Information Gathering / Robots.txt File Points to Admin Interface

Web and API

Description

Robots.txt file points to admin interface is a vulnerability that occurs when a web application contains a robots.txt file that points to a directory or file that is not intended for public access. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-922 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')) and is listed in the OWASP Testing Guide in the Information Gathering section. This vulnerability is a type of path traversal attack that allows an attacker to access a file or directory that is not intended for public access, such as an admin or a configuration interface.

Risk

This vulnerability can lead to a breach of sensitive information, as the attacker has access to files and data that are not intended for public access. It can also lead to a complete system compromise, as the attacker could gain access to the system’s configuration files and have full control over the system. This vulnerability has a medium-high risk level, as the attacker can gain access to sensitive data or control the system.

Solution

The best solution to this vulnerability is to ensure that the robots.txt file does not point to any directories or files that are not intended for public access. Administrators should also check their web applications for any unused or outdated files and directories and remove them to prevent attackers from accessing them. Additionally, all web applications should be regularly reviewed and tested for vulnerabilities, including robots.txt files.

Curious? Convinced? Interested?

Arrange a no-obligation consultation with one of our product experts today.