CVE-2010-0801 in Com Autartitarot
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the AutartiTarot (com_autartitarot) component 1.0.3 for Joomla! allows remote authenticated users, with "Public Back-end" group permissions, to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the controller parameter in an edit task to administrator/index.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The CVE-2010-0801 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the AutartiTarot component version 1.0.3 for Joomla installations consider relatively low-risk access levels. The flaw manifests when an authenticated user with these permissions attempts to perform an edit task through the administrator/index.php endpoint, where the controller parameter fails to properly sanitize user input containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and inadequate file path sanitization within the component's controller logic. When the system processes the controller parameter without sufficient validation, it fails to prevent attackers from manipulating file paths through crafted directory traversal sequences. This allows the component to interpret user-supplied input as legitimate file access commands rather than malicious input attempts. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically affecting the Joomla! content management system's backend component handling mechanism. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-22: Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') vulnerability, which is categorized as a fundamental flaw in input validation and access control mechanisms. The attack vector specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system files through legitimate administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and potentially system binaries that could be used for further exploitation. Remote authenticated users with "Public Back-end" permissions can leverage this vulnerability to read arbitrary files, potentially including sensitive data such as configuration files containing database connection strings, user authentication details, or system-specific information that could facilitate privilege escalation or lateral movement within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special privileges beyond those granted to the "Public Back-end" group, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators grant broad access rights to less trusted users. This flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls and gain unauthorized access to files that should remain protected within the web server's file system boundaries, potentially exposing the entire Joomla! installation to further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0801 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected AutartiTarot component to version 1.0.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization measures. System administrators should implement strict input validation controls at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before being processed. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting access to administrative functions, particularly for groups with "Public Back-end" permissions, to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system components. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other third-party components within the Joomla! installation. According to industry best practices and NIST guidelines for secure coding, developers should implement proper input validation, use allow-list validation for file paths, and employ secure file access mechanisms that prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and implementing robust access controls in web applications, particularly within content management systems that handle multiple user roles and permissions.