The server opens /var/log/app/../../../../home/ec2-user/.aws/credentials → /home/ec2-user/.aws/credentials → credentials are returned.
This payload targets a web application that takes file paths as input without proper sanitization. By using URL-encoded directory traversal sequences ( ..%2F or ..-2F ), an attacker escapes the intended web root directory to access the broader system. : ~/.aws/credentials
: Never pass raw user input directly into file system APIs or file-inclusion functions.
: Create new IAM users or backdoors while they have access. 3. AWS Native Credential Reports -file-..-2F..-2F..-2F..-2Fhome-2F-2A-2F.aws-2Fcredentials
The server side does this (pseudocode):
The AWS credentials file is a plain text file used to store AWS access keys. It allows you to store multiple sets of access keys, which can be useful for:
Securing applications against path traversal requires defense-in-depth, combining strict coding practices with robust server configurations. 1. Implement Input Validation and Whitelisting The server opens /var/log/app/
[default] aws_access_key_id = AKIAIOSFODNN7EXAMPLE aws_secret_access_key = wJalrXUtnFEMI/K7MDENG/bPxRfiCYEXAMPLEKEY Use code with caution.
Below is a report on this specific attack string and how to secure your environment. 1. Attack String Breakdown
: This is a common pattern flagged by Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) and security scanners like those from Veracode or Checkmarx . Recommended Actions AWS Native Credential Reports The server side does
$file = $_GET['file']; include('/var/www/html/' . $file);
The path you've mentioned seems to be URL-encoded and represents something like: /home/*/.aws/credentials .
It attempts to reach: ../../../../home/*/.aws/credentials