CVE-2004-1508 in Webcalendar
Summary
by MITRE
init.php in WebCalendar allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary local PHP scripts via the user_inc parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1508 affects the WebCalendar application, specifically targeting the init.php script which processes user_inc parameter inputs. This represents a classic local file inclusion vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the application's parameter handling mechanism, allowing malicious actors to inject local file paths that are subsequently processed by the PHP interpreter. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the user_inc parameter within the init.php script. When a user provides a value for this parameter, the application directly incorporates it into file inclusion operations without proper validation or sanitization. This creates an attack surface where an attacker can manipulate the parameter to point to local PHP files on the server, effectively bypassing normal access controls and executing malicious code with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-98 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP." The attack chain typically involves crafting a malicious URL with the user_inc parameter pointing to a desired local file, which then gets executed by the PHP interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive server resources and data. Successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or the installation of persistent backdoors. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, gain access to database credentials, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to execute local PHP scripts that may contain malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized access to system files, user data, or even the ability to establish reverse shells. Organizations running affected WebCalendar versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1508 should focus on immediate patching of the affected WebCalendar application to the latest secure version that addresses the input validation issues. Administrators should implement proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms that reject or escape any potentially malicious input values before they are processed by the application. The use of a web application firewall can provide additional protection by filtering out suspicious requests containing malicious parameter values. Input validation should be implemented at multiple layers including application-level checks that prevent directory traversal sequences and ensure that only expected file paths are accepted. Network segmentation and access control measures can limit the attack surface by restricting direct access to vulnerable applications. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The implementation of principle of least privilege for web server accounts and regular monitoring of system logs for suspicious activity can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should maintain up-to-date vulnerability management processes and ensure timely deployment of security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.