CVE-2010-1309 in Irmin CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in Irmin CMS (formerly Pepsi CMS) 0.6 BETA2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the w parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1309 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within Irmin CMS version 0.6 BETA2, formerly known as Pepsi CMS. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them within the application's file handling routines. The vulnerability specifically affects the index.php script where the w parameter is utilized without proper sanitization, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate file access paths through the use of directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the manipulation of the w parameter through dot-dot-slash sequences, commonly represented as .. or %2e%2e in URL encoded formats. When an attacker submits a crafted request containing these traversal sequences, the application processes them directly without proper validation, allowing access to files outside the intended directory structure. This flaw enables attackers to read arbitrary files from the server's file system, potentially exposing sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations deploying Irmin CMS 0.6 BETA2, as it allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that may contain sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple file disclosure, as the ability to read system files could potentially lead to further exploitation opportunities, including privilege escalation or the discovery of additional vulnerabilities within the application or underlying system. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, and represents a classic example of path traversal attacks that have been documented across numerous web applications and platforms.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication to exploit, making it a high-severity issue that can be leveraged by any remote attacker. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core content management functionality, potentially allowing attackers to access not only configuration files but also user data, application logic, and other sensitive resources stored within the web application's directory structure. Organizations using this version of Irmin CMS should immediately implement mitigations to prevent unauthorized file access, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring complex attack chains or specialized tools.
Recommended mitigation strategies include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file handling operations. The application should enforce strict path validation that prevents the use of directory traversal sequences, and implement proper access controls that limit file system access to authorized resources only. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious traversal patterns, and ensure that all instances of Irmin CMS are updated to versions that have addressed this vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1083, File and Directory Discovery, as attackers can leverage such flaws to enumerate and access files within the target system, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks that exploit the discovered information for further compromise.