CVE-2010-2122 in Com Simpledownload
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the SimpleDownload (com_simpledownload) component before 0.9.6 for Joomla! allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the controller parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2122 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the SimpleDownload component for Joomla! versions prior to 0.9.6. This vulnerability resides in the component's handling of the controller parameter within the index.php file, creating an opportunity for remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms. The flaw enables adversaries to navigate directories beyond the intended scope by leveraging the .. (dot dot) sequence in the controller parameter, effectively allowing them to access arbitrary local files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation and path manipulation, which are commonly classified under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the lack of proper sanitization of user-supplied input before it is used in file operations, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass normal access controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious request that includes the .. sequence in the controller parameter of the index.php endpoint. When the vulnerable component processes this input without proper validation, it allows the attacker to traverse the file system hierarchy and potentially include local files that should remain inaccessible. This can lead to the execution of arbitrary code on the target system, as the included files may contain malicious code or sensitive configuration information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any authentication, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools. The impact extends beyond simple file disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to execute commands on compromised systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-2122 is severe for any Joomla are at risk of having their web applications compromised, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, and reputational damage. The vulnerability affects not only the confidentiality of sensitive files but also the integrity and availability of the entire web application infrastructure. Security professionals must understand that this vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that do not implement proper input validation or web application firewalls. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities often results in the compromise of the entire web server, as attackers can access configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive information that may be stored on the same system. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping content management systems and their components updated to protect against known security flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure that all vulnerable components are promptly updated, as this vulnerability was widely exploited in the wild and represents a common attack vector for web application compromises. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege in web application design, where input validation should be implemented at multiple layers to prevent such traversal attacks from succeeding.