CVE-2010-0613 in Fonts Script
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in viewfile.php in ARWScripts Fonts Script allows remote attackers to read arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in a base64-encoded f parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0613 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the ARWScripts Fonts Script application, specifically affecting the viewfile.php component. This weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary local files on the target system through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences embedded within a base64-encoded f parameter. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or reject malicious path traversal sequences. When the application processes the base64-encoded parameter, it decodes the input and subsequently uses it to construct file paths without adequate security controls to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. The use of base64 encoding in this context suggests attackers may be attempting to obfuscate their malicious payloads to evade basic detection mechanisms while maintaining the core directory traversal functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability operates through the manipulation of file path resolution mechanisms within the PHP application. When the base64-encoded f parameter is decoded, it typically contains directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ../../../ that allow attackers to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access files outside the application's designated file access scope. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation where the application does not adequately verify that the requested file paths remain within the intended directory structure, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access sensitive system files, configuration data, and potentially sensitive user information stored on the target server. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to retrieve database configuration files, application source code, user credentials, or other confidential data that may be stored in accessible locations within the server's file system. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This vulnerability essentially transforms the application from a legitimate file viewing tool into a potential gateway for broader system compromise, as the ability to read arbitrary local files often serves as a stepping stone for further attacks.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. The most effective approach involves implementing proper path validation that ensures all file access operations remain within the intended directory boundaries, using techniques such as whitelisting acceptable file paths or implementing strict input filtering to remove or escape potentially dangerous characters. Additionally, developers should employ secure coding practices that include validating all user-supplied input before processing, using absolute paths for file operations, and implementing proper access controls that limit file system access to only authorized resources. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their web applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding guidelines and adheres to principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of 'Path Traversal' which is categorized under the broader domain of 'Credential Access' and 'Persistence' tactics that attackers may employ to gain deeper system access.