CVE-2010-1980 in Com Joomlaflickr
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in joomlaflickr.php in the Joomla Flickr (com_joomlaflickr) component 1.0.3 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the controller parameter to index.php.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1980 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Joomla Flickr component version 1.0.3, which operates within the Joomla! content management system ecosystem. This vulnerability exists in the joomlaflickr.php script and specifically targets the controller parameter handling within the index.php file. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting improper input validation techniques that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as a "Directory Traversal" attack pattern, which occurs when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize input that contains path traversal sequences such as ".." or similar constructs.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting malicious requests that manipulate the controller parameter to include arbitrary local files on the target server. When an attacker submits a request containing directory traversal sequences in the controller parameter, the application fails to properly validate these inputs, allowing the attacker to bypass normal access controls and potentially execute arbitrary code or retrieve sensitive files from the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" when combined with other attack vectors. The flaw essentially allows attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files that should remain restricted, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems, potentially leading to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, user information, and other critical system resources that may be stored within the server's filesystem. The vulnerability affects all Joomla! installations using the vulnerable com_joomlaflickr component version 1.0.3, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple websites share common infrastructure or where the component is widely deployed. This type of vulnerability is especially concerning in web hosting environments where multiple tenants share the same server resources, as it could potentially allow attackers to access other users' data or compromise the entire hosting environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1980 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable component to the latest available version that addresses the directory traversal vulnerability. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious path traversal sequences from being processed by the application. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can help detect and block attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all instances of the vulnerable component and ensure that proper access controls are in place to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, as outlined in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security updates and patch management procedures should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.