CWE-77
Allowed-with-ReviewImproper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')
Abstraction: Class · Status: Draft
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
5383 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-G9X8-7JHM-2HVM
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:10 – Updated: 2022-05-24 19:10Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by command injection by an authenticated user. This affects RAX200 before 1.0.4.120, RAX75 before 1.0.4.120, RAX80 before 1.0.4.120, RBK852 before 3.2.17.12, RBR850 before 3.2.17.12, and RBS850 before 3.2.17.12.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-38518"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-08-11T00:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by command injection by an authenticated user. This affects RAX200 before 1.0.4.120, RAX75 before 1.0.4.120, RAX80 before 1.0.4.120, RBK852 before 3.2.17.12, RBR850 before 3.2.17.12, and RBS850 before 3.2.17.12.",
"id": "GHSA-g9x8-7jhm-2hvm",
"modified": "2022-05-24T19:10:47Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:10:47Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-38518"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://kb.netgear.com/000063783/Security-Advisory-for-Post-Authentication-Command-Injection-on-Some-Routers-and-WiFi-Systems-PSV-2020-0528"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-GC2R-5Q9G-J8GQ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-12-02 00:31 – Updated: 2023-12-06 21:30In TOTOLINK X6000R_Firmware V9.4.0cu.852_B20230719, the shttpd file sub_415534 function obtains fields from the front-end, connects them through the snprintf function, and passes them to the CsteSystem function, resulting in a command execution vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-48801"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-12-01T23:15:07Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "In TOTOLINK X6000R_Firmware V9.4.0cu.852_B20230719, the shttpd file sub_415534 function obtains fields from the front-end, connects them through the snprintf function, and passes them to the CsteSystem function, resulting in a command execution vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-gc2r-5q9g-j8gq",
"modified": "2023-12-06T21:30:59Z",
"published": "2023-12-02T00:31:05Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-48801"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://palm-jump-676.notion.site/CVE-2023-48801-40d4553fc7a649fe833201fcecf76f2b"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.notion.so/X6000R-sub_415534-40d4553fc7a649fe833201fcecf76f2b?pvs=4"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-GC52-M8Q5-7V2X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-03-22 21:30 – Updated: 2023-03-28 00:34An issue found in NginxProxyManager v.2.9.19 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via a lua script to the configuration file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-27224"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-03-22T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "An issue found in NginxProxyManager v.2.9.19 allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code via a lua script to the configuration file.",
"id": "GHSA-gc52-m8q5-7v2x",
"modified": "2023-03-28T00:34:27Z",
"published": "2023-03-22T21:30:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-27224"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/LinuxProgramDevelop/NginxProxyManagerCommandInjectVulnInfo/blob/main/Nginx_proxy_manager_Command_Inject_vulnerability.pdf"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/NginxProxyManager/nginx-proxy-manager"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-GC5X-4WFJ-5F6H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 16:45 – Updated: 2023-04-20 15:30A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco FXOS Software and Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with administrator credentials to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system of an affected device with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of arguments passed to certain CLI commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including malicious input as the argument of an affected command. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with elevated privileges. An attacker would need valid administrator credentials to exploit this vulnerability. NX-OS versions prior to 8.3(1) are affected. NX-OS versions prior to 8.3(1) are affected.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2019-1780"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77",
"CWE-88"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2019-05-16T17:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability in the CLI of Cisco FXOS Software and Cisco NX-OS Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with administrator credentials to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system of an affected device with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of arguments passed to certain CLI commands. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by including malicious input as the argument of an affected command. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system with elevated privileges. An attacker would need valid administrator credentials to exploit this vulnerability. NX-OS versions prior to 8.3(1) are affected. NX-OS versions prior to 8.3(1) are affected.",
"id": "GHSA-gc5x-4wfj-5f6h",
"modified": "2023-04-20T15:30:20Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T16:45:55Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-1780"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20190515-nxos-fxos-cmdinj-1780"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/108392"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-GC74-CHMX-FGHJ
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-04-07 18:31 – Updated: 2026-04-07 21:32Nokia MantaRay NM is vulnerable to an OS command injection vulnerability due to improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command in Log Search application.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-24818"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-04-07T16:16:22Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Nokia MantaRay NM is vulnerable to an OS command injection vulnerability due to improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command in Log Search application.",
"id": "GHSA-gc74-chmx-fghj",
"modified": "2026-04-07T21:32:38Z",
"published": "2026-04-07T18:31:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-24818"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.nokia.com/we-are-nokia/security/product-security-advisory/cve-2025-24818"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-GC8W-X73W-P4RH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-05-02 03:31 – Updated: 2026-05-07 20:51A flaw has been found in ArtMin96 yii2-mcp-server 1.0.2. This impacts the function yii_command_help/yii_execute_command of the file src/index.ts of the component MCP Interface. Executing a manipulation can lead to os command injection. The attack can be executed remotely. The exploit has been published and may be used. The project was informed of the problem early through an issue report but has not responded yet.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "yii2-mcp-server"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"last_affected": "1.0.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-7600"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2026-05-07T20:51:52Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2026-05-02T01:16:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "A flaw has been found in ArtMin96 yii2-mcp-server 1.0.2. This impacts the function yii_command_help/yii_execute_command of the file src/index.ts of the component MCP Interface. Executing a manipulation can lead to os command injection. The attack can be executed remotely. The exploit has been published and may be used. The project was informed of the problem early through an issue report but has not responded yet.",
"id": "GHSA-gc8w-x73w-p4rh",
"modified": "2026-05-07T20:51:52Z",
"published": "2026-05-02T03:31:13Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-7600"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/ArtMin96/yii2-mcp-server/issues/3"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/BruceJqs/public_exp/issues/29"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/ArtMin96/yii2-mcp-server"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/submit/805613"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/vuln/360557"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/vuln/360557/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",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
],
"summary": "yii2-mcp-server has a Command Injection Issue"
}
GHSA-GC94-6W89-HPQR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2019-06-12 16:37 – Updated: 2021-09-16 20:59All versions of fs-path are vulnerable to command injection is unsanitized user input is passed in.
Recommendation
No fix is currently available for this vulnerability. It is our recommendation to not install or use this module until a fix is available.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "fs-path"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "0.0.25"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2019-06-12T16:34:26Z",
"nvd_published_at": null,
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "All versions of `fs-path` are vulnerable to command injection is unsanitized user input is passed in.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nNo fix is currently available for this vulnerability. It is our recommendation to not install or use this module until a fix is available.",
"id": "GHSA-gc94-6w89-hpqr",
"modified": "2021-09-16T20:59:56Z",
"published": "2019-06-12T16:37:07Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/pillys/fs-path/pull/5"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://hackerone.com/reports/324491"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/pillys/fs-path"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/661"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [],
"summary": "Command Injection in fs-path"
}
GHSA-GCC2-P42Q-G862
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-12-05 00:31 – Updated: 2024-08-01 15:31An issue was discovered on Connectize AC21000 G6 641.139.1.1256 allows attackers to run arbitrary commands via use of a crafted string in the ping utility.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-24046"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77",
"CWE-78"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-12-04T23:15:23Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An issue was discovered on Connectize AC21000 G6 641.139.1.1256 allows attackers to run arbitrary commands via use of a crafted string in the ping utility.",
"id": "GHSA-gcc2-p42q-g862",
"modified": "2024-08-01T15:31:25Z",
"published": "2023-12-05T00:31:07Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-24046"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://research.nccgroup.com/2023/10/19/technical-advisory-multiple-vulnerabilities-in-connectize-g6-ac2100-dual-band-gigabit-wifi-router-cve-2023-24046-cve-2023-24047-cve-2023-24048-cve-2023-24049-cve-2023-24050-cve-2023-24051-cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-GCP3-GFR7-RCQP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:43 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:43A remote code execution vulnerability was identified in GitHub Enterprise Server that could be exploited when building a GitHub Pages site. User-controlled configuration of the underlying parsers used by GitHub Pages were not sufficiently restricted and made it possible to execute commands on the GitHub Enterprise Server instance. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need permission to create and build a GitHub Pages site on the GitHub Enterprise Server instance. This vulnerability affected all versions of GitHub Enterprise Server prior to 2.22.7 and was fixed in 2.22.7, 2.21.15, and 2.20.24. The underlying issues contributing to this vulnerability were identified through the GitHub Security Bug Bounty program.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-10519"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-03-03T04:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A remote code execution vulnerability was identified in GitHub Enterprise Server that could be exploited when building a GitHub Pages site. User-controlled configuration of the underlying parsers used by GitHub Pages were not sufficiently restricted and made it possible to execute commands on the GitHub Enterprise Server instance. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need permission to create and build a GitHub Pages site on the GitHub Enterprise Server instance. This vulnerability affected all versions of GitHub Enterprise Server prior to 2.22.7 and was fixed in 2.22.7, 2.21.15, and 2.20.24. The underlying issues contributing to this vulnerability were identified through the GitHub Security Bug Bounty program.",
"id": "GHSA-gcp3-gfr7-rcqp",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:43:30Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:43:30Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-10519"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-server@2.20/admin/release-notes#2.20.24"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-server@2.21/admin/release-notes#2.21.15"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://docs.github.com/en/enterprise-server@2.22/admin/release-notes#2.22.7"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-GCRG-J5VC-RHVG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-06 00:31 – Updated: 2025-12-06 00:31A vulnerability was identified in ZSPACE Q2C NAS up to 1.1.0210050. Affected is the function zfilev2_api.CloseSafe of the file /v2/file/safe/close of the component HTTP POST Request Handler. The manipulation of the argument safe_dir leads to command injection. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. The exploit is publicly available and might be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-14106"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-74",
"CWE-77"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-05T22:15:48Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A vulnerability was identified in ZSPACE Q2C NAS up to 1.1.0210050. Affected is the function zfilev2_api.CloseSafe of the file /v2/file/safe/close of the component HTTP POST Request Handler. The manipulation of the argument safe_dir leads to command injection. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. The exploit is publicly available and might be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.",
"id": "GHSA-gcrg-j5vc-rhvg",
"modified": "2025-12-06T00:31:36Z",
"published": "2025-12-06T00:31:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-14106"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.334488"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.334488"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?submit.697141"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.notion.so/2af6cf4e528a80bab847dcc1fb677590"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/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"
}
]
}
Mitigation
If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
Mitigation
If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
Mitigation MIT-5
Strategy: Input Validation
- Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.
- When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."
- Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
Mitigation
Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
Mitigation
Assign permissions that prevent the user from accessing/opening privileged files.
CAPEC-136: LDAP Injection
An attacker manipulates or crafts an LDAP query for the purpose of undermining the security of the target. Some applications use user input to create LDAP queries that are processed by an LDAP server. For example, a user might provide their username during authentication and the username might be inserted in an LDAP query during the authentication process. An attacker could use this input to inject additional commands into an LDAP query that could disclose sensitive information. For example, entering a * in the aforementioned query might return information about all users on the system. This attack is very similar to an SQL injection attack in that it manipulates a query to gather additional information or coerce a particular return value.
CAPEC-15: Command Delimiters
An attack of this type exploits a programs' vulnerabilities that allows an attacker's commands to be concatenated onto a legitimate command with the intent of targeting other resources such as the file system or database. The system that uses a filter or denylist input validation, as opposed to allowlist validation is vulnerable to an attacker who predicts delimiters (or combinations of delimiters) not present in the filter or denylist. As with other injection attacks, the attacker uses the command delimiter payload as an entry point to tunnel through the application and activate additional attacks through SQL queries, shell commands, network scanning, and so on.
CAPEC-183: IMAP/SMTP Command Injection
An adversary exploits weaknesses in input validation on web-mail servers to execute commands on the IMAP/SMTP server. Web-mail servers often sit between the Internet and the IMAP or SMTP mail server. User requests are received by the web-mail servers which then query the back-end mail server for the requested information and return this response to the user. In an IMAP/SMTP command injection attack, mail-server commands are embedded in parts of the request sent to the web-mail server. If the web-mail server fails to adequately sanitize these requests, these commands are then sent to the back-end mail server when it is queried by the web-mail server, where the commands are then executed. This attack can be especially dangerous since administrators may assume that the back-end server is protected against direct Internet access and therefore may not secure it adequately against the execution of malicious commands.
CAPEC-248: Command Injection
An adversary looking to execute a command of their choosing, injects new items into an existing command thus modifying interpretation away from what was intended. Commands in this context are often standalone strings that are interpreted by a downstream component and cause specific responses. This type of attack is possible when untrusted values are used to build these command strings. Weaknesses in input validation or command construction can enable the attack and lead to successful exploitation.
CAPEC-40: Manipulating Writeable Terminal Devices
This attack exploits terminal devices that allow themselves to be written to by other users. The attacker sends command strings to the target terminal device hoping that the target user will hit enter and thereby execute the malicious command with their privileges. The attacker can send the results (such as copying /etc/passwd) to a known directory and collect once the attack has succeeded.
CAPEC-43: Exploiting Multiple Input Interpretation Layers
An attacker supplies the target software with input data that contains sequences of special characters designed to bypass input validation logic. This exploit relies on the target making multiples passes over the input data and processing a "layer" of special characters with each pass. In this manner, the attacker can disguise input that would otherwise be rejected as invalid by concealing it with layers of special/escape characters that are stripped off by subsequent processing steps. The goal is to first discover cases where the input validation layer executes before one or more parsing layers. That is, user input may go through the following logic in an application: <parser1> --> <input validator> --> <parser2>. In such cases, the attacker will need to provide input that will pass through the input validator, but after passing through parser2, will be converted into something that the input validator was supposed to stop.
CAPEC-75: Manipulating Writeable Configuration Files
Generally these are manually edited files that are not in the preview of the system administrators, any ability on the attackers' behalf to modify these files, for example in a CVS repository, gives unauthorized access directly to the application, the same as authorized users.
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.