CVE-2004-1787 in PostCalendar
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in PostCalendar 4.0.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via search queries.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-1787 represents a critical sql injection flaw within PostCalendar version 4.0.0, a web-based calendar application that was widely deployed in enterprise and organizational environments during the early 2000s. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of search queries, where user input is improperly sanitized before being incorporated into database execution statements. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql code through search parameters, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands, making it a classic and well-documented sql injection vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper input validation and parameterized query construction within PostCalendar's search functionality. When users submit search terms through the application's interface, the system directly concatenates these inputs into sql query strings without appropriate sanitization or escaping mechanisms. Attackers can manipulate search parameters to inject sql payloads that bypass authentication, extract sensitive data, modify database records, or even execute system commands depending on the database backend and permissions granted to the application's database user account. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in input handling practices that violates secure coding principles and industry standards such as those outlined in the owasp top ten project, specifically targeting the sql injection category.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete database compromise and potential system infiltration. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to access confidential calendar data, user information, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative access to the database server itself. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that PostCalendar was often deployed in environments where sensitive organizational information was stored, making the potential for data breaches and unauthorized access particularly severe. This vulnerability also aligns with several tactics described in the mitre att&ck framework under the initial access and execution phases, where adversaries establish footholds through web application exploitation techniques.
Organizations utilizing PostCalendar 4.0.0 should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of PostCalendar that properly implements parameterized queries and input validation. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, including the use of prepared statements and proper sql escaping techniques, can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems should be deployed to monitor for suspicious search patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, with particular attention to the secure coding practices that prevent sql injection attacks. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing robust security controls in web applications to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources.