web-cache-deception-path

Detect web cache deception vulnerabilities from inconsistent URL path parsing.

11|1|Updated May 4, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dreadnode/capabilities --skill web-cache-deception-path
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: web-cache-deception-path
Source: https://github.com/dreadnode/capabilities/tree/main/capabilities/web-security/skills/web-cache-deception-path
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dreadnode/capabilities --skill web-cache-deception-path

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Web applications using CDN or cache layers are vulnerable to cache deception attacks when the cache and origin server parse URL paths differently, leading to sensitive user-specific data being exposed via publicly accessible cached responses.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • CDN/Cache Detection: Identifies active CDN or cache layers via headers like cf-cache-status, x-cache, age, and x-served-by.
  • Path Delimiter Testing: Tests a range of path delimiters (semicolons, encoded slashes, dot segments, null bytes, etc.) that are parsed inconsistently between cache and origin to trigger the vulnerability.
  • Vulnerability Validation: Confirms cache deception by checking for cached responses containing authenticated user data accessible via unauthenticated requests.
  • Use Case: Security testers can use this skill to verify if sensitive endpoints like /account/settings or /api/me leak user profile, session, or token data when accessed with crafted path delimiters.

Quick Start

Use the web-cache-deception-path skill to test your target web application for path delimiter-based cache deception vulnerabilities by submitting crafted delimiter requests as an authenticated user and verifying if unauthenticated requests return cached sensitive user data.

Frequently Asked Questions about web-cache-deception-path

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How does web cache deception work with CDN path delimiter inconsistencies?

Web cache deception occurs when a CDN cache layer and origin server parse URL path delimiters like semicolons or encoded slashes inconsistently, causing the cache to store authenticated user-specific sensitive data accessible via unauthenticated requests.

How do I test web applications for cache deception vulnerabilities?

Test for cache deception vulnerabilities by submitting crafted path delimiter requests to sensitive endpoints as an authenticated user, then verifying if subsequent unauthenticated requests return cached responses containing sensitive profile, session, or token data.

Can I detect cache layers on Cloudflare, Akamai, Fastly, and CloudFront?

Yes, cache layers for services like Cloudflare, Akamai, Fastly, and CloudFront are detected by analyzing HTTP response headers such as cf-cache-status, x-cache, age, and x-served-by to identify active caching rules based on file extensions or path prefixes.

What path delimiters trigger cache deception vulnerabilities?

Path delimiters that trigger cache deception include semicolons, encoded slashes, dot segments, and null bytes, which are parsed inconsistently between the CDN cache and origin server to expose cached authenticated user data.

How do I validate a web cache deception vulnerability?

Validate a web cache deception vulnerability by confirming that cached responses to crafted path delimiter requests contain authenticated user-specific sensitive data that is successfully retrieved via unauthenticated requests.