CVE-2006-0183 in Calendar Project
Summary
by MITRE
Direct static code injection vulnerability in edit.php in ACal Calendar Project 2.2.5 allows authenticated users to execute arbitrary PHP code via (1) the edit=header value, which modifies header.php, or (2) the edit=footer value, which modifies footer.php. NOTE: this issue might be resultant from the poor authentication as identified by CVE-2006-0182. Since the design of the product allows the administrator to edit the code, perhaps this issue should not be included in CVE, except as a consequence of CVE-2006-0182.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2017
The CVE-2006-0183 vulnerability represents a critical direct static code injection flaw within the ACal Calendar Project version 2.2.5, specifically targeting the edit.php component. This vulnerability operates through a dangerous parameter manipulation technique where authenticated users can inject arbitrary PHP code into the system by exploiting the edit parameter with specific values. The flaw manifests when users provide the edit=header or edit=footer values, which subsequently modify the header.php and footer.php files respectively, creating a pathway for malicious code execution within the web application's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper sanitization of user-supplied parameters within the application's administrative interface. When authenticated users manipulate the edit parameter to target header.php or footer.php files, the application fails to properly validate or escape the input before incorporating it into the code execution flow. This design flaw allows attackers to inject malicious PHP code that gets executed within the context of the web server, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-94, which describes the weakness of executing arbitrary code or commands, and represents a classic example of code injection where user input is directly incorporated into executable code without proper security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it provides authenticated attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code with the privileges of the web server. This capability allows for complete system compromise including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only authenticated access, which is typically easier to obtain than unauthenticated exploitation methods. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, modify application behavior, or use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability's relationship with CVE-2006-0182 highlights a concerning pattern of security weaknesses within the ACal Calendar Project, where poor authentication mechanisms compound the impact of code injection vulnerabilities. The interconnected nature of these issues suggests fundamental architectural flaws in the application's security design, where administrative functionality lacks proper access controls and input validation. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security landscape where weak authentication creates cascading effects that amplify the impact of code injection flaws. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input validation, employing secure coding practices, and ensuring that administrative interfaces properly sanitize all user inputs before processing. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of defense-in-depth approaches where multiple security controls work together to prevent exploitation even when individual controls fail.
The security implications of CVE-2006-0183 extend to the broader category of web application security where code injection vulnerabilities remain among the most prevalent and dangerous threats. This particular vulnerability exemplifies how seemingly minor design flaws in parameter handling can create significant security risks, particularly when combined with weak authentication mechanisms. The issue underscores the necessity for comprehensive security testing including dynamic analysis and input validation reviews to identify such dangerous code injection vectors. Organizations should implement robust monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unauthorized code modifications, as well as regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within their infrastructure.