CVE-2010-10013 in AjaXplorer
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2025
An unauthenticated remote command execution vulnerability exists in AjaXplorer (now known as Pydio Cells) versions prior to 2.6. The flaw resides in the checkInstall.php script within the access.ssh plugin, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input to the destServer GET parameter. By injecting shell metacharacters, remote attackers can execute arbitrary system commands on the server with the privileges of the web server process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2010-10013 represents a critical remote command execution flaw in AjaXplorer (now Pydio Cells) versions prior to 2.6, specifically within the access.ssh plugin's checkInstall.php script. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that allow malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters directly into the destServer GET parameter. The flaw demonstrates a classic security weakness where user-controllable input flows directly into system command execution contexts without proper filtering or escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can make HTTP requests to the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of the destServer parameter in the checkInstall.php script which is part of the access.ssh plugin functionality. When the web application processes this parameter, it fails to sanitize or validate the input before using it in shell command construction. This creates a direct path for command injection attacks where attackers can append shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or other command separators to execute arbitrary system commands. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that mandate input sanitization before system interactions. The affected system processes the user-supplied parameter directly in a shell context, bypassing any protective layers that should normally prevent such injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation grants attackers complete control over the affected server with the privileges of the web server process. This privilege level typically provides access to files, directories, and system resources that are normally protected from casual access. Attackers can leverage this to escalate their access, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, as it does not require authentication and can be triggered through simple HTTP requests. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is exposed to untrusted networks or where multiple users have access to the web interface. The attack surface is further expanded due to the lack of authentication requirements, allowing for automated exploitation and mass targeting of vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-10013 focus primarily on immediate version upgrades to AjaXplorer 2.6 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input sanitization issues. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the vulnerable application to untrusted networks. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including web application firewalls, proxy servers, and application-level filters to prevent malicious payloads from reaching the vulnerable code paths. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and the ATT&CK framework's command and control tactics. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other components of the application stack. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web server processes can limit the damage potential even if exploitation occurs, though this does not prevent the initial command execution vulnerability itself.