CVE-2010-2341 in EZPX Photoblog
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in system/application/views/public/commentform.php in EZPX Photoblog 1.2 beta allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the tpl_base_dir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2341 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the EZPX Photoblog 1.2 beta content management system. This vulnerability exists in the commentform.php file located within the system/application/views/public directory structure, making it accessible through the web application's public interface. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict user-supplied data from being directly incorporated into file inclusion operations. The specific parameter tpl_base_dir serves as the attack vector, where remote adversaries can inject malicious URLs that get processed by the application's file inclusion logic, thereby enabling arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable server.
This vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-98, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with the broader ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote file inclusion vulnerabilities. The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic case of insecure direct object reference combined with dynamic code execution capabilities. When the application processes the tpl_base_dir parameter without proper validation, it essentially trusts user input to determine which files should be included and executed, creating an avenue for attackers to load and execute malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it allows full remote code execution, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over the affected web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption. Attackers exploiting this flaw can establish persistent backdoors, install malware, steal sensitive user data, and use the compromised server as a launching point for further attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. Furthermore, since the vulnerability affects a core component of the photoblog application's user interface, it provides attackers with a legitimate entry point that would likely remain undetected for extended periods. The affected system becomes vulnerable to various attack vectors including but not limited to web shell deployment, database compromise, and privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2341 must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The most effective immediate solution involves patching the application to version 1.2 final or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters before they are processed by the application's file inclusion mechanisms. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting the web server's ability to include files from arbitrary locations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper parameter validation as outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.