CVE-2005-3949 in WebCalendar
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in WebCalendar 1.0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) startid parameter to activity_log.php, (2) startid parameter to admin_handler.php, (3) template parameter to edit_template.php, and (4) multiple parameters to export_handler.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3949 represents a critical security flaw in WebCalendar version 1.0.1, a widely used web-based calendar application designed for managing events and scheduling. This vulnerability manifests as multiple SQL injection weaknesses that collectively enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The affected parameters span across several key administrative and operational scripts within the application, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited without requiring authentication or privileged access. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is classified as a persistent and dangerous flaw that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through malicious input.
The technical exploitation of these vulnerabilities occurs through improper input validation and sanitization within the WebCalendar application's PHP scripts. When attackers manipulate the startid parameter in activity_log.php and admin_handler.php, or the template parameter in edit_template.php, or multiple parameters in export_handler.php, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before incorporating it into SQL queries. This lack of input sanitization creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the database engine, potentially allowing complete database compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core administrative functions, enabling attackers to access, modify, or delete sensitive calendar data, user accounts, and system configurations.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3949 extends beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise and unauthorized access to all calendar-related information. Attackers could potentially extract user credentials, calendar entries, administrative settings, and other sensitive data stored in the database. The vulnerability's reach across multiple scripts means that even a single successful exploitation attempt could provide access to various system functions, including administrative capabilities. This represents a significant threat to organizations relying on WebCalendar for business operations, as the compromise could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations. The attack surface is further expanded due to the lack of authentication requirements for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the application is accessible from untrusted networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-3949 should prioritize immediate patching of the WebCalendar application to version 1.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for these SQL injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, including the use of prepared statements and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the calendar application to untrusted users. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190, this vulnerability aligns with the technique of exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and organizations should consider implementing defensive measures such as regular security assessments and code reviews to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and following secure coding practices to prevent injection flaws that can be exploited for complete system compromise.