CVE-2010-0933 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Perforce Server 2008.1 allows remote authenticated users to create arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the argument to the "p4 add" command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The CVE-2010-0933 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Perforce Server version 2008.1 that fundamentally undermines the integrity of file system operations within the version control system. This vulnerability specifically targets the p4 add command functionality, which is designed to add files to the Perforce depot. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and path sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle maliciously crafted file paths containing directory traversal sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing specially formatted arguments that include .. (dot dot) sequences, effectively allowing them to manipulate the file system location where files are added. This vulnerability exists in the server-side processing logic and affects all authenticated users who possess the necessary permissions to execute the p4 add command, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to version control operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the server's failure to properly sanitize file paths before processing them through the add command. When a user executes p4 add with a path containing directory traversal sequences, the server does not adequately validate or normalize the path components, allowing the .. sequences to be interpreted literally rather than being resolved to their canonical form. This creates a scenario where an attacker can specify paths that traverse outside of the intended directory structure and create files in arbitrary locations on the server's file system. The vulnerability is classified as a directory traversal or path traversal issue under CWE-22, which specifically addresses the improper restriction of pathname characters that allows access to files and directories outside of the intended scope. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper path normalization that is fundamental to secure file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized file creation, as it provides attackers with the ability to potentially compromise the entire Perforce server infrastructure. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could create malicious files in system directories, overwrite critical configuration files, or establish backdoors that persist across server restarts. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Perforce servers often store sensitive source code repositories, configuration files, and other critical assets. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, as attackers might be able to manipulate the version control system to gain access to files they should not normally be able to modify or access. Additionally, the presence of such a vulnerability could allow attackers to corrupt the integrity of the version control system itself, potentially leading to data loss or manipulation of source code history. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary file system operations through the version control system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0933 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most direct solution involves applying the vendor-provided patch or upgrading to a Perforce Server version that properly implements path validation and normalization for file operations. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the number of users who can execute p4 add commands, particularly in high-privilege scenarios. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including client-side and server-side processing to ensure that all path components are properly sanitized before any file system operations are performed. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file creation patterns or attempts to access restricted directories through version control commands. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other security standards. Organizations should also consider implementing file integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized file modifications in critical system directories, providing additional layers of defense against exploitation of similar path traversal vulnerabilities.