CVE-2010-1878 in Com Orgchart
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the OrgChart (com_orgchart) component 1.0.0 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 • 08/20/2025
The CVE-2010-1878 vulnerability represents a classic directory traversal flaw within the Joomla! OrgChart component version 1.0.0, exposing a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the affected system. This vulnerability resides in the component's handling of user input through the controller parameter in the index.php script, where insufficient validation allows malicious actors to manipulate file paths using directory traversal sequences. The flaw specifically manifests when the controller parameter contains .. (dot dot) sequences that bypass normal path validation mechanisms, permitting attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure and access sensitive files that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization and inadequate path resolution within the Joomla! component's architecture. When a user submits a request containing a controller parameter with directory traversal sequences, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize this input before processing it in file system operations. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that can traverse up the directory tree and access files such as configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive system resources that are not intended to be publicly accessible. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by anyone with access to the vulnerable web application.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1878 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to gain sensitive information disclosure, system compromise, and further attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can retrieve critical system files including database configuration files that may contain database passwords, application configuration files that expose system settings, or even source code files that reveal implementation details. This information disclosure can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, credential theft, or the discovery of additional vulnerabilities within the application or underlying system. The vulnerability also aligns with attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "T1083: File and Directory Discovery" and "T1213: Data from Information Repositories" where adversaries seek to understand system structure and extract sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1878 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable component, as the original vulnerability was addressed through proper input validation and path sanitization within the Joomla! framework. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that filter out or reject directory traversal sequences in all user-supplied parameters before they are processed by the application. This includes implementing proper parameter validation, using allowlists for acceptable controller values, and ensuring that all file system operations occur within predetermined safe directories. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to standards such as those outlined in CWE-22, which specifically addresses "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')". Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components or applications within the organization's attack surface.