CVE-2010-1268 in justVisual
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in justVisual CMS 2.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files directory traversal sequences in the p parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1268 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the justVisual CMS 2.0 content management system. This weakness specifically affects the index.php script where improper input validation occurs when the magic_quotes_gpc PHP configuration setting is disabled. The vulnerability manifests through the p parameter which accepts user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or validation. When magic_quotes_gpc is turned off, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, creating an environment where malicious actors can exploit the lack of input filtering. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate file path references using directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ which can navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary local files on the server. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the capability to include and execute arbitrary local files on the target system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, user information, and potentially system files that should remain protected. The ability to execute arbitrary code through file inclusion means that attackers could gain full control over the affected web server, leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1505.003, which covers server-side include attacks, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to arbitrary code execution. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious URLs with directory traversal sequences in the p parameter, which when processed by the vulnerable CMS, results in the inclusion of unintended files from the server's file system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1268 require immediate action to address the core issue of inadequate input validation. The most effective approach involves implementing proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms that reject or filter out directory traversal sequences before processing user input. Organizations should ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is properly configured or implement custom input filtering to prevent malicious path manipulation. Additionally, the CMS should be updated to a patched version that addresses this specific vulnerability, as justVisual CMS 2.0 is an outdated system with known security weaknesses. System administrators should also implement proper file permissions and access controls to limit the damage that could occur even if exploitation succeeds. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when designing web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied input. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and attempts to traverse directory structures that could indicate exploitation attempts.