CVE-2010-1267 in WebMaid CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in WebMaid CMS 0.2-6 Beta and earlier allow remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the com parameter to (1) cContactus.php, (2) cGuestbook.php, and (3) cArticle.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1267 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting WebMaid CMS versions 0.2-6 Beta and earlier. This vulnerability manifests through three distinct attack vectors within the content management system's contact, guestbook, and article modules. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, specifically the com parameter that directs the application to process different components. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious directory traversal sequences that manipulate the application's file handling mechanisms to access unauthorized files on the server. The vulnerability operates at the application level and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or prior access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw occurs when the WebMaid CMS fails to properly validate or sanitize the com parameter before using it to determine which component to load or process. This allows attackers to inject sequences such as ../ or ..\ that navigate upward through the directory structure, potentially accessing sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, or system files that should remain protected from public access. The vulnerability affects the core file inclusion mechanisms within the CMS, where user input directly influences the file path resolution process, creating a direct pathway for arbitrary file reading attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1267 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive system information that could facilitate further exploitation. Successful exploitation could lead to the disclosure of database connection strings, administrator credentials, application configuration files, and other sensitive data that might reveal system architecture details. This information could then be leveraged to conduct more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, data manipulation, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to web application security posture as it demonstrates poor input validation practices that could be exploited in combination with other vulnerabilities to achieve more severe outcomes. Organizations running affected versions of WebMaid CMS face potential data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage if this vulnerability remains unaddressed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1267 should prioritize immediate patching of affected WebMaid CMS installations to the latest stable version that contains proper input validation and sanitization measures. System administrators should implement robust input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering of user-supplied parameters, implementing proper path validation that prevents directory traversal sequences from being processed. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking known malicious traversal patterns in HTTP requests. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced where the web application runs with minimal necessary permissions, limiting potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security auditing and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems, while also ensuring that proper logging and monitoring mechanisms are in place to detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools that can identify directory traversal vulnerabilities in their web applications and provide early warning of potential security issues.