CVE-2010-2677 in Open Web Analytics
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in mw_plugin.php in Open Web Analytics (OWA) 1.2.3, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled and register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the IP parameter. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2677 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Open Web Analytics 1.2.3 web application. This issue resides in the mw_plugin.php file and demonstrates a classic remote file inclusion vulnerability that exploits specific PHP configuration settings to enable arbitrary code execution. The flaw occurs when the PHP environment has magic_quotes_gpc disabled and register_globals enabled, creating a dangerous combination that allows attackers to inject malicious code through carefully crafted input parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the IP parameter, which when manipulated can trigger the inclusion of remote files, thereby enabling attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through the exploitation of PHP's global variable handling mechanisms. When register_globals is enabled, all request variables become automatically available as global variables within the PHP script's scope. Combined with the absence of magic_quotes_gpc protection, which normally escapes special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, attackers can inject malicious payloads directly into the IP parameter. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument separators in a command or query, and CWE-94, which covers the execution of arbitrary code through code injection. The attack vector specifically leverages the lack of proper input validation and sanitization, allowing untrusted data to flow directly into the file inclusion mechanism.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for any organization running affected Open Web Analytics installations. Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the web server with the privileges of the web application user, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can upload malicious files, establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the web application and underlying system, as it allows unauthorized access to server resources and potentially sensitive user data collected by the analytics platform. Organizations using this version of OWA face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of Open Web Analytics, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases. System administrators should also ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is enabled or implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malicious data from being processed. Configuration changes such as disabling register_globals and implementing proper parameter validation should be enforced across all PHP applications. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can use this vulnerability to execute system commands through the web interface. Organizations should also implement network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security assessments to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the damage potential from any successful exploitation attempts, ensuring that web applications run with minimal required permissions.