CVE-2010-4810 in AR Web Content Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple PHP remote file inclusion vulnerabilities in AR Web Content Manager (AWCM) 2.1 final allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the theme_file parameter to (1) includes/window_top.php and (2) header.php, and the (3) lang_file parameter to control/common.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
The CVE-2010-4810 vulnerability represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw discovered in AR Web Content Manager version 2.1 final, exposing multiple attack vectors that enable remote code execution. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, with the specific weakness categorized as CWE-88 for argument injection and CWE-94 for arbitrary code execution through dynamic function calls. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into file inclusion operations, creating a pathway for attackers to inject malicious URLs that can be executed within the context of the web server.
The technical exploitation occurs through three distinct entry points within the application's codebase. The first vector targets includes/window_top.php where the theme_file parameter can be manipulated to include remote files, while the second vector operates through header.php with identical vulnerability characteristics. The third and final vector resides in control/common.php where the lang_file parameter presents the same risk. These vulnerabilities demonstrate poor input validation practices where the application directly incorporates user-provided parameters into include or require statements without proper sanitization or whitelisting mechanisms. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers can leverage these vectors to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process. This can result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and establishment of persistent backdoors within the affected environment. The vulnerability affects the web application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing attackers to gain administrative access to the content management system. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, modify content, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential denial of service conditions and data integrity compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4810 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, specifically ensuring that the theme_file and lang_file parameters undergo strict validation before being used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should implement whitelisting mechanisms that only permit known, legitimate values for these parameters while rejecting any input that appears to reference external URLs or file paths. Additionally, the application should be updated to a patched version that properly escapes or validates all dynamic file inclusion operations. Network-level mitigations include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL patterns and parameter manipulation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the principle of least privilege in system design. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack, with particular attention to dynamic file inclusion patterns and user input handling mechanisms.