CVE-2011-5273 in Domain Technologie Control
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in shared/package-installer in Domain Technologie Control (DTC) before 0.34.1 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code via a .. (dot dot) in the pkg parameter in a do_install action to dtc/.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
The CVE-2011-5273 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Domain Technologie Control (DTC) software ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.34.1. This vulnerability exists within the shared/package-installer component and manifests as a remote authenticated code execution vector that can be exploited by attackers with valid credentials. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data, particularly when processing the pkg parameter within the do_install action of the dtc/ endpoint. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests containing directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in the pkg parameter, which allows them to manipulate the file system access paths and execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as a Directory Traversal Attack, where an attacker can access files and directories outside the intended scope by manipulating the input parameters to the application. This represents a significant security risk as it provides an attack surface that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources and potentially compromise the entire server infrastructure. The authentication requirement for exploitation indicates that while the vulnerability is remotely exploitable, attackers must first obtain valid credentials to the system, which still represents a serious security weakness given that legitimate users with access can potentially abuse this functionality. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized modification of critical system files. The affected DTC software, which provides package management capabilities, becomes a potential gateway for attackers to install malicious packages or execute arbitrary code within the system context, effectively bypassing normal security controls. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP, as it enables attackers to execute PHP code remotely through the vulnerable installation mechanism. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to persistent backdoor installation, data exfiltration, and further lateral movement within the network. Organizations using DTC versions prior to 0.34.1 face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where the software is deployed with default configurations or where user access controls are not properly enforced. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices, especially when handling file system operations and user-supplied parameters. Remediation efforts should focus on upgrading to DTC version 0.34.1 or later, which includes proper sanitization of the pkg parameter and implementation of secure file access controls. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation, access control restrictions, and monitoring of package installation activities to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the necessity of regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other components of the software stack, as directory traversal flaws are common across many web applications and can have devastating consequences when exploited at scale.