Agent skill · security · davila7
File Path Traversal Testing
This skill should be used when the user asks to "test for directory traversal", "exploit path traversal vulnerabilities", "read arbitrary files through web applications", "find LFI vulnerabilities", or "access files outside web root". It provides comprehensive file path traversal attack and testing methodologies.
Why this skill is useful
Provides specific methodologies and payloads for testing file path traversal vulnerabilities that the AI wouldn't reliably generate on its own.
What it needs
Requires burp suite, curl, ffuf, owasp zap, wfuzz installed locally. About 5k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-06. 30,138 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
File Path Traversal Testing Purpose Identify and exploit file path traversal (directory traversal) vulnerabilities that allow attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially including sensitive configuration files, credentials, and source code. This vulnerability occurs when user-controllable input is passed to filesystem APIs without proper validation. Prerequisites Required Tools Web browser with developer tools Burp Suite or OWASP ZAP cURL for testing payloads Wordlists for automation ffuf or wfuzz for fuzzing Required Knowledge HTTP request/response structure Linux and Windows filesystem layout Web application architecture Basic understanding of file APIs Outputs and Deliverables 1. Vulnerability Report - Identified traversal points and severity 2. Exploitation Proof - Extracted file contents 3. Impact Assessment - Accessible files and data exposure 4. Remediation Guidance - Secure coding recommendations Core Workflow Phase 1: Understanding Path Traversal Path traversal occurs when applications use user input to construct file paths: Attack principle: ../ sequence moves up one directory Chain multiple sequences to reach root Access files outside intended directory Impact: Confidentiality - Read sensitive files Integrity - Write/modify files (in some cases) Availability - Delete files (in some cases) Code Execution - If combined with file upload or log poisoning Phase 2: Identifying Traversal Points Map application for potential file operations: Common vulnerable functionality: Image loading: /image?filename=23.jpg Template selection: ?template=blue.php File downloads: /download?file=report.pdf Document viewers: /view?doc=manual.pdf Include mechanisms: ?page=about Phase 3: Basic Exploitation Techniques Simple Path Traversal Absolute Path Injection Phase 4: Bypass Techniques Bypass Stripped Traversal Sequences Bypass Extension Validation Bypass Base Directory Validation Bypass Blacklist Filters Phase 5: Linux Target Files High-value files to target: P …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills davila7/file-path-traversal