CVE-2010-1062 in Free Real Estate Contact Form Script
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in codelib/sys/common.inc.php in Phpkobo Free Real Estate Contact Form 1.09, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the LANG_CODE parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1062 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Phpkobo Free Real Estate Contact Form version 1.09 application. This security weakness exists in the codelib/sys/common.inc.php file and specifically targets the handling of user-supplied input through the LANG_CODE parameter. The flaw becomes exploitable when the PHP configuration setting magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, which removes the automatic escaping of special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data. This creates a dangerous condition where malicious actors can manipulate file inclusion mechanisms to access arbitrary local files on the server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a fundamental security issue that has plagued web applications for decades due to inadequate input validation and sanitization practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the LANG_CODE parameter to include directory traversal sequences such as "../" which allows attackers to navigate up the file system hierarchy. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, the application fails to properly sanitize the input before using it in file inclusion operations, enabling attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can lead to the execution of malicious code or unauthorized access to sensitive system files. This type of vulnerability directly enables remote code execution capabilities, as demonstrated by the inclusion of arbitrary local files, and represents a classic example of insecure file handling that violates fundamental security principles. The attack vector operates at the application layer where user input is directly processed without adequate validation, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal access controls and potentially escalate privileges within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access configuration files, database credentials, user data, and potentially execute arbitrary commands on the affected server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the web application runs with elevated privileges, as it could enable attackers to gain access to sensitive system resources or even establish persistent backdoors. The flaw essentially allows for arbitrary file inclusion attacks that can be used to load malicious code from remote servers or local system files, making it a prime target for exploitation in automated attack campaigns. This vulnerability type is commonly categorized under ATT&CK technique T1505.003 for "Server Software Component: Web Shell" and represents a significant risk to web application security, particularly in legacy systems that have not been properly updated or patched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1062 should focus on immediate remediation through proper input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied data. The most effective approach involves implementing strict whitelisting of acceptable values for the LANG_CODE parameter, ensuring that only predefined, safe language codes are accepted. Additionally, the application should be updated to properly sanitize input using functions like realpath() and basename() to prevent directory traversal attempts, while also ensuring that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or that adequate input sanitization is implemented regardless of the PHP configuration. Organizations should also implement proper file access controls and restrict the web server's ability to read sensitive system files. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, while implementing web application firewalls can provide additional protection against such attacks. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation as fundamental security controls that should be implemented at every layer of application development.