CVE-2010-1130 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
session.c in the session extension in PHP before 5.2.13, and 5.3.1, does not properly interpret ; (semicolon) characters in the argument to the session_save_path function, which allows context-dependent attackers to bypass open_basedir and safe_mode restrictions via an argument that contains multiple ; characters in conjunction with a .. (dot dot).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1130 represents a critical flaw in PHP's session handling mechanism that affects versions prior to 5.2.13 and 5.3.1. This vulnerability resides within the session.c file of PHP's session extension and specifically targets how the session_save_path function processes semicolon characters in its arguments. The flaw creates a path traversal condition that can be exploited by attackers to circumvent critical security restrictions imposed by PHP's open_basedir and safe_mode directives. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the core session management functionality that is fundamental to web application security and user authentication processes across numerous PHP-based systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parsing of semicolon characters within the session_save_path function argument. When multiple semicolon characters are present in conjunction with directory traversal sequences like "..", the PHP session extension fails to correctly interpret the intended path structure. This parsing failure allows an attacker to manipulate the session storage path in ways that were not intended by the developers, effectively bypassing the security boundaries established by open_basedir restrictions. The semicolon character serves as a delimiter in PHP's session path handling, but the flawed implementation does not properly sanitize or validate these delimiters when they appear in combination with traversal sequences, creating a condition where arbitrary directory paths can be specified.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation or information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of PHP applications that rely on open_basedir and safe_mode for protection. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access files and directories that should normally be restricted, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, or even remote code execution depending on the application's configuration and the attacker's access level. The context-dependent nature of this vulnerability means that exploitation requires specific conditions to be met, including the presence of vulnerable PHP versions and the ability to influence session path parameters through user input or other attack vectors. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where session management is critical to application security and where multiple applications share the same server infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-78 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command Injection, as it allows for improper handling of path separators and directory traversal sequences. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it enables attackers to potentially execute commands or access resources through manipulated session paths. The recommended mitigations include immediate upgrade to PHP versions 5.2.13 or 5.3.1, which contain the necessary patches to properly handle semicolon characters in session path arguments. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation for session path parameters, disable unnecessary session extensions, and monitor for suspicious session path manipulation attempts. Organizations should also review their open_basedir and safe_mode configurations to ensure they are properly implemented and not easily bypassable through such path traversal techniques.