CVE-2010-4281 in Pandora FMS
Summary
by MITRE
Incomplete blacklist vulnerability in the safe_url_extraclean function in ajax.php in Pandora FMS before 3.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code by using a page parameter containing a UNC share pathname, which bypasses the check for the : (colon) character.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4281 represents a critical security flaw in Pandora FMS version 3.1.0 and earlier, where the safe_url_extraclean function in ajax.php fails to properly validate file paths. This incomplete blacklist implementation creates a dangerous bypass mechanism that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code through crafted input. The vulnerability specifically targets the function's handling of UNC share pathnames, which are typically used in Windows networking to specify network resources using the format \\server\share\path. The flaw occurs because the security checks do not adequately prevent the colon character from being processed in URL parameters, despite the presence of a blacklist designed to block potentially dangerous inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper filtering of input parameters in the ajax.php script. When a page parameter containing a UNC share pathname is submitted to the system, the safe_url_extraclean function processes this input without properly sanitizing it against all potential attack vectors. The colon character, which is essential for UNC path syntax, is not being effectively blocked by the existing blacklist, allowing attackers to bypass security controls. This creates a scenario where malicious input can be interpreted by the PHP runtime as executable code rather than a simple file path, leading to arbitrary code execution on the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it represents a complete breakdown in the application's input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the Pandora FMS monitoring platform. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated attacks. The implications include data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where Pandora FMS is deployed, especially in enterprise monitoring scenarios where such systems often have elevated privileges.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic case of incomplete blacklist implementation that fails to account for all possible attack vectors. The flaw demonstrates weaknesses in the principle of least privilege and input sanitization, as the system does not properly validate all components of potentially dangerous input. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for PHP and T1203 for exploitation of remote services, while also contributing to broader attack chains involving initial access and privilege escalation. The remediation strategy requires implementing proper input validation, including whitelisting approaches rather than relying solely on blacklists, and ensuring that all special characters and path separators are properly sanitized. The fix should involve updating the safe_url_extraclean function to properly handle UNC path syntax and prevent any input containing potentially dangerous patterns from being processed as executable code, ultimately requiring Pandora FMS version 3.1.1 or later to mitigate this risk.