CVE-2010-4283 in Pandora FMS
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in extras/pandora_diag.php in Pandora FMS before 3.1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the argv[1] parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4283 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Pandora FMS monitoring platform version 3.1.0 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the extras/pandora_diag.php component where the application fails to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file inclusion operations. The specific parameter affected is argv[1], which is processed without adequate sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that are then executed as PHP code on the target server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-88, which describes improper neutralization of argument separators in a command, and more specifically aligns with CWE-94, which encompasses inadequate control of generation of code, commonly known as code injection vulnerabilities. The flaw enables attackers to leverage the application's legitimate file inclusion mechanisms to execute malicious code remotely, effectively bypassing normal security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system with the privileges of the web server process. This capability enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to data exfiltration, system compromise, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms within the compromised environment. The vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests that manipulate the argv[1] parameter, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for execution through PHP and T1078 for valid accounts usage, while also supporting T1566 for initial access through remote services. The attack chain typically begins with reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable Pandora FMS installation, followed by crafting malicious URLs that leverage the argv[1] parameter to include attacker-controlled PHP files, ultimately leading to full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4283 require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against exploitation attempts. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading the Pandora FMS platform to version 3.1.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for the argv[1] parameter. Organizations should also implement input validation at the application level by filtering and sanitizing all user-supplied input, particularly parameters that are used in file inclusion operations. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls can be configured to detect and block suspicious patterns in URL parameters that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web server process with minimal required permissions, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper parameter validation, aligning with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top 10 and NIST guidelines for secure software development.