CVE-2010-1272 in Gnat-TGP
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in includes/tgpinc.php in Gnat-TGP 1.2.20 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1272 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Gnat-TGP content management system version 1.2.20 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the includes/tgpinc.php file and demonstrates a classic security misconfiguration that allows attackers to manipulate application behavior through improper input validation. The flaw specifically exploits the application's failure to properly sanitize the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter, creating an opportunity for remote code execution through maliciously crafted URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's reliance on user-supplied input without adequate validation or sanitization processes. When the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter is passed to the tgpinc.php file, the system directly incorporates this value into file inclusion operations without proper verification of its contents. This creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious URLs that point to remote servers hosting malicious PHP code. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Resource Identifiers" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" within the execution phase of the adversary lifecycle.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this flaw to upload backdoors, establish persistent access, or perform data exfiltration from the compromised environment. The vulnerability's remote nature means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for web applications exposed to the internet. The attack vector specifically targets the DOCUMENT_ROOT parameter, which is a server variable that should normally contain the document root directory path but becomes exploitable when manipulated by malicious actors.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. The most effective approach involves removing or properly validating all user-supplied input before it is used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement strict parameter validation that ensures only expected values are accepted, particularly for parameters that influence file system operations. The remediation strategy should include disabling the ability to pass external URLs to file inclusion functions, implementing proper access controls, and ensuring that all file operations use absolute paths rather than user-controllable variables. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping web applications updated and following secure coding practices that prevent the use of dynamic includes with untrusted input. The mitigation efforts should also incorporate web application firewall rules that can detect and block malicious patterns attempting to exploit this specific vulnerability, while also implementing proper logging and monitoring to detect exploitation attempts.