CVE-2006-3843 in Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in com_calendar.php in Calendar Mambo Module 1.5.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the absolute_path parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-3843 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw within the Calendar Mambo Module version 1.5.7 and earlier. This issue resides in the com_calendar.php component which fails to properly validate input parameters before incorporating external resources into the application execution flow. The vulnerability specifically targets the absolute_path parameter, which when manipulated by an attacker can lead to arbitrary code execution on the affected server. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can compromise application security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it as the absolute_path parameter to the com_calendar.php script. The module does not adequately sanitize this input, allowing the attacker to inject external PHP code that gets executed within the context of the web server. This flaw enables attackers to execute commands on the target system with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper control of code generation and execution, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services through web applications. The lack of proper input validation creates an environment where attackers can leverage the application's legitimate file inclusion mechanisms to load malicious code from remote servers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to the compromised system. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can deploy web shells, install backdoors, or extract sensitive data from the server. The vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable Calendar Mambo Module, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same infrastructure. 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 demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly innocuous parameters can become attack vectors when not properly secured.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Calendar Mambo Module to version 1.5.8 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly parameters used in file inclusion operations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal required permissions, limiting the potential damage from successful exploitation. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. Organizations should also implement proper monitoring and logging to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish incident response procedures to quickly address any exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing comprehensive security controls to protect against remote code execution threats.