-page-....-2f-2f....-2f-2f....-2f-2fetc-2fpasswd Link Direct

The -page- suggests a parameter name or delimiter, while each .. escapes one directory level. The final target is /etc/passwd (a Unix file listing user accounts).

: When decoded, the path essentially tells the web server: "Go back several folders and open the file located at /etc/passwd ." 2. Why /etc/passwd ? -page-....-2F-2F....-2F-2F....-2F-2Fetc-2Fpasswd

Path traversal (directory traversal) attacks allow attackers to access arbitrary files by manipulating input that is concatenated with a base directory. This paper examines a specific encoded payload, decodes it, explains how it works against vulnerable web parameters, and discusses detection and prevention. The -page- suggests a parameter name or delimiter,