CVE-2010-1956 in Com Gadgetfactory
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Gadget Factory (com_gadgetfactory) component 1.0.0 and 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 • 07/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1956 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Gadget Factory component version 1.0.0 and 1.5.0 for Joomla! platforms. This security weakness resides in how the component processes user input through the controller parameter in the index.php file, creating an avenue for malicious actors to access unauthorized files on the web server. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict path traversal sequences, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by exploiting the absence of proper parameter validation in the component's controller handling logic. When a malicious user submits a request containing .. (dot dot) sequences within the controller parameter, the application fails to sanitize this input appropriately. The system processes these traversal sequences without adequate restrictions, enabling attackers to move up directory levels and access files that should remain protected. This flaw aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file reading, potentially exposing sensitive information such as configuration files, database credentials, user data, or even system files that could provide attackers with deeper system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain access to critical system components and sensitive data stored on the web server. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to read files that contain database connection strings, administrator credentials, application configuration details, or other confidential information that could be used for further exploitation. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers can use the information gathered to craft more sophisticated attacks or escalate privileges within the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1956 should focus on immediate patching of the affected Joomla security team. Organizations should implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent traversal sequences from being processed by the application, including the use of allowlists for valid controller parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth by filtering out suspicious path traversal attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other components, while proper access controls and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the damage that could occur even if such vulnerabilities are exploited. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping all web application components updated and following security best practices for input validation and parameter handling.