CVE-2010-1066 in AR Web Content Manager
Summary
by MITRE
AR Web Content Manager (AWCM) 2.1 stores sensitive information under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to download a database via a direct request for control/db_backup.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1066 affects AR Web Content Manager version 2.1, a web-based content management system that suffers from improper access control mechanisms. This flaw resides in the application's handling of sensitive data storage and retrieval processes, creating a critical security exposure that can be exploited by remote attackers without authentication. The vulnerability specifically targets the database backup functionality, which is improperly exposed to unauthorized users through a direct request mechanism that bypasses normal access controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to enforce proper authorization checks when processing requests for database backup files. The control/db_backup.php endpoint serves as an attack vector that allows malicious actors to directly access and download database contents without requiring valid credentials or proper authentication. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control where the application does not properly validate user permissions before serving sensitive data. The flaw demonstrates poor security architecture where administrative functions are exposed to the web root directory without adequate protection mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations using AR Web Content Manager 2.1, as it allows complete database extraction without any authentication requirements. Attackers can exploit this directly through web browser requests or automated tools, potentially gaining access to all stored content including user credentials, personal information, and business data. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise through the exploitation of additional vulnerabilities that may exist within the extracted database. This type of vulnerability can lead to data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage for affected organizations.
The security implications of CVE-2010-1066 align with CWE-284, which describes improper access control vulnerabilities in software systems. This weakness specifically manifests as an inadequate access control mechanism that permits unauthorized access to sensitive data through direct object references. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can leverage this direct access to obtain sensitive information. Organizations should implement proper access control measures including authentication checks, authorization validation, and proper file permissions to prevent such exposures. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure configuration practices and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar issues in web applications. Mitigation strategies should include immediate removal of the vulnerable endpoint, implementation of proper access controls, and deployment of web application firewalls to monitor and block unauthorized access attempts.