CVE-2010-0799 in phpunity.newsmanager
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in misc/tell_a_friend/tell.php in phpunity.newsmanager allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0799 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the phpunity.newsmanager application's tell_a_friend functionality. This security weakness exists in the file misc/tell_a_friend/tell.php where the application fails to properly validate user input passed through the id parameter. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences, thereby gaining unauthorized access to arbitrary files on the server filesystem. Such directory traversal vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can allow attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially read sensitive system files, configuration data, or other restricted resources that should not be accessible through the web application interface.
The technical nature of 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. This weakness occurs when an application incorporates user-supplied input directly into file system operations without adequate validation or sanitization. The vulnerability is particularly severe in the context of web applications because it allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files that may contain database credentials, application source code, or other sensitive information. The implementation flaw in the tell.php script demonstrates a lack of proper input validation where the id parameter is directly used in file operations without checking for malicious path sequences or performing proper path normalization.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using the affected phpunity.newsmanager application. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to access not only application-specific files but potentially system-level files that could contain critical information such as database connection strings, administrative credentials, or other sensitive configuration data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it a prime target for automated scanning tools that continuously search for such weaknesses across the internet. The potential for data exfiltration, system compromise, and further attack escalation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where the affected application is exposed to untrusted networks or users.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0799 should focus on implementing proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should immediately implement proper parameter validation that filters out or rejects any sequences containing .. or similar path traversal indicators. The application should employ a whitelist approach for file operations, where only predefined, safe file paths are allowed for access. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and ensuring that the web application runs with minimal required privileges can significantly reduce the impact of such vulnerabilities. Security measures should also include regular code reviews and vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other parts of the application. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious path traversal attempts, and the affected application should be updated to a patched version that properly handles file operations and validates all user inputs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices that align with the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards for preventing common web application security flaws.