CVE-2010-3910 in vtiger
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in the return_application_language function in include/utils/utils.php in vtiger CRM before 5.2.1 allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in (1) the lang_crm parameter to phprint.php or (2) the current_language parameter in an Accounts Import action to graph.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3910 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in vtiger CRM versions prior to 5.2.1, specifically affecting the return_application_language function within include/utils/utils.php. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before processing them in file inclusion operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences, enabling unauthorized access to local files and potential code execution capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that exploit the same underlying flaw in the language parameter handling. The first vector targets phprint.php where the lang_crm parameter can be manipulated using .. (dot dot) sequences to traverse directories and include arbitrary local files. The second vector exploits the Accounts Import action in graph.php where the current_language parameter accepts similar traversal sequences. Both attack paths leverage the vulnerable return_application_language function which does not adequately validate or sanitize the input before constructing file paths for inclusion. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that falls under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using affected vtiger CRM versions. Attackers can potentially access sensitive system files, configuration data, and application source code that may contain database credentials or other confidential information. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for web applications. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to customer information managed by the CRM system. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the application's data handling processes, potentially violating data protection regulations and industry compliance requirements.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2010-3910 requires immediate patching of affected vtiger CRM installations to version 5.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts, input validation at multiple layers, and principle of least privilege access controls for application files. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of other applications using similar file inclusion patterns and ensure proper parameter validation is implemented across all user-supplied inputs. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 - Phishing, as exploitation typically involves crafting malicious URLs or import files to trigger the vulnerability, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security awareness training and email filtering solutions.