Path Traversal
Path traversal exploits occur when applications use user-controlled input to construct file system paths without proper validation.
How It Works
Path traversal exploits occur when applications use user-controlled input to construct file system paths without proper validation. Attackers inject special sequences like ../ (dot-dot-slash) to escape the intended directory and navigate to arbitrary locations in the file system. Each ../ sequence moves up one directory level, allowing an attacker to break out of a restricted folder and access sensitive files elsewhere on the server.
Attackers employ various encoding techniques to bypass basic filters. Simple URL encoding transforms ../ into %2e%2e%2f, while double encoding becomes %252e%252e%252f (encoding the percent sign itself). Other evasion methods include nested sequences like ....// (which become ../ after filter removal), null byte injection (%00 to truncate path validation), and OS-specific path separators (backslashes on Windows). Absolute paths like /etc/passwd may also work if the application doesn't enforce relative path constraints.
The typical attack flow begins with identifying input parameters that reference files—such as file=, path=, template=, or page=. The attacker then tests various traversal payloads to determine if path validation exists and what depth is needed to reach system files. Success means reading configuration files, credentials, source code, or even writing malicious files if the application allows file uploads or modifications.
Impact
- Credential exposure: Access to configuration files containing database passwords, API keys, and authentication tokens
- Source code disclosure: Reading application code reveals business logic, additional vulnerabilities, and hardcoded secrets
- System file access: Retrieving
/etc/passwd,/etc/shadow, or Windows SAM files for credential cracking - Configuration tampering: If write access exists, attackers modify settings or inject malicious code
- Remote code execution: Writing web shells or executable files to web-accessible directories enables full system compromise
Real-World Examples
ZendTo file sharing application (CVE-2025-34508) contained a path traversal vulnerability allowing unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files from the server. The flaw existed in file retrieval functionality where user input directly influenced file path construction without adequate validation, exposing sensitive configuration data and potentially system files.
Web application frameworks frequently suffer from path traversal in template rendering engines. When applications allow users to specify template names or include files, insufficient validation permits attackers to read source code from other application modules or framework configuration files, revealing database credentials and session secrets.
File download features in content management systems represent another common vector. Applications that serve user-requested files from disk often fail to restrict paths properly, enabling attackers to download backup files, logs containing sensitive data, or administrative scripts that weren't intended for public access.
Mitigation
- Avoid user input in file paths: Use indirect references like database IDs mapped to filenames on the server side
- Canonicalize and validate: Convert paths to absolute canonical form, then verify they remain within the allowed base directory
- Allowlist permitted files: Maintain an explicit list of accessible files rather than trying to blocklist malicious patterns
- Chroot jails or sandboxing: Restrict application file system access to specific directories at the OS level
- Strip dangerous sequences: Remove
../,..\\, and encoded variants, though this alone is insufficient
Recent CVEs (8619)
Voyager 1.3.0 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to access sensitive system files by manipulating the asset path parameter. Attackers can exploit the path parameter in /admin/voyager-assets to read arbitrary files like /etc/passwd and .env configuration files. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Directory traversal vulnerability in OpenSatKit 2.2.1 allows attackers to gain access to sensitive information or delete arbitrary files via crafted value to the FileUtil_GetFileInfo function. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Path traversal in nanotar npm package through 0.2.0. The parseTar() and parseTarGzip() functions allow attackers to write files outside the extraction directory.
MiniGal Nano 0.3.5 and earlier are vulnerable to a path traversal attack in the dir parameter that bypasses insufficient dot-dot sequence filtering, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to access and enumerate image files from arbitrary filesystem locations readable by the web server. This results in confidential information disclosure from unintended directories. No patch is currently available.
Authentication bypass via path traversal in ZBT WE2001 router's check_token function. EPSS 0.69% — crafted requests bypass authentication entirely. CVSS 10.0.
File Station 6 contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files and system data on affected systems. An attacker with valid user credentials can exploit this flaw to access sensitive information beyond intended restrictions. No patch is currently available for File Station 6, though File Station 5.5.6.5190 and later versions have been remediated.
A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect Qsync Central. If a remote attacker gains a user account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect File Station 5. If a remote attacker gains a user account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect File Station 5. If a local attacker gains an administrator account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data. [CVSS 4.4 MEDIUM]
A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect File Station 5. If a local attacker gains an administrator account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data. [CVSS 4.4 MEDIUM]
A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect File Station 5. If a remote attacker gains a user account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect Qsync Central. If a remote attacker gains a user account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
A relative path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect Qsync Central. If a remote attacker gains a user account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
A path traversal vulnerability has been reported to affect File Station 5. If a remote attacker gains an administrator account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to read the contents of unexpected files or system data. [CVSS 4.9 MEDIUM]
Unauthenticated path traversal in JUNG Smart Panel KNX firmware L1.12.22 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files from the device's filesystem through the web interface. An attacker can leverage insufficient input validation to access sensitive system configuration and other confidential data without requiring authentication. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
TP-Link Tapo C260 v1 firmware contains a path traversal vulnerability in HTTPS GET request handling that allows local network attackers to probe filesystem paths and determine file existence without authentication. While the vulnerability does not permit file read, write, or code execution, it enables information disclosure about the device's filesystem structure to unauthenticated local users. No patch is currently available.
An AXIS Camera Station Pro feature can be exploited in a way that allows a non-admin user to view information they are not permitted to. [CVSS 4.6 MEDIUM]
Tanium addressed an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability in end-user-cx. [CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM]
Tanium addressed an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability in Tanium EUSS. [CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM]
Tanium addressed an arbitrary file deletion vulnerability in End-User Notifications Endpoint Tools. [CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM]
Path traversal in rachelos WeRSS plugin versions up to 1.4.8 allows authenticated remote attackers to access arbitrary files through manipulation of the filename parameter in the download_export_file function. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability. The issue requires valid credentials but has a low complexity attack surface, affecting file confidentiality without requiring user interaction.
Path traversal in JeecgBoot's Retrieval-Augmented Generation Module (versions up to 3.9.0) allows authenticated remote attackers to access arbitrary files through manipulation of the filePath parameter in the /airag/knowledge/doc/edit endpoint. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available from the vendor despite early notification.
Authenticated operators in Sliver C2 framework versions prior to 1.6.11 can read arbitrary files on the server through a path traversal vulnerability in the website content subsystem, potentially exposing sensitive credentials, configurations, and cryptographic keys. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability. The issue is resolved in version 1.6.11 and later.
Pydantic AI versions 1.34.0 through 1.50.x contain a path traversal vulnerability in the web UI that allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript by manipulating the CDN version parameter in a malicious URL. When a victim visits the crafted link, attacker-controlled code executes in their browser, enabling theft of chat history and other sensitive client-side data. No patch is currently available.
Gogs versions 0.13.3 and earlier are vulnerable to arbitrary file read and write operations through path traversal in the Git hook editing functionality, affecting self-hosted installations. An authenticated attacker with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability to access or modify files outside the intended directory. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available.
Tanium addressed an improper link resolution before file access vulnerability in Enforce. [CVSS 5.0 MEDIUM]
Tanium addressed a documentation issue in Engage. [CVSS 6.6 MEDIUM]
A path traversal in My Text Editor v1.6.2 allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via writing files to the internal storage. [CVSS 5.0 MEDIUM]
Path Traversal vulnerability in Digitek ADT1100 and Digitek DT950 from PRIMION DIGITEK, S.L.U (Azkoyen Group). This vulnerability allows an attacker to access arbitrary files in the server's file system, thet is, 'http://<host>/..%2F..% 2F..%2F..%2F..%2F..%2F..%2F..%2F..%2Fetc%2Fpasswd'.
Arbitrary file read in ShortPixel Image Optimizer plugin for WordPress through path traversal in the loadLogFile AJAX action allows authenticated users with Editor-level privileges or higher to access sensitive server files including database credentials. The vulnerability exists in versions up to 6.4.2 due to insufficient path validation on the loadFile parameter, and no patch is currently available.
It was possible to improperly access the parent directory of an os.Root by opening a filename ending in "../". For example, Root.Open("../") would open the parent directory of the Root. [CVSS 3.8 LOW]
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.1.30 suffer from a path traversal vulnerability in the isValidMedia() function that permits authenticated agents to read arbitrary files on the system by crafting malicious MEDIA output directives. An attacker with agent access can leverage this flaw to exfiltrate sensitive data accessible to the application process. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available.
Melange versions 0.14.0 through 0.40.2 allow local attackers with configuration file control to read arbitrary files from the host system through path traversal in license file path validation, potentially exfiltrating sensitive data embedded in generated SBOMs. This vulnerability affects build pipeline scenarios where configuration is user-controlled, such as pull request-driven CI or build-as-a-service environments. A patch is available in version 0.40.3.
The unstructured Python library for document ingestion has a path traversal vulnerability allowing arbitrary file read/write during document processing.
The Code Explorer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Path Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.6 via the 'file' parameter. [CVSS 4.9 MEDIUM]
Samsung Members versions prior to 15.5.05.4 contain a path traversal vulnerability that enables local attackers to overwrite arbitrary data within the application. This vulnerability requires local access and valid user credentials but does not provide read access to sensitive information. No patch is currently available to address this issue.
Android ShortcutService path traversal vulnerability prior to the February 2026 SMR Release 1 enables privileged local attackers to create files with system-level privileges. The vulnerability requires high-level authentication and does not affect confidentiality significantly, but could allow attackers to modify system files or degrade availability. No patch is currently available.
A path traversal in Moo Chan Song v4.5.7 allows attackers to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) via writing files to the internal storage. [CVSS 5.0 MEDIUM]
Path traversal in Bolo Solo up to version 2.6.4 allows authenticated attackers to manipulate file path arguments in the backup import function, potentially accessing or modifying arbitrary files on the affected system. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and the maintainers have not yet released a patch despite early notification. The attack requires valid credentials but can be executed remotely over the network.
Path traversal in Bolo Solo's importFromMarkdown function allows authenticated attackers to manipulate file paths and access arbitrary files on affected systems. The vulnerability affects Bolo Solo versions up to 2.6.4 and requires valid credentials but no user interaction to exploit. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available.
School ERP Pro 1.0 contains a file disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by manipulating the 'document' parameter in download.php. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Easy Transfer 1.7 iOS mobile application contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows remote attackers to access unauthorized file system paths without authentication. [CVSS 6.2 MEDIUM]
webERP 4.15.1 has an unauthenticated file access vulnerability allowing remote attackers to download sensitive files including configuration and database credentials.
Booked Scheduler 2.7.7 contains a directory traversal vulnerability in the manage_email_templates.php script that allows authenticated administrators to access unauthorized files. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Claude Code versions prior to 2.0.74 allow authenticated users to write files outside designated directories by exploiting inadequate Bash command validation in ZSH clobber syntax parsing. An attacker with the ability to inject malicious content into a Claude Code context window on a ZSH-based system can bypass file restrictions and achieve unauthorized file writes without triggering user permission prompts. This vulnerability requires user interaction and ZSH environment configuration, making it suitable for supply chain or prompt injection attacks against Claude Code users.
Path traversal in Bolo Solo up to version 2.6.4 allows authenticated attackers to manipulate ZIP file extraction operations in the BackupService component, potentially reading or writing arbitrary files on the affected system. Public exploit code is available for this vulnerability, and the vendor has not yet provided a patch despite early notification.
A relative path traversal vulnerability has been identified in the Embedded Solutions Framework in various Lexmark devices. This vulnerability can be leveraged by an attacker to execute arbitrary code as an unprivileged user.
The ZSPACE Q2C NAS contains a vulnerability related to incorrect symbolic link following. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
An Incorrect Symlink Follow vulnerability exists in multiple Yottamaster NAS devices, including DM2 (version equal to or prior to V1.9.12), DM3 (version equal to or prior to V1.9.12), and DM200 (version equal to or prior to V1.2.23) that could be exploited by attackers to leak or tamper with the internal file system. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
The ORICO NAS CD3510 (version V1.9.12 and below) contains an Incorrect Symlink Follow vulnerability that could be exploited by attackers to leak or tamper with the internal file system. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Articentgroup Zip Rar Extractor Tool 1.345.93.0 is vulnerable to Directory Traversal. The vulnerability resides in the ZIP file processing component, specifically in the functionality responsible for extracting and handling ZIP archive contents. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Vulnerability in Wikimedia Foundation CheckUser. This vulnerability is associated with program files src/GlobalContributions/GlobalContributionsPager.Php.
Vulnerability in Wikimedia Foundation MediaWiki. This vulnerability is associated with program files includes/RecentChanges/EnhancedChangesList.Php.
Vulnerability in Wikimedia Foundation CheckUser. This vulnerability is associated with program files src/Api/Rest/Handler/UserInfoHandler.Php.
Vulnerability in Wikimedia Foundation MediaWiki. This vulnerability is associated with program files includes/api/ApiQueryAllPages.Php.
Vulnerability in Wikimedia Foundation MediaWiki. This vulnerability is associated with program files includes/Rest/Handler/PageHTMLHandler.Php.
Signal K Server versions prior to 2.20.3 on Windows contain a path traversal vulnerability in the applicationData API that allows authenticated users to read, write, and list arbitrary files by bypassing directory validation using backslashes. The vulnerability exists because the validateAppId() function only blocks forward slashes, allowing attackers to escape the intended applicationData directory through Windows path semantics. Public exploit code exists for this medium-severity flaw, and a patch is available in version 2.20.3.
Critical path traversal in Wildfire IM instant messaging server before 1.4.3 allows unauthenticated access to arbitrary files. EPSS 0.25%, patch available.
IBM WebSphere Application Server Liberty 17.0.0.3 through 26.0.0.1 could allow a privileged user to upload a zip archive containing path traversal sequences resulting in an overwrite of files leading to arbitrary code execution. [CVSS 7.6 HIGH]
When pip is installing and extracting a maliciously crafted wheel archive, files may be extracted outside the installation directory. The path traversal is limited to prefixes of the installation directory, thus isn't able to inject or overwrite executable files in typical situations.
EAP Legislator is vulnerable to Path Traversal in file extraction functionality. Attacker can prepare zipx archive (default file type used by the Legislator application) and choose arbitrary path outside the intended directory (e.x.
Webile 1.0.1 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows remote attackers to manipulate file system paths without authentication. Attackers can exploit path manipulation to access sensitive system directories and potentially compromise the mobile device's local file system. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Free Photo & Video Vault 0.0.2 contains a directory traversal web vulnerability that allows remote attackers to manipulate application path requests and access sensitive system files. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
OpenCTI 3.3.1 is vulnerable to a directory traversal attack via the static/css endpoint. An unauthenticated attacker can read arbitrary files from the filesystem by sending crafted GET requests with path traversal sequences (e.g., '../') in the URL. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
HelloWeb 2.0 contains an arbitrary file download vulnerability that allows remote attackers to download system files by manipulating filepath and filename parameters. Attackers can send crafted GET requests to download.asp with directory traversal to access sensitive configuration and system files. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Backstage TechDocs plugin versions prior to 1.13.11 and 1.14.1 contain a path traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files from the host filesystem when the local generator is enabled. The vulnerability stems from insufficient symlink validation during the documentation build process, enabling attackers to embed sensitive file contents into generated HTML accessible to documentation viewers. Organizations using `techdocs.generator.runIn: local` with untrusted documentation sources are at risk until patching to the fixed versions.
HIKSEMI NAS devices improperly validate filenames, allowing attackers with physical access to traverse directory structures and read sensitive system files. This vulnerability affects confidentiality but requires local presence and no authentication, making it a risk primarily in physically accessible environments. No patch is currently available for this issue.
malcontent discovers supply-chain compromises through. context, differential analysis, and YARA. [CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM]
Authenticated users in Umbraco Forms versions 16 and 17 can exploit a path traversal vulnerability to read arbitrary files on Mac and Linux systems running the CMS. An attacker with backoffice access can enumerate and access sensitive files through the export endpoint by manipulating the fileName parameter. No patch is currently available, though the vulnerability is mitigated by restricting backoffice access and blocking path traversal sequences at the WAF level.
Improper link resolution in USB HTTP access path in VX800v v1.0 allows a crafted USB device to expose root filesystem contents, giving an attacker with physical access read‑only access to system files. [CVSS 4.6 MEDIUM]
Improper link resolution in the VX800v v1.0 SFTP service allows authenticated adjacent attackers to use crafted symbolic links to access system files, resulting in high confidentiality impact and limited integrity risk. [CVSS 6.3 MEDIUM]
Ruijie Networks Switch eWeb S29_RGOS 11.4 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive configuration files by manipulating file path parameters. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
A vulnerability was found in jishenghua jshERP up to 3.6. The impacted element is the function install of the file /jshERP-boot/plugin/installByPath of the component com.gitee.starblues.integration.operator.DefaultPluginOperator. [CVSS 2.7 LOW]
jshERP versions up to 3.6 contain a path traversal vulnerability in the PluginController's file upload functionality that allows authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on the server. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and the vendor has not yet released a patch despite being notified of the issue.
A vulnerability was identified in D-Link DCS-700L 1.03.09. The affected element is the function uploadmusic of the file /setUploadMusic of the component Music File Upload Service. [CVSS 2.4 LOW]
A directory traversal (Zip Slip) vulnerability exists in the “Static Sites” feature of 66biolinks v44.0.0 by AltumCode. Uploaded ZIP archives are automatically extracted without validating or sanitizing file paths. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
PDW File Browser 1.3 contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows authenticated users to upload and rename webshell files to arbitrary web server locations. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Path traversal in vlt versions before 1.0.0-rc.10 allows local attackers to write files outside their intended directories during tar archive extraction due to insufficient path sanitization. An attacker with local access could exploit this to overwrite arbitrary files on the system with elevated scope impact. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Cassandra Web 0.5.0 contains a directory traversal vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files by manipulating path traversal parameters. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Vulnerability in Ralim IronOS (source/Core/BSP/Pinecilv2/bl_mcu_sdk/components/ble/ble_stack/common/tinycrypt/source modules). This vulnerability is associated with program files ecc_dsa.C.
Pnpm versions up to 10.28.1 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to overwriting config files, scripts, or other sensitive files (CVSS 6.5).
Path traversal in pnpm's tarball extraction on Windows allows attackers to write files outside the intended package directory by exploiting incomplete path normalization that fails to block backslash-based traversal sequences. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, which affects Windows developers and CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps) and could result in overwriting sensitive configuration files like .npmrc or build configurations. A patch is available in pnpm version 10.28.1 and later.
Path traversal in pnpm's binary fetcher (versions prior to 10.28.1) allows attackers to write files outside the intended extraction directory through malicious ZIP entries or crafted prefix values, potentially overwriting critical configuration files and scripts on affected systems. All pnpm users installing packages with binary assets are vulnerable, particularly those in CI/CD pipelines or with custom Node.js binary configurations. Public exploit code exists for this medium-severity vulnerability.
The Access Manager is using the open source web server CompactWebServer written in C#. This web server is affected by a path traversal vulnerability, which allows an attacker to directly access files via simple GET requests without prior authentication.
LiteSpeed Web Server Enterprise 5.4.11 contains an authenticated command injection vulnerability in the external app configuration interface. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
7-Zip ZIP File Parsing Directory Traversal Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of 7-Zip. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in VibeThemes WPLMS wplms_plugin allows Path Traversal.This issue affects WPLMS: from n/a through <= 1.9.9.5.4. [CVSS 8.1 HIGH]
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in SeaTheme BM Content Builder allows Path Traversal.This issue affects BM Content Builder: from n/a before 3.16.3.3. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in Harmonic Design HDForms hdforms allows Path Traversal.This issue affects HDForms: from n/a through <= 1.6.1. [CVSS 8.6 HIGH]
Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability in AivahThemes Hostme v2 hostmev2 allows Path Traversal.This issue affects Hostme v2: from n/a through <= 7.0. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- web
- Total CVEs
- 8619