CWE-59
AllowedImproper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product attempts to access a file based on the filename, but it does not properly prevent that filename from identifying a link or shortcut that resolves to an unintended resource.
2244 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-6JCC-G9H6-FGHC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-12 21:31 – Updated: 2025-12-15 15:30This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.1. A malicious app may be able to delete protected user data.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-43381"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-12T21:15:53Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. This issue is fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.1. A malicious app may be able to delete protected user data.",
"id": "GHSA-6jcc-g9h6-fghc",
"modified": "2025-12-15T15:30:30Z",
"published": "2025-12-12T21:31:38Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-43381"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/125634"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6JCP-4MFR-QVPM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 05:53 – Updated: 2022-05-17 05:53** DISPUTED ** os-prober in os-prober 1.17 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (1) /tmp/mounted-map or (2) /tmp/raided-map temporary file. NOTE: the vendor disputes this issue, stating "the insecure code path should only ever run inside a d-i environment, which has no non-root users."
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-5135"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2008-11-18T16:00:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "** DISPUTED ** os-prober in os-prober 1.17 allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the (1) /tmp/mounted-map or (2) /tmp/raided-map temporary file. NOTE: the vendor disputes this issue, stating \"the insecure code path should only ever run inside a d-i environment, which has no non-root users.\"",
"id": "GHSA-6jcp-4mfr-qvpm",
"modified": "2022-05-17T05:53:37Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T05:53:37Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-5135"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2008/08/msg00285.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.debian.org/debian-devel/2008/08/msg00296.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-6JHM-J4GF-HVJX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-11-23 03:31 – Updated: 2024-11-23 03:31Avast Free Antivirus AvastSvc Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Avast Free Antivirus. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the Avast Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete a folder. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-22963.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-7232"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-11-22T22:15:15Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Avast Free Antivirus AvastSvc Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of Avast Free Antivirus. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.\n\nThe specific flaw exists within the Avast Service. By creating a symbolic link, an attacker can abuse the service to delete a folder. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-22963.",
"id": "GHSA-6jhm-j4gf-hvjx",
"modified": "2024-11-23T03:31:58Z",
"published": "2024-11-23T03:31:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-7232"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-24-1004"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6JPX-3JW7-M427
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-08-11 18:31 – Updated: 2026-08-11 18:31Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Windows DHCP Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-62803"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-08-11T17:18:34Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Improper link resolution before file access (\u0027link following\u0027) in Windows DHCP Server allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
"id": "GHSA-6jpx-3jw7-m427",
"modified": "2026-08-11T18:31:24Z",
"published": "2026-08-11T18:31:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-62803"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2026-62803"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6JR3-PH3X-8Q66
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-14 00:59 – Updated: 2022-05-14 00:59lxc-start in lxc before 1.0.8 and 1.1.x before 1.1.4 allows local container administrators to escape AppArmor confinement via a symlink attack on a (1) mount target or (2) bind mount source.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2015-1335"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2015-10-01T20:59:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "lxc-start in lxc before 1.0.8 and 1.1.x before 1.1.4 allows local container administrators to escape AppArmor confinement via a symlink attack on a (1) mount target or (2) bind mount source.",
"id": "GHSA-6jr3-ph3x-8q66",
"modified": "2022-05-14T00:59:46Z",
"published": "2022-05-14T00:59:46Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-1335"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/lxc/lxc/commit/592fd47a6245508b79fe6ac819fe6d3b2c1289be"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/lxc/+bug/1476662"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.linuxcontainers.org/pipermail/lxc-devel/2015-September/012434.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2015-November/170045.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2015-November/171358.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.fedoraproject.org/pipermail/package-announce/2015-November/171364.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-security-announce/2019-05/msg00073.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://lists.opensuse.org/opensuse-updates/2015-10/msg00023.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.debian.org/security/2015/dsa-3400"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2015/09/29/4"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/topics/security/linuxbulletinoct2015-2719645.html"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/76894"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.ubuntu.com/usn/USN-2753-1"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-6M5P-MV69-2WFH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-17 12:31 – Updated: 2024-12-17 12:31Dell AppSync, version 4.6.0.x, contain a Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to information tampering.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-52542"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59",
"CWE-61"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-12-17T12:15:20Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Dell AppSync, version 4.6.0.x, contain a Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability. A low privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to information tampering.",
"id": "GHSA-6m5p-mv69-2wfh",
"modified": "2024-12-17T12:31:40Z",
"published": "2024-12-17T12:31:40Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-52542"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000261039/dsa-2024-496-security-update-for-dell-appsync-vulnerabilities"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6M84-667V-M265
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-01 23:34 – Updated: 2022-05-01 23:34w_editeur.c in XWine 1.0.1 for Debian GNU/Linux allows local users to overwrite or print arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the temporaire temporary file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-0930"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2008-03-04T00:44:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "w_editeur.c in XWine 1.0.1 for Debian GNU/Linux allows local users to overwrite or print arbitrary files via a symlink attack on the temporaire temporary file. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.",
"id": "GHSA-6m84-667v-m265",
"modified": "2022-05-01T23:34:48Z",
"published": "2022-05-01T23:34:48Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-0930"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=468050"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/29125"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://secunia.com/advisories/29452"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.debian.org/security/2008/dsa-1526"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/28049"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-6MH8-R4FC-H3CH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 01:17 – Updated: 2022-05-17 01:17php-fpm allows local users to write to or create arbitrary files via a symlink attack.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2015-3211"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-08-25T18:29:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "php-fpm allows local users to write to or create arbitrary files via a symlink attack.",
"id": "GHSA-6mh8-r4fc-h3ch",
"modified": "2022-05-17T01:17:01Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T01:17:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-3211"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1228721"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-6PC7-X5HM-C6FJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-09-14 18:31 – Updated: 2026-09-14 18:31A vulnerability was found in nanocoai NanoClaw up to 2.1.17. This issue affects the function forwardAttachedFiles of the file src/modules/agent-to-agent/agent-route.ts of the component Attachment Handler. The manipulation results in link following. The attack may be performed from remote. The exploit has been made public and could be used. The patch is identified as 3f9ed607b7e7a4872747295f75286f1c377d7c33. It is advisable to implement a patch to correct this issue.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-90807"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-09-14T18:20:28Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "A vulnerability was found in nanocoai NanoClaw up to 2.1.17. This issue affects the function forwardAttachedFiles of the file src/modules/agent-to-agent/agent-route.ts of the component Attachment Handler. The manipulation results in link following. The attack may be performed from remote. The exploit has been made public and could be used. The patch is identified as 3f9ed607b7e7a4872747295f75286f1c377d7c33. It is advisable to implement a patch to correct this issue.",
"id": "GHSA-6pc7-x5hm-c6fj",
"modified": "2026-09-14T18:31:26Z",
"published": "2026-09-14T18:31:26Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-90807"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nanocoai/nanoclaw/issues/2828"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nanocoai/nanoclaw/commit/3f9ed607b7e7a4872747295f75286f1c377d7c33"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/nanocoai/nanoclaw"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/cve/CVE-2026-90807"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/submit/922841"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/vuln/403309"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/vuln/403309/cti"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:P/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-6PVW-G552-53C5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-17 17:05 – Updated: 2026-05-31 18:30Impact
When populating a Git repository's working tree with the contents of Git LFS objects, certain Git LFS commands may write to files visible outside the current Git working tree if symbolic or hard links exist which collide with the paths of files tracked by Git LFS.
Git LFS has resolved this problem by revising the git lfs checkout and git lfs pull commands so that they check for symbolic links in the same manner as performed by Git before writing to files in the working tree. These commands now also remove existing files in the working tree before writing new files in their place.
As well, Git LFS has resolved a problem whereby the git lfs checkout and git lfs pull commands, when run in a bare repository, could write to files visible outside the repository. While a specific and relatively unlikely set of conditions were required for this to occur, it is no longer possible under any circumstances.
Patches
This problem exists in all versions since 0.5.2 and is patched in v3.7.1. All users should upgrade to v3.7.1.
Workarounds
Support for symlinks in Git may be disabled by setting the core.symlinks configuration option to false, after which further clones and fetches will not create symbolic links. However, any symbolic or hard links in existing repositories will still provide the opportunity for Git LFS to write to their targets.
References
- https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/security/advisories/GHSA-6pvw-g552-53c5
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-26625
- https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-26625
- https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/releases/tag/v3.7.1
- git-lfs/git-lfs@5c11ffce9a
- git-lfs/git-lfs@0cffe93176
- git-lfs/git-lfs@d02bd13f02
For more information
If there are any questions or comments about this advisory: * For general questions, start a discussion in the Git LFS discussion forum. * For reports of additional vulnerabilities, please follow the Git LFS security reporting policy.
{
"affected": [
{
"database_specific": {
"last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 3.7.0"
},
"package": {
"ecosystem": "Go",
"name": "github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0.5.2"
},
{
"fixed": "3.7.1"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-26625"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-59"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2025-10-17T17:05:03Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-17T16:15:37Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "### Impact\n\nWhen populating a Git repository\u0027s working tree with the contents of Git LFS objects, certain Git LFS commands may write to files visible outside the current Git working tree if symbolic or hard links exist which collide with the paths of files tracked by Git LFS.\n\nGit LFS has resolved this problem by revising the `git lfs checkout` and `git lfs pull` commands so that they check for symbolic links in the same manner as performed by Git before writing to files in the working tree. These commands now also remove existing files in the working tree before writing new files in their place.\n\nAs well, Git LFS has resolved a problem whereby the `git lfs checkout` and `git lfs pull` commands, when run in a bare repository, could write to files visible outside the repository. While a specific and relatively unlikely set of conditions were required for this to occur, it is no longer possible under any circumstances.\n\n### Patches\n\nThis problem exists in all versions since 0.5.2 and is patched in v3.7.1. All users should upgrade to v3.7.1.\n\n### Workarounds\n\nSupport for symlinks in Git may be disabled by setting the `core.symlinks` configuration option to `false`, after which further clones and fetches will not create symbolic links. However, any symbolic or hard links in existing repositories will still provide the opportunity for Git LFS to write to their targets.\n\n### References\n\n- https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/security/advisories/GHSA-6pvw-g552-53c5\n- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-26625\n- https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-26625\n- https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/releases/tag/v3.7.1\n- [git-lfs/git-lfs@5c11ffce9a](https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/commit/5c11ffce9a4f095ff356bc781e2a031abb46c1a8)\n- [git-lfs/git-lfs@0cffe93176](https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/commit/0cffe93176b870055c9dadbb3cc9a4a440e98396)\n- [git-lfs/git-lfs@d02bd13f02](https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/commit/d02bd13f02ef76f6807581cd6b34709069cb3615)\n\n### For more information\n\nIf there are any questions or comments about this advisory:\n* For general questions, start a discussion in the Git LFS [discussion forum](https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/discussions).\n* For reports of additional vulnerabilities, please follow the Git LFS [security reporting policy](https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/blob/main/SECURITY.md).",
"id": "GHSA-6pvw-g552-53c5",
"modified": "2026-05-31T18:30:24Z",
"published": "2025-10-17T17:05:03Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/security/advisories/GHSA-6pvw-g552-53c5"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-26625"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/commit/0cffe93176b870055c9dadbb3cc9a4a440e98396"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/commit/5c11ffce9a4f095ff356bc781e2a031abb46c1a8"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/commit/d02bd13f02ef76f6807581cd6b34709069cb3615"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2025-26625"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/git-lfs/git-lfs/releases/tag/v3.7.1"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2026/05/msg00055.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
],
"summary": "Git LFS may write to arbitrary files via crafted symlinks"
}
Mitigation MIT-48.1
Strategy: Separation of Privilege
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Denying access to a file can prevent an attacker from replacing that file with a link to a sensitive file. Ensure good compartmentalization in the system to provide protected areas that can be trusted.
CAPEC-132: Symlink Attack
An adversary positions a symbolic link in such a manner that the targeted user or application accesses the link's endpoint, assuming that it is accessing a file with the link's name.
CAPEC-17: Using Malicious Files
An attack of this type exploits a system's configuration that allows an adversary to either directly access an executable file, for example through shell access; or in a possible worst case allows an adversary to upload a file and then execute it. Web servers, ftp servers, and message oriented middleware systems which have many integration points are particularly vulnerable, because both the programmers and the administrators must be in synch regarding the interfaces and the correct privileges for each interface.
CAPEC-35: Leverage Executable Code in Non-Executable Files
An attack of this type exploits a system's trust in configuration and resource files. When the executable loads the resource (such as an image file or configuration file) the attacker has modified the file to either execute malicious code directly or manipulate the target process (e.g. application server) to execute based on the malicious configuration parameters. Since systems are increasingly interrelated mashing up resources from local and remote sources the possibility of this attack occurring is high.
CAPEC-76: Manipulating Web Input to File System Calls
An attacker manipulates inputs to the target software which the target software passes to file system calls in the OS. The goal is to gain access to, and perhaps modify, areas of the file system that the target software did not intend to be accessible.