CVE-2010-1472 in Com Horoscope
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Daily Horoscope (com_horoscope) component 1.5.0 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the controller parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2025
The CVE-2010-1472 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Daily Horoscope component version 1.5.0 for Joomla! platforms. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes the controller parameter in the index.php file, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences. Such directory traversal attacks enable unauthorized access to sensitive system files that should remain protected from external inspection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental flaw in how the Joomla! component handles controller parameters. When an attacker submits a malicious controller value containing directory traversal sequences, the application fails to validate or sanitize these inputs before using them in file system operations. This allows the attacker to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. The flaw 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 CVE-2010-1472 extends beyond simple file disclosure, as attackers can potentially access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive information stored on the web server. This vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other exploitation techniques, as attackers may discover database connection strings, administrator credentials, or application logic that could facilitate further attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning for Joomla! installations where the affected component is enabled, as the vulnerability affects the core application functionality rather than requiring specific user interaction or privileged access. The exploit can be automated and executed remotely, making it a significant threat vector for automated scanning tools and malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1472 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Joomla! component to version 1.5.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests, particularly those containing .. sequences in controller parameters. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers, including application-level sanitization, parameter validation, and proper access control mechanisms that restrict file system access to legitimate application paths. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and directory traversal attempts in web server logs. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically addressing techniques related to path traversal and privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar directory traversal attacks.