CWE-249: DEPRECATED: Often Misused: Path Manipulation
Learn about CWE-249 (DEPRECATED: Often Misused: Path Manipulation), its security impact, exploitation methods, and prevention guidelines.
What is DEPRECATED: Often Misused: Path Manipulation?
• Overview: CWE-249, previously known as "Often Misused: Path Manipulation," was deprecated due to confusion over its scope and overlap with other vulnerabilities. It originally referred to improper handling of file paths and potential buffer management issues.
• Exploitation Methods:
- Attackers could exploit this by manipulating file paths to access unauthorized files or directories.
- Common techniques include path traversal, symbolic link following, and buffer overflow exploits.
• Security Impact:
- Direct consequences include unauthorized access to sensitive files and potential data breaches.
- Potential cascading effects involve system compromise and privilege escalation.
- Business impact includes data loss, reputational damage, and financial penalties.
• Prevention Guidelines:
- Validate and sanitize all input related to file paths to ensure they do not contain malicious data.
- Implement strict access controls and use functions that safely handle file paths.
- Recommended tools and frameworks include static code analysis tools and secure coding libraries that enforce safe file handling practices.
Technical Details
Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified
Affected Languages: Not specified
Affected Technologies: Not specified