Path Traversal

Definitions

1. A vulnerability that allows an attacker to access files or directories outside the intended path by manipulating file references such as `../` sequences or encoded path elements. Path traversal flaws can expose configuration files, secrets, source code, or system data when applications build filesystem paths unsafely.

   In plain English: A flaw that lets attackers move outside the intended folder path and access other files.

   Example: "The download endpoint had a path traversal bug that let testers read arbitrary files from the application host."

Related Terms

• WAF
• SSRF
• HTTPS
• Boundary Check
• CAPTCHA
• HTTP Strict Transport Security
• Double Encoding
• Parameter Tampering