CVE-2006-4060 in Visual Events Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in calendar.php in Visual Events Calendar 1.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the cfg_dir parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-4060 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the Visual Events Calendar 1.1 web application, specifically within the calendar.php script. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and improper input validation, as defined by CWE-20 and CWE-94 respectively. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input passed through the cfg_dir parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary URLs that can be executed as PHP code on the target server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL and passes it through the cfg_dir parameter in the calendar.php script. The application then attempts to include this remote file, executing any PHP code contained within it without proper sanitization or validation. This creates a pathway for remote code execution that can be leveraged to gain full control over the affected web server, potentially leading to data theft, service disruption, or further network compromise. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically mapping to technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities, as it can be used to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or serve as a launchpad for more sophisticated attacks within the target network. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, manipulate database contents, or modify application behavior to hide malicious activities. The risk is amplified by the fact that this vulnerability affects a calendar application that is likely to be accessible from the internet, making it a prime target for automated scanning and exploitation. Organizations running this specific version of Visual Events Calendar are particularly vulnerable as the flaw exists in the core application logic without proper input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Visual Events Calendar application to version 1.2 or later, which addresses the remote file inclusion issue through proper input validation and sanitization. System administrators should implement proper parameter validation by using allowlists or strict input filtering to prevent unauthorized URL inclusion. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by running web applications with minimal necessary permissions and by implementing proper input sanitization at all entry points. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file inclusion patterns and unauthorized access attempts to web application parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing secure coding practices that prevent remote file inclusion vulnerabilities by avoiding dynamic file inclusion based on user input and by using absolute paths instead of relative or user-supplied paths for file operations.