CVE-2010-3204 in Pecio
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in Pecio CMS 2.0.5 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the template parameter to (1) post.php, (2) article.php, (3) blog.php, or (4) home.php in pec_templates/nova-blue/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3204 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw affecting Pecio CMS version 2.0.5. This vulnerability resides within the template parameter handling mechanism of several core PHP scripts including post.php, article.php, blog.php, and home.php. The flaw enables malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code by manipulating the template parameter with a malicious URL, creating a direct pathway for remote code execution. This issue falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, representing improper control of generation of code, commonly known as code injection vulnerabilities. The vulnerability operates through a classic remote file inclusion attack vector where an attacker can leverage the template parameter to load external content, thereby executing malicious code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the CMS fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the template parameter. In the affected Pecio CMS versions, the application directly incorporates user-supplied template paths without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to specify URLs that point to malicious PHP scripts hosted on remote servers. When the vulnerable scripts process these parameters, they execute the code from the remote location, effectively granting the attacker complete control over the affected system. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and proper parameter sanitization, which are core security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT/CC secure coding guidelines. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects multiple entry points within the CMS, increasing the probability of successful exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breach scenarios. Successful exploitation allows attackers to upload additional malicious files, modify existing content, steal sensitive data, and establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the CMS, potentially leading to service disruption, unauthorized access to user data, and reputational damage for organizations relying on the affected platform. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes the use of remote services to gain initial access, and T1059, representing command and scripting interpreter usage. The implications for organizations include potential regulatory compliance violations, financial losses, and the need for extensive forensic analysis and system remediation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves applying the vendor-supplied patch or upgrading to a non-vulnerable version of Pecio CMS. Organizations should also implement input validation measures to sanitize all user-supplied data, particularly parameters used in file inclusion operations. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and regularly monitoring system logs for suspicious activity can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues within the application codebase, as this vulnerability demonstrates poor coding practices that may exist elsewhere in the system. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions while maintaining the application's functionality and user experience.