CVE-2010-1337 in Vanilla
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in definitions.php in Lussumo Vanilla 1.1.10, and possibly 0.9.2 and other versions, allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the (1) include and (2) Configuration[ LANGUAGE ] parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1337 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Lussumo Vanilla forum software version 1.1.10 and potentially earlier versions including 0.9.2. This vulnerability resides within the definitions.php file and demonstrates a classic security weakness that has been documented under CWE-88, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in an expression. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that is subsequently used in file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious code through carefully crafted URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by manipulating two specific parameters within the application's request handling mechanism. The first parameter involves the include directive, while the second targets the Configuration[ LANGUAGE ] parameter, both of which are processed without adequate input validation. When these parameters receive URLs containing malicious PHP code, the vulnerable application attempts to include and execute the remote files, effectively providing attackers with a remote code execution capability. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets publicly accessible web applications through well-known attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Successful exploitation enables adversaries to upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it affects multiple versions of the software, making it a widespread concern for organizations running outdated installations. Additionally, the vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices that align with ATT&CK technique T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers can leverage the system to execute commands through the PHP interpreter.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability directly violates several security best practices and industry standards. The lack of proper input validation and sanitization represents a fundamental failure in secure coding practices that should be addressed through comprehensive application security controls. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and proper file inclusion mechanisms to prevent attackers from exploiting this vulnerability. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping software updated, as newer versions of the Vanilla forum would have addressed these security gaps through proper input sanitization and secure coding practices. Furthermore, network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts, though the most effective mitigation remains the immediate patching of affected systems to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches.