CVE-2014-10010 in Appointment Scheduler
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in PHPJabbers Appointment Scheduler 2.0 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the id parameter in a pjActionDownload action to the pjBackup controller.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The CVE-2014-10010 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw in PHPJabbers Appointment Scheduler version 2.0 that exposes sensitive system files to remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically affects the pjBackup controller's pjActionDownload action where the id parameter fails to properly validate user input, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths through directory traversal sequences. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and path validation mechanisms within the application's file handling routines, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged to access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a fundamental security weakness that has plagued web applications for decades.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests that include .. (dot dot) sequences in the id parameter, effectively navigating beyond the intended directory boundaries and accessing files that should remain protected. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers can potentially read configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive materials that may contain authentication tokens, encryption keys, or other critical system information. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1213.002 for "Data from Information Repositories" and can be categorized as a privilege escalation vector when combined with other attack vectors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal effort to exploit and can provide attackers with comprehensive insights into the target system's architecture and configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to extract sensitive data without authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise. When combined with other vulnerabilities or reconnaissance activities, this directory traversal flaw can serve as a gateway for more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, backdoor installation, or lateral movement within the network. Organizations running vulnerable versions of PHPJabbers Appointment Scheduler face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized data access. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate security controls that are commonly found in legacy web applications, highlighting the importance of secure coding practices and regular security assessments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-10010 should include immediate patching of the affected software to the latest version that addresses the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms that prevent directory traversal sequences from being processed as legitimate file paths. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by restricting file access permissions and ensuring that web applications operate with minimal required privileges. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can be configured to detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns in incoming requests. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and to ensure that proper security controls are in place to prevent unauthorized file access. Organizations should also implement proper logging and monitoring of file access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain compliance with security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.