CVE-2010-1737 in 0.1.0
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in core/includes/gfw_smarty.php in Gallo 0.1.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the config[gfwroot] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1737 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Gallo content management system version 0.1.0. This vulnerability exists in the core/includes/gfw_smarty.php file and demonstrates a classic path traversal and code execution weakness that has been prevalent in web applications for many years. The flaw specifically manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an environment where user input is not automatically escaped and can be exploited to inject malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied input within the config[gfwroot] parameter. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application susceptible to injection attacks. The gfw_smarty.php file likely uses the config[gfwroot] parameter to determine the root directory for template or configuration files, but fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before using it in file inclusion operations. This creates an opportunity for attackers to manipulate the parameter to include malicious URLs or file paths, which are then executed by the PHP interpreter. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 weakness category, which specifically addresses improper file inclusion where untrusted input is used to determine file paths, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting remote file inclusion vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the target environment. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the web server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for systems running Gallo 0.1.0 without proper input validation measures, as it can be exploited without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. Organizations using this version of Gallo are at risk of complete system compromise, data theft, and potential use as a launching point for attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability can be exploited through various vectors including web browsers, automated scanning tools, or manual exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1737 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The most effective remediation is to upgrade to a patched version of Gallo that addresses this vulnerability, as the original developers would have implemented proper input sanitization and validation. Organizations should also implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Disabling magic_quotes_gpc should be avoided in favor of proper input sanitization techniques, and developers should employ allowlists or strict validation patterns for file paths. Network-based mitigations including web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, regular security audits, and monitoring for suspicious file inclusion patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and the dangers of relying on deprecated security mechanisms like magic_quotes_gpc for protecting against injection attacks.