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Showing posts with the label OWASP.

Directory Traversal Explained: Accessing Sensitive Server Files (2026 Beginner Guide)

  Introduction In web security testing, even simple mistakes can lead to serious vulnerabilities. One such issue is Directory Traversal, also known as Path Traversal. This vulnerability allows attackers to break out of restricted directories and access sensitive files stored on the server. What is Directory Traversal? Directory Traversal is a vulnerability where user-controlled input is used to access files without proper validation. As a result, attackers can read files that should never be exposed, such as system configurations, application code, or user data. Understanding the Concept Many web applications load files dynamically. For example: https://example.com/view-image?filename=robot.png The server may internally look for the file like this: /var/www/images/robot.png If input validation is weak, an attacker can manipulate the request: ../../../../etc/passwd Each "../" moves one directory up. By chaining multiple traversals, the attacker can escape the intended folder a...