CVE-2005-4008 in Jax Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in jax_calendar.php in Jax Calendar 1.34 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) cal_id parameter, and possibly the (2) Y and (3) m parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/28/2017
The CVE-2005-4008 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the jax_calendar.php script of Jax Calendar version 1.34, presenting a significant security risk to web applications utilizing this calendar component. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities that occur when untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw exists in the way the application processes user input parameters, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate database queries through carefully crafted input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious sql commands through three distinct parameter vectors within the calendar application. The primary attack vector utilizes the cal_id parameter, which when improperly handled, enables attackers to manipulate the underlying sql query structure. Additionally, the Y and m parameters, which likely represent year and month values respectively, can also serve as injection points. These parameters are typically used for date-based filtering or display functionality within calendar applications, making them particularly attractive targets for exploitation since they are commonly used in database operations. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to exploit the flaw, significantly expanding the potential attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary sql commands on the affected database server. This level of access can result in complete database compromise, including unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion. Attackers could potentially escalate privileges, extract sensitive information such as user credentials, personal data, or system configuration details, and even gain persistence within the target environment. The vulnerability's presence in a calendar application suggests that it may be part of a larger web application ecosystem, potentially exposing other interconnected systems or databases that share the same backend infrastructure. This interconnectedness amplifies the potential damage and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where calendar systems often integrate with user management, authentication, and other critical business applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching and code review processes to address the root cause of the sql injection flaw. Organizations should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent user-supplied data from being interpreted as sql commands. The use of prepared statements or stored procedures with proper parameter binding can effectively neutralize sql injection risks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious sql patterns and blocking known attack signatures. Security hardening practices should include restricting database user privileges to the minimum required for application functionality, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security maintenance in preventing widespread exploitation of sql injection flaws that can compromise entire database ecosystems.