CVE-2010-4798 in OrangeHRM
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in OrangeHRM 2.6.0.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in the uri parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2025
The CVE-2010-4798 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in OrangeHRM version 2.6.0.1 that exposes the system to remote code execution through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically affects the index.php file where the uri parameter is processed without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths. The flaw stems from the application's failure to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can navigate the file system beyond intended boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic directory traversal pattern where attackers can manipulate the uri parameter to access files outside the application's intended directory structure. By crafting malicious input sequences such as ../ or ../../, an attacker can traverse the file system hierarchy and potentially access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, or system files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a well-documented weakness in web application security that has been consistently exploited across various platforms and frameworks. This weakness allows attackers to bypass access controls and retrieve unauthorized information.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations using OrangeHRM 2.6.0.1 as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can lead to complete system compromise. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially gaining administrative privileges and establishing persistent access to the organization's human resources database. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, making it an ideal target for automated exploitation tools. This vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise and significantly increasing the attack surface for organizations that have not patched this issue.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4798 should include immediate patching of the OrangeHRM application to version 2.6.1 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent similar issues in other applications. The remediation process should involve filtering user input, implementing proper path validation, and restricting file access permissions to prevent unauthorized file system traversal. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and unauthorized attempts to traverse directory structures. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands on compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security configuration reviews to prevent similar directory traversal vulnerabilities from occurring in other parts of their infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where applications should never trust user input and should always validate and sanitize all external data before processing.