CVE-2010-4399 in DynPG
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in languages.inc.php in DynPG CMS 4.1.1 and 4.2.0, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the CHG_DYNPG_SET_LANGUAGE parameter to index.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4399 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the DynPG CMS 4.1.1 and 4.2.0 versions, specifically affecting the languages.inc.php component. This weakness occurs when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability manifests through manipulation of the CHG_DYNPG_SET_LANGUAGE parameter within the index.php script, where attackers can inject directory traversal sequences using the .. (dot dot) notation to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal file access controls and potentially retrieve sensitive system files, configuration data, or even execute arbitrary code depending on the server environment and file permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which categorizes directory traversal attacks as a fundamental weakness in input validation and access control mechanisms. Attackers exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that include ../ sequences in the CHG_DYNPG_SET_LANGUAGE parameter, effectively allowing them to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain protected. This type of attack operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious files, potentially leading to broader system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to read sensitive information such as database credentials, application configuration files, or even system files that may contain authentication tokens or other critical data. The lack of proper input sanitization combined with the absence of magic_quotes_gpc protection creates a direct path for attackers to manipulate file access patterns and potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4399 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories. Organizations running affected DynPG CMS versions face significant risk of data breaches, as attackers can potentially access not only application files but also underlying database configurations, user credentials, and system-level information. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. Additionally, the exploitation can result in denial of service conditions if attackers target critical system files, or provide attackers with footholds for further reconnaissance and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. This type of vulnerability can also facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as web shell installation or privilege escalation, depending on the server configuration and file permissions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4399 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates and proper input validation implementation. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of DynPG CMS that addresses the directory traversal vulnerability and implements proper parameter validation. Organizations should also implement input sanitization measures that validate and filter all user-supplied data, particularly parameters that influence file system operations. Security measures should include disabling magic_quotes_gpc in PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls that restrict file system access to only necessary application components. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns, employing strict file access controls, and conducting regular security audits of web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous file access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining current security practices and the necessity of proper input validation as fundamental security controls that prevent a wide range of injection-based attacks.