During a black-box assessment of an old IIS 6.0 web server, you issue the following request:
GET /scripts/..%c0%af../winnt/system32/cmd.exe?/c+type+win.ini HTTP/1.0
The server returns the contents of the Windows configuration file even though directory browsing and basic filtering for "../" are enabled. Which web-server attack technique does this request rely on?
The request hides the traversal sequence by double-encoding it ("%c0%af" is the UTF-8 encoded form of the forward slash). IIS decodes the sequence twice, turning it back into "../" and allowing the attacker to break out of the web root and read arbitrary files-classic Unicode directory (path) traversal. HTTP response splitting manipulates headers to inject additional responses, cross-site tracing abuses the TRACE verb to steal data, and a DNS zone transfer targets name servers, not web-server path handling.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is Unicode directory traversal?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What does IIS stand for, and why is IIS 6.0 vulnerable?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Can double-encoding be used for other attacks besides traversal?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
Web Application Hacking
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Pass with Confidence.
IT & Cybersecurity Package
You have hit the limits of our free tier, become a Premium Member today for unlimited access.
Military, Healthcare worker, Gov. employee or Teacher? See if you qualify for a Community Discount.
Monthly
$19.99
$19.99/mo
Billed monthly, Cancel any time.
3 Month Pass
$44.99
$14.99/mo
One time purchase of $44.99, Does not auto-renew.
MOST POPULAR
Annual Pass
$119.99
$9.99/mo
One time purchase of $119.99, Does not auto-renew.
BEST DEAL
Lifetime Pass
$189.99
One time purchase, Good for life.
What You Get
All IT & Cybersecurity Package plans include the following perks and exams .