CVE-2010-1115 in Web Server Creator Web Portal
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in news/include/customize.php in Web Server Creator - Web Portal 0.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the l parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1115 represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Web Server Creator - Web Portal 0.1 software ecosystem. This issue resides in the news/include/customize.php component where improper input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate file access requests through the l parameter. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged for unauthorized data access.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the l parameter through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, which are standard path traversal components used to navigate up directory levels. When the application processes these sequences without proper validation, it can be coerced into accessing files outside of its intended directory structure, potentially leading to exposure of sensitive system files, configuration data, or other confidential information. The flaw is particularly concerning as it enables remote attackers to perform arbitrary file reads without authentication, making it a significant security risk for any system running the vulnerable software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access critical system files, configuration parameters, or even application source code that may contain database credentials or other sensitive information. According to CWE-22, this vulnerability maps directly to the Common Weakness Enumeration for improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, which is a fundamental security flaw in file system access controls. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may use this vulnerability to gather intelligence for further exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1115 must address the core input validation weakness through comprehensive code review and implementation of proper sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves implementing strict input validation that filters or rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. or %2e%2e. Additionally, developers should employ secure coding practices that enforce path validation and restrict file access to predetermined directories. The application should implement proper access controls and ensure that all user-supplied parameters are validated against a whitelist of acceptable values. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application ecosystem, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security design flaws that may affect other parts of the software infrastructure.