CVE-2010-1715 in Com Onlineexam
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Online Examination (aka Online Exam or com_onlineexam) component 1.5.0 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the controller parameter to index.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2025
The CVE-2010-1715 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Online Examination component version 1.5.0 for Joomla! platforms. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The flaw specifically manifests in the controller parameter handling within the index.php file, where the application does not adequately restrict or filter directory navigation sequences. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting .. (dot dot) sequences into the controller parameter, enabling them to traverse the file system and access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects a widely used content management system component, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data including configuration files, database credentials, and other system resources.
This directory traversal vulnerability 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 attack vector operates through the manipulation of file path references in web applications, allowing attackers to access files outside of the intended directory structure. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to implement proper input sanitization and validation checks before processing the controller parameter. The lack of proper path normalization and validation creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal access controls and retrieve unauthorized files from the server's file system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides remote attackers with the capability to access sensitive system information without authentication. An attacker could potentially retrieve configuration files containing database passwords, user credentials, application source code, and other confidential data. The vulnerability enables a range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, and potential further exploitation of the compromised system. Given that this affects a Joomla for their web presence, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in a widespread attack scenario. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local system privileges to exploit the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1715 should include immediate patching of the affected Online Examination component to version 1.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks in their web applications. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring systems can help detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. Additionally, access controls should be strengthened through proper file permissions, and the principle of least privilege should be applied to limit the exposure of sensitive files. Security hardening practices including regular security audits, code reviews, and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other components of the Joomla! platform. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all third-party components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent improper input handling and path manipulation.