Common Weakness Enumeration

    CWE Definition / CWE-22

    CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')

    The product uses external input to construct a pathname that is intended to identify a file or directory that is located underneath a restricted parent directory, but the product does not properly neutralize special elements within the pathname that can cause the pathname to resolve to a location that is outside of the restricted directory.

    Published:19 Jul 2006
    Organization:MITRE
    Modified:30 Apr 2026

    Related Weakness

    CWE-706: Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference

    CWE-706: Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference

    CWE-668: Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere