CWE-48: Path Equivalence: 'file name' (Internal Whitespace)
The product accepts path input in the form of internal space ('file(SPACE)name') without appropriate validation, which can lead to ambiguous path resolution and allow an attacker to traverse the file system to unintended locations or access arbitrary files.
How it's found
Path Equivalence: 'file name' (Internal Whitespace) is a specific, narrowly defined instance of a broader pattern. Testers confirm it with targeted code review and a proof-of-concept input that exercises the exact code path this weakness describes.
Consequences
- Read Files or Directories, Modify Files or Directories
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-48?
The product accepts path input in the form of internal space ('file(SPACE)name') without appropriate validation, which can lead to ambiguous path resolution and allow an attacker to traverse the file system to unintended locations or access arbitrary files.
How do you find Path Equivalence: 'file name' (Internal Whitespace)?
Path Equivalence: 'file name' (Internal Whitespace) is a specific, narrowly defined instance of a broader pattern. Testers confirm it with targeted code review and a proof-of-concept input that exercises the exact code path this weakness describes.
What is the impact of CWE-48?
Read Files or Directories, Modify Files or Directories
Does TurboPentest test for Path Equivalence: 'file name' (Internal Whitespace)?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Related CWEs
- Base weaknessCWE-41: Improper Resolution of Path Equivalence
- Base weaknessCWE-170: Improper Null Termination
- Base weaknessCWE-369: Divide By Zero
- Variant weaknessCWE-382: J2EE Bad Practices: Use of System.exit()
- Class weaknessCWE-400: Uncontrolled Resource Consumption
- Variant weaknessCWE-401: Missing Release of Memory after Effective Lifetime
Written and reviewed by
Michel Chamberland - Founder & CEO, IntegSec
CISSP, OSCP, OSCE, CEH, GIAC, CCSK · 20+ years in offensive security
Michel has spent 20+ years on offensive security teams including IBM X-Force Red and Trustwave SpiderLabs, leading penetration tests, red team engagements, and breach response for Fortune 500 customers. He is the founder of IntegSec and the architect of TurboPentest.
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