CVE-2010-4769 in Com Jimtawl
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Jimtawl (com_jimtawl) component 1.0.2 Joomla! allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files and possibly have unspecified other impact via a .. (dot dot) in the task parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2025
The CVE-2010-4769 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Jimtawl component version 1.0.2 for Joomla! content management systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the component's handling of user input through the task parameter in the index.php file, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict directory navigation sequences, enabling attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of standard directory traversal sequences such as "..".
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Jimtawl component processes user-supplied input without sufficient sanitization, allowing attackers to inject directory traversal sequences into the task parameter. When the component processes these malicious inputs, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the path components, resulting in the system interpreting the traversal sequences as legitimate navigation commands. This flaw enables attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted, including configuration files, database credentials, and other sensitive system resources. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4769 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially enabling attackers to gain comprehensive knowledge of the target system's file structure and sensitive data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read system configuration files, database connection details, and other critical information that could facilitate further attacks. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the vulnerability description suggest potential additional consequences including privilege escalation, denial of service conditions, or the ability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-22, which addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe security implications. Organizations running affected Joomla! installations should immediately apply patches or updates to the Jimtawl component, as the vulnerability has been widely documented and exploited in the wild. The recommended mitigations include implementing proper input validation, restricting file access permissions, and deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block directory traversal attempts. Additionally, regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components and applications within the organization's infrastructure, as this type of vulnerability often indicates broader security implementation gaps that may affect other system components.