CVE-2002-2065 in Webcalendar
Summary
by MITRE
WebCalendar 0.9.34 and earlier with browsing in includes directory enabled allows remote attackers to read arbitrary include files with .inc extensions from the web root.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2025
This vulnerability exists in WebCalendar versions 0.9.34 and earlier where the application fails to properly validate user input when processing include file requests. The flaw occurs when the application enables browsing capabilities within its includes directory, allowing remote attackers to manipulate file path parameters and access arbitrary include files with .inc extensions located in the web root directory. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that can be exploited to read sensitive files that should normally be protected from direct web access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and inadequate access controls within the application's file inclusion mechanism. When users provide file parameters to the application, the system does not properly sanitize or validate these inputs before using them in file operations. This allows attackers to craft malicious requests that bypass normal file access restrictions and traverse the filesystem to access files that contain sensitive information such as database credentials, configuration settings, or application logic that should remain hidden from remote users. The vulnerability specifically targets .inc extension files, which are typically server-side include files that may contain executable code or sensitive configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exposure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access not only configuration files containing database passwords and application settings but also potentially sensitive source code that could reveal additional vulnerabilities within the application. The ability to read arbitrary include files can provide attackers with enough information to escalate their privileges, bypass authentication mechanisms, or even inject malicious code into the application. This vulnerability directly enables information disclosure and can serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks such as remote code execution or privilege escalation. The weakness aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-23 Relative Path Traversal, both of which are categorized under the broader category of insecure file handling practices that are commonly exploited in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and access controls within the application's file inclusion mechanism. The primary recommendation is to disable browsing capabilities in the includes directory and implement strict file path validation that prevents traversal outside of designated directories. Applications should employ whitelisting approaches for file inclusion operations, ensuring that only predefined and safe file paths are allowed. Additionally, the application should enforce proper access controls and implement the principle of least privilege when handling file operations. Security measures should include regular code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities, input sanitization routines, and the implementation of secure coding practices that prevent path traversal attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in web applications, as highlighted in the ATT&CK framework under the technique of Path Traversal and information gathering activities.