CVE-2010-1659 in Com Ultimateportfolio
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Ultimate Portfolio (com_ultimateportfolio) component 1.0 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 • 09/08/2025
The CVE-2010-1659 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Ultimate Portfolio component version 1.0 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 affects the controller parameter handling within the index.php script, where malicious actors can exploit the lack of proper path validation to manipulate file access requests. The flaw allows remote attackers to navigate through the file system hierarchy by leveraging the .. (dot dot) sequence, which is a well-known technique for accessing files outside the intended directory boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the component's failure to validate or sanitize the controller parameter input. When a user submits a request containing a malicious controller value that includes directory traversal sequences, the application processes this input without proper sanitization, leading to unauthorized file access. This type of flaw falls under CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by bypassing normal access controls and allowing attackers to read arbitrary files on the server, potentially including sensitive configuration files, database credentials, or other confidential data stored within the web application's directory structure.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1659 extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it provides attackers with the means to potentially escalate privileges and gain deeper system access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive files such as database configuration files, administrator login credentials, or even web application source code that may contain additional vulnerabilities. The remote nature of this attack vector means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes the discovery of files and directories, and can serve as a foundational attack for more sophisticated exploitation campaigns. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate confidentiality of data but also the overall integrity and availability of the Joomla! platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1659 should focus on immediate patching of the affected component, as the original vendor released updates to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, particularly for all parameters that influence file system operations. The implementation of a whitelist approach for controller parameters, where only predefined valid values are accepted, provides an effective defense mechanism against such attacks. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web application processes operate with minimal required permissions and that sensitive files are properly protected with appropriate access controls. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by detecting and blocking malicious traversal sequences. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, as directory traversal flaws often occur in applications with insufficient input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper parameter validation and input sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data that may influence file system operations.