CVE-2010-1077 in vbseo
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in vbseo.php in Crawlability vBSEO plugin 3.1.0 for vBulletin allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the vbseourl parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1077 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Crawlability vBSEO plugin version 3.1.0 for vBulletin platforms. This security weakness resides in the vbseo.php script which processes user input through the vbseourl parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization practices that fail to properly filter or escape directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that could allow attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a pattern that aligns with common web application attack vectors classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses directory traversal or path traversal vulnerabilities. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing directory traversal sequences in the vbseourl parameter to access sensitive files that should remain protected from external access. This includes system configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential information that could be stored within the web server's file system. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary code on the target system through the file inclusion mechanism.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations running vulnerable vBulletin installations with the Crawlability vBSEO plugin. The remote execution capability means that attackers can potentially gain full control over the affected web server, leading to data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire vBulletin platform, as it allows unauthorized access to files that may contain user credentials, session information, or application logic that could be leveraged for further attacks. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, particularly in environments governed by standards such as pci dss or hipaa.
The exploitation of CVE-2010-1077 can be mapped to several techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework, particularly under the initial access and execution phases. Attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access through the execution of malicious code, potentially creating backdoors or web shells that maintain access to the compromised system. The vulnerability also enables privilege escalation scenarios where attackers can access files with higher permissions than initially available. Security professionals should consider implementing network segmentation and web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts, while also ensuring that all vBulletin installations are updated to versions that have patched this vulnerability. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable plugin and apply the necessary patches or implement compensating controls to mitigate the risk of exploitation.