CVE-2006-3041 in Ltwcalendar
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in Ltwcalendar/calendar.php in Codewalkers Ltwcalendar 4.1.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the ltw_config[include_dir] parameter. NOTE: CVE disputes this claim, since the $ltw_config[include_dir] variable is defined as a static value in an include file before it is referenced in an include() statement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-3041 pertains to a PHP remote file inclusion issue discovered in the Codewalkers Ltwcalendar 4.1.3 web application. This type of vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that could potentially allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on the target system. The vulnerability specifically affects the calendar.php script within the Ltwcalendar application, where the ltw_config[include_dir] parameter becomes a vector for remote code execution. According to the CVE entry, this issue was disputed by the CVE Numbering Authority, which questioned the validity of the reported exploit due to the nature of how the include_dir variable was implemented in the codebase.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the PHP application. When the ltw_config[include_dir] parameter is processed, it appears that the application fails to adequately validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in an include() statement. This creates a scenario where an attacker could inject malicious URLs into the parameter, potentially causing the application to include and execute remote files. The vulnerability type aligns with CWE-98, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to remote file inclusion attacks. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a severe threat to web application security as it allows for arbitrary code execution without requiring authentication or privileged access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to the web server, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the target system. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190, which describes "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and represents a common attack vector used by threat actors targeting web applications. The disputed nature of this CVE suggests that the original exploit claims may have been based on incorrect assumptions about the code's behavior, as the variable in question was reportedly defined as a static value before being referenced in the include statement.
The security implications of this vulnerability demonstrate the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web application development. The issue highlights how even seemingly simple parameter handling can create significant security risks when proper sanitization measures are not implemented. Organizations running affected versions of the Ltwcalendar application should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameter sanitization, and code reviews to prevent exploitation. The disputed status of this CVE indicates that the vulnerability may not have been exploitable as originally reported, but the underlying security principles remain relevant for preventing similar issues in other applications. Proper security controls should include disabling remote file inclusion capabilities, implementing strict input validation, and ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed by include or require statements. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of thorough code analysis and proper security testing in web application development to prevent such dangerous security flaws from being introduced into production systems.