CVE-2005-3984 in WebCalendar
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in WebCalendar 1.0.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the time_range parameter to edit_report_handler.php. NOTE: the startid/activity_log.php vector is already covered by CVE-2005-3949.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-3984 represents a critical sql injection flaw in WebCalendar version 1.0.1 that exposes the application to remote code execution attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the edit_report_handler.php script where the time_range parameter is processed without proper input validation or sanitization. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary sql commands directly into the database query execution flow, potentially enabling full database compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive calendar data. The vulnerability operates through the parameter parsing mechanism that fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql statements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation practices within the web application's data handling pipeline. When the time_range parameter is submitted through the edit_report_handler.php endpoint, the application directly incorporates this value into sql queries without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates an exploitable condition where attackers can manipulate the sql execution context by injecting malicious sql syntax that alters the intended query behavior. The vulnerability is classified under cwe-89 sql injection within the common weakness enumeration framework, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. This weakness type is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract confidential data, modify database contents, or even execute operating system commands on the underlying database server.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3984 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full system compromise potential. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to calendar events, user accounts, and associated metadata stored within the web calendar database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a web application commonly used for scheduling and calendar management, which often contains sensitive business or personal information. Successful exploitation could result in complete database disclosure, unauthorized modification of calendar entries, user account takeovers, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable application resides. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to compromise the affected system, making it particularly dangerous for internet-facing applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries throughout the application's data handling processes. Developers should adopt prepared statements or parameterized queries that separate sql command structure from data values, preventing malicious input from altering sql execution plans. Additionally, comprehensive input sanitization should be implemented to filter out special sql characters and sequences that could be used for injection attacks. The application should also implement proper error handling that does not reveal database structure information to users, as this can aid attackers in crafting more sophisticated attacks. Security measures should include regular code reviews focusing on sql query construction, implementation of web application firewalls, and enforcement of least privilege principles for database access. This vulnerability aligns with several attack techniques documented in the mitre att&ck framework, particularly those related to command and control communications and credential access through database exploitation techniques. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and provide early warning capabilities for such sql injection attacks.