CVE-2010-1061 in Short URL
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in Phpkobo Short URL 1.01, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the LANG_CODE parameter to (1) url/app/common.inc.php and (2) codelib/cfg/common.inc.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1061 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting Phpkobo Short URL version 1.01. This security weakness stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the application's parameter handling processes, specifically targeting the LANG_CODE parameter in two critical files. The vulnerability's severity is amplified when the PHP configuration setting magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters that would otherwise prevent malicious input from being interpreted as file system commands. The affected files url/app/common.inc.php and codelib/cfg/common.inc.php demonstrate poor input sanitization practices that allow attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the LANG_CODE parameter, which is processed without adequate validation or sanitization. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, attackers can inject sequences such as ../../ or ../../../ that traverse the file system directory structure to access arbitrary local files. This directory traversal capability enables remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the principle of insecure file inclusion, where user-controllable input directly influences the file system operations within the application context. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in input validation that allows attackers to access files outside of intended directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, complete system compromise, or the ability to establish persistent backdoors within the target environment. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the application's data processing mechanisms, potentially exposing the entire file system to unauthorized access. Organizations running Phpkobo Short URL 1.01 without proper input validation measures face significant risk of unauthorized file access and code execution. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters for execution, as attackers could leverage the file inclusion capability to execute malicious code within the application's execution context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1061 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization measures within the affected application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation on the LANG_CODE parameter to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is enabled or implement alternative input sanitization techniques such as using allowlists of permitted values or implementing proper path normalization. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that addresses the directory traversal vulnerability, as the original version 1.01 contains fundamental security flaws that cannot be adequately mitigated through configuration changes alone. Security hardening measures should include restricting file inclusion capabilities, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that the application operates with the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.