CVE-2010-4330 in Pulse
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includes/controller.php in Pulse CMS Basic before 1.2.9 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the p parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4330 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Pulse CMS Basic content management system prior to version 1.2.9. This weakness resides in the includes/controller.php file and specifically affects the parameter handling mechanism in the index.php script. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths by exploiting the .. (dot dot) sequence in the p parameter, which enables unauthorized access to local files on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which defines path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities as weaknesses that occur when an application allows untrusted input to influence file system access. The flaw essentially permits attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access sensitive files that should remain protected.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the p parameter in the index.php script, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker submits a malicious payload containing .. sequences in the p parameter, the CMS processes these inputs without adequate validation, allowing the attacker to traverse the file system hierarchy and access arbitrary local files. This could potentially lead to the exposure of sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential information stored on the server. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and proper file path sanitization, which are fundamental security practices that should prevent such unauthorized file access patterns.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4330 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more severe attack vectors including remote code execution and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially allowing them to gain control over the affected server. This capability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1505.003 for "Server Software Component" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter" when combined with the ability to execute local files. The vulnerability affects organizations using Pulse CMS Basic versions prior to 1.2.9, creating a significant risk for websites that rely on this content management system for their web presence. The exposure of sensitive files could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and potential compromise of the entire web infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching and updating of the Pulse CMS Basic installation to version 1.2.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the directory traversal issue. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The fix typically involves implementing proper path normalization and restricting file access to predefined directories, ensuring that user input cannot manipulate the file inclusion process. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter patterns, restricting file permissions to limit access to sensitive files, and conducting regular security audits of web applications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper secure coding practices and input validation, particularly when dealing with file system operations and user-supplied parameters.