CVE-2010-1057 in AdFreely
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Phpkobo AdFreely (aka Ad Board Script) 1.01, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a ..// (dot dot slash slash) in the LANG_CODE parameter to common.inc.php in (1) codelib/cfg/, (2) codelib/sys/, (3) staff/, and (4) staff/app/; and (5) staff/file.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The CVE-2010-1057 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Phpkobo AdFreely version 1.01 that exploits the absence of proper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the application's handling of the LANG_CODE parameter within multiple script files including common.inc.php located in various directories such as codelib/cfg/, codelib/sys/, staff/, and staff/app/. The flaw manifests when the PHP configuration directive magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where malicious input can bypass security controls and manipulate file inclusion operations. The vulnerability operates through the exploitation of ..// sequences that allow attackers to navigate directories beyond the intended scope, effectively enabling unauthorized access to local files on the server.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate the application's file inclusion mechanisms by crafting malicious input that traverses the file system hierarchy. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to properly sanitize user input, allowing the ..// sequences to be interpreted as legitimate directory navigation commands rather than malicious payloads. The vulnerability affects multiple entry points within the application's architecture, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited across several different modules and functional areas of the AdFreely script.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the application's file structure. Attackers could potentially access configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive data that may be stored in directories accessible through the vulnerable paths. The vulnerability also enables attackers to upload and execute malicious files, potentially transforming the compromised system into a staging area for further attacks or persistent access mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1057 should focus on multiple defensive layers including immediate patching of the vulnerable application version, implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms, and configuration hardening of the PHP environment. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement alternative input sanitization methods to prevent malicious directory traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation that filters out or escapes special characters including dots and forward slashes that could enable directory traversal. Additionally, the application should be configured to operate with the principle of least privilege, limiting the web server's access to only necessary directories and files. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands through the compromised file inclusion mechanism.