CWE-44: Path Equivalence: 'file.name' (Internal Dot)
The product accepts path input in the form of internal dot ('file.ordir') 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.
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Overview
CWE-44 (Path Equivalence: 'file.name' (Internal Dot)) is a variant-level software weakness catalogued by MITRE in the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE). It describes a recurring type of mistake that can lead to exploitable security vulnerabilities.
Common consequences
What can happen when CWE-44 is exploited.
Read Files or Directories, Modify Files or Directories
Affects: Confidentiality, Integrity
How it happens
When it is introduced
Typically introduced during these phases of the software lifecycle.
Illustrative examples
Real CVEs that MITRE cites as examples of this weakness.
- CVE-2025-24813CISA KEV— servlet in Java-based product allows code execution via a "file.Name" internal dot
Terminology & mappings
Mapped taxonomies
- PLOVER: Internal Dot - 'file.ordir'
- Software Fault Patterns: Path Traversal (SFP16)
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about CWE-44.
- What is CWE-44?
- The product accepts path input in the form of internal dot ('file.ordir') 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.
- What are the consequences of CWE-44?
- Exploiting CWE-44 can lead to: Read Files or Directories, Modify Files or Directories.
References
- MITRE CWE definition (CWE-44) (opens in a new tab)
- CWE-44 vulnerabilities on NVD (opens in a new tab)
- Learn: What is a CWE?
Weakness data is sourced from the MITRE CWE catalog (v4.20). CVE associations are aggregated and kept current by RadicalNotion.AI.
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