CVE-2005-1864 in Calendarix Advanced
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in cal_admintop.php in Calendarix Advanced 1.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the calpath parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1864 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Calendarix Advanced 1.5 web application, specifically within the cal_admintop.php component. This issue arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic file inclusion operations. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes the calpath parameter without sufficient security controls, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system. Such flaws typically occur in applications that dynamically include files based on user input without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-98, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in os command injection attacks. Attackers can manipulate the calpath parameter to reference malicious remote files hosted on attacker-controlled servers, effectively bypassing local security restrictions and gaining unauthorized code execution capabilities. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of remote code execution through file inclusion mechanisms, which has been consistently documented in various security frameworks including the CWE dictionary and MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of code injection. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to secure application development.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the affected system. Once successfully exploited, adversaries can establish backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects web applications that utilize dynamic file inclusion patterns without proper security controls, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share common infrastructure or where the affected system serves as a gateway to more sensitive resources. Organizations running Calendarix Advanced 1.5 are at significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of several security controls that align with industry best practices and security standards. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. Organizations should employ allow-list validation techniques to restrict the calpath parameter to predefined, safe values rather than accepting arbitrary input. Additionally, the application should be configured to disable remote file inclusion capabilities entirely, using php.ini settings such as allow_url_include = Off. Security measures should also include regular security audits, input validation testing, and the implementation of web application firewalls to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in application design, ensuring that dynamic file inclusion operations are properly secured against malicious input manipulation.