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Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')

CVE-2026-44705

High
7.7/10

Summary

The tmp npm package contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows escaping the intended temporary directory when untrusted data flows into the `prefix`, `postfix`, or `dir` options. By embedding traversal sequences (e.g., `../`) or path separators in these parameters, attackers can cause files to be created outside the configured temporary base directory at attacker-controlled locations with the privileges of the running process. This vulnerability affects applications that pass user-controlled data to tmp's file/directory creation functions without proper input sanitization. This affects versions prior to 0.2.6.

  • LOW
  • NETWORK
  • HIGH
  • UNCHANGED
  • NONE
  • NONE
  • NONE
  • LOW

CWE-22 - Path Traversal

Path traversal (or directory traversal), is a vulnerability that allows malicious users to traverse the server's root directory, gaining access to arbitrary files and folders such as application code & data, back-end credentials, and sensitive operating system files. In the worst-case scenario, an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary files on the server, resulting in a denial of service attack. Such an exploit may severely impact the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of an application.

References

Advisory Timeline

  • Published