CWE-40: Path Traversal: '\\UNC\share\name\' (Windows UNC Share)
The product accepts input that identifies a Windows UNC share ('\\UNC\share\name') that potentially redirects access to an unintended location or arbitrary file.
View on MITRETechnical Details
- Structure
- Simple
Applicable To
Security Consequences
Scope
Impact
Mitigation Strategies
No mitigation information available for this CWE.
Detection Methods
No detection method information available for this CWE.
Code Examples & CVEs
Observed CVE Examples (1)
FTP server allows a remote attacker to retrieve privileged web server system information by specifying arbitrary paths in the UNC format (\\computername\sharename).
View DetailsCWE Relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWE-40: Path Traversal: '\\UNC\share\name\' (Windows UNC Share)?+
CWE-40: Path Traversal: '\\UNC\share\name\' (Windows UNC Share) is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The product accepts input that identifies a Windows UNC share ('\\UNC\share\name') that potentially redirects access to an unintended location or arbitrary file.
What are the security consequences of Path Traversal: '\\UNC\share\name\' (Windows UNC Share)?+
If exploited, CWE-40 (Path Traversal: '\\UNC\share\name\' (Windows UNC Share)) it can compromise Confidentiality and Integrity, leading to outcomes such as Read Files or Directories and Modify Files or Directories.
Which programming languages are affected by Path Traversal: '\\UNC\share\name\' (Windows UNC Share)?+
CWE-40 commonly affects Not Language-Specific. Note that weaknesses are often language-agnostic patterns, so secure coding practices apply broadly.
What are real-world examples of Path Traversal: '\\UNC\share\name\' (Windows UNC Share)?+
MITRE documents real CVEs mapped to CWE-40, including CVE-2001-0687. You can look up the full details of each CVE, including CVSS scores and remediation guidance, on our CVE Lookup tool.
What is the difference between a CWE and a CVE?+
A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-40 describes a category of software weakness — the underlying flaw type. A CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) identifies a specific, real-world vulnerability in a particular product. In short, a CWE is the kind of mistake, and a CVE is an instance of that mistake being found in software.