CVE-2010-1494 in Com Awdwall
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the AWDwall (com_awdwall) component 1.5.4 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 • 07/06/2025
The CVE-2010-1494 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the AWDwall component version 1.5.4 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability resides in the component's handling of user input through the controller parameter in the index.php file, creating an exploitable path traversal condition that enables unauthorized file access. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize input containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) characters. Security researchers identified this issue as a classic path traversal vulnerability that allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access files outside the web root or component directories. The vulnerability directly impacts the component's security model and represents a fundamental failure in input validation mechanisms.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates through the manipulation of the controller parameter in the Joomla! application's request handling process. When an attacker submits a request containing .. sequences within the controller parameter, the application processes these traversal characters without proper sanitization, allowing access to files that should remain protected. The flaw enables attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the AWDwall component's routing logic, which fails to properly restrict file access based on user permissions or intended application boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1494 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access to encompass potential system compromise and data breaches. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information such as database connection strings, administrator credentials, and application configuration files that could facilitate further exploitation. The vulnerability may also enable attackers to access log files, temporary files, and other system resources that could reveal additional attack vectors or system information. Given that Joomla! platforms often host critical web applications and content management systems, successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise or unauthorized access to sensitive organizational data. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location with internet access, making it particularly concerning for web applications that serve public-facing content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1494 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the AWDwall component that properly validates and sanitizes controller parameters to prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed. Organizations should implement proper input validation techniques that filter out or escape special characters including .. sequences, forward slashes, and backslashes in user-supplied parameters. Security measures should include implementing proper access controls that restrict file system access based on user permissions and application context. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns and blocking known attack vectors. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and follows patterns commonly associated with ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security controls and vulnerability management programs. Regular security assessments and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and ensure comprehensive protection against path traversal attacks.