CVE-2010-0982 in Com Cartweberp
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the CARTwebERP (com_cartweberp) component 1.56.75 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the controller parameter to index.php.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0982 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CARTwebERP component version 1.56.75 for Joomla! platforms. This security weakness arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability specifically affects the controller parameter handling within the index.php script, creating an exploitable condition where remote attackers can manipulate file access paths through malicious input sequences containing directory traversal sequences.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of the controller parameter which allows attackers to inject ../ sequences that bypass normal file access restrictions. When the application processes these malformed inputs without adequate sanitization, it inadvertently permits access to files outside the intended directory structure. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the fundamental weakness in path resolution mechanisms that should normally prevent such unauthorized file access patterns. The vulnerability enables attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy and potentially access sensitive files including configuration data, database credentials, or other confidential information stored on the server.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to Joomla! installations running the affected CARTwebERP component. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to retrieve arbitrary files from the server filesystem, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface extends beyond simple file reading to include potential privilege escalation opportunities and data exfiltration. Organizations using vulnerable versions face risks of unauthorized data access, system integrity compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to leverage this flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web-facing applications.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers directory and file permissions enumeration, as attackers can use this vulnerability to discover system file structures and access protected resources. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of the CARTwebERP component to version 1.56.76 or later, implementing input validation controls that sanitize all user-supplied parameters, and applying web application firewalls with rules that detect and block directory traversal attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable components and implement proper file access controls to prevent unauthorized file system navigation.