability
External control of file name or path in Windows Security App allows an authorized attacker to perform spoofing locally.
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Medium 5.4
OctoPrint vulnerable to possible file extraction via upload endpoints
OctoPrint provides a web interface for controlling consumer 3D printers. OctoPrint versions up until and including 1.11.1 contain a vulnerability that allows an attacker with the FILE_UPLOAD permission to exfiltrate files from the host that OctoPrint has read…
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Medium 6.5
HAX CMS vulnerable to Local File Inclusion via saveOutline API Location Parameter
HAX CMS PHP allows users to manage their microsite universe with a PHP backend. Prior to version 11.0.0, an authenticated Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the HAXCMS saveOutline endpoint allows a low-privileged user to read arbitrary files on the s…
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High 8.8
Soar Cloud HRD Human Resource Management System - External Control of File Name or Path
An external control of file name or path vulnerability in the delete file function of Soar Cloud HRD Human Resource Management System through version 7.3.2025.0408 allows remote attackers to delete partial files by specifying arbitrary file paths.
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High 8.7
Soar Cloud HRD Human Resource Management System - External Control of File Name or Path
An external control of file name or path vulnerability in the download file function of Soar Cloud HRD Human Resource Management System through version 7.3.2025.0408 allows remote attackers to obtain partial files by specifying arbitrary file paths.
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Medium 6.1
Insecure handling of file paths allows multiple local attacks
Kea configuration and API directives can be used to overwrite arbitrary files, subject to permissions granted to Kea. Many common configurations run Kea as root, leave the API entry points unsecured by default, and/or place the control sockets in insecure pat…
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Critical 9.1CVE-2025-4603 Public exploit
eMagicOne Store Manager for WooCommerce <= 1.2.5 - Unauthenticated Arbitrary File Deletion
The eMagicOne Store Manager for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file deletion due to insufficient file path validation in the delete_file() function in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.5. This makes it possible for unauthenti…