CVE-2010-1056 in Com Rokdownloads
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the RokDownloads (com_rokdownloads) component before 1.0.1 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the controller parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The CVE-2010-1056 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the RokDownloads component for Joomla! versions prior to 1.0.1. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw exists in the component's handling of user input within the controller parameter of the index.php script, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths and gain unauthorized access to local system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the RokDownloads component fails to properly validate or sanitize the controller parameter before using it in file inclusion operations. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs containing .. (dot dot) sequences in the controller parameter, which when processed by the vulnerable component, can traverse up the directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the web server. This manipulation enables attackers to include and execute local files that should normally be restricted from direct access, potentially leading to complete system compromise through the execution of malicious code or the disclosure of sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file access, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected Joomla! system. This represents a severe privilege escalation opportunity that can result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects not only the confidentiality of the system but also its integrity and availability, as attackers can potentially modify critical system files, install backdoors, or cause denial of service conditions. The remote nature of this attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1056 should focus on immediate component updates to version 1.0.1 or later, where the directory traversal vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious path manipulation, including the use of allowlists for valid controller parameters and proper path normalization techniques. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of vulnerable applications, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues within other components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and script injection, and T1083 for file and directory traversal, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures including web application firewalls, input validation controls, and regular security patch management processes. Additionally, implementing proper file permissions and restricting web server access to sensitive directories can significantly reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of such directory traversal exploits.