Directory Traversal definition in Cybersecurity

Directory traversal is a web security vulnerability that allows an attacker to read arbitrary files on the server that is running an application, potentially leading to sensitive information disclosure.

Notable Incidents

1. Apache Struts 2 Remote Code Execution vulnerability in 2017, allowing directory traversal attacks. Apache Struts Wikipedia
2. ColdFusion Directory traversal in 2010, affecting Adobe ColdFusion servers.

How to Protect Your Network against Directory Traversal

1. Validate and sanitize all user input.
2. Implement proper access control and file permissions.