CVE-2010-1298 in Pulse
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in view.php in Pulse CMS 1.2.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the f parameter. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1298 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in Pulse CMS version 1.2.2, specifically within the view.php script. This weakness enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the f parameter through directory traversal sequences. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before using it in file operations. Such flaws are classified under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing sequences such as ../ or ..\ that allow navigation outside the intended directory structure. In the context of Pulse CMS, the view.php script likely processes the f parameter directly without proper validation, permitting attackers to traverse the file system and access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, or even system files. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001, specifically targeting credential access through path traversal attacks, and represents a fundamental failure in input sanitization practices that has been consistently documented across numerous web applications over the years.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise if attackers gain access to sensitive configuration files or administrative credentials. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without requiring local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. Organizations running affected versions of Pulse CMS face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and potential system infiltration. The vulnerability demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental security principles such as the principle of least privilege and input validation, which are essential components of secure software development lifecycle practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1298 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Pulse CMS version to the latest available release that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures that restrict file access to predefined directories and validate all user-supplied parameters. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and proper access controls can provide additional defense in depth. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes, as outlined in standards such as NIST SP 800-34 and ISO 27001. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems and regular security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Given the age of the affected version and the nature of directory traversal vulnerabilities, it is crucial that all affected systems be upgraded immediately to prevent potential exploitation by threat actors who may have already developed or discovered working exploits for this weakness.