CVE-2007-6554 in TeamCal Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in TeamCal Pro 3.1.000 and earlier allow remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter to (1) index.php, (2) register.php, (3) login.php, or (4) statistics.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-6554 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting TeamCal Pro version 3.1.000 and earlier installations. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of the lang parameter within four core script files including index.php, register.php, login.php, and statistics.php. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms by exploiting the .. (dot dot) sequence in the lang parameter, which enables access to arbitrary local files on the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-22 category, specifically classified as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", which is a fundamental security weakness in software applications that process user-supplied input without proper validation or sanitization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the lang parameter input before using it in file inclusion operations. When an attacker submits a crafted payload containing .. sequences, the application processes these inputs without adequate restrictions, allowing the attacker to traverse directories and access files that should remain protected. The impact extends beyond simple file reading to potentially enabling arbitrary code execution if the application includes PHP files or other executable content. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which describes the use of malicious file inclusion to execute arbitrary code, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe privilege escalation and data exposure scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2007-6554 is significant for organizations using affected TeamCal Pro installations, as it provides attackers with the capability to access sensitive server files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and potentially system files that could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user data, modify application behavior, or establish persistent access points within the target environment. The vulnerability affects the authentication and registration processes of the calendar application, which means that attackers could potentially manipulate user accounts, access user data, or disrupt service availability. The fact that multiple core files are affected increases the attack surface and potential impact of exploitation. Organizations using this software would face risks of data breaches, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate input validation and sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file inclusion operations. The most effective immediate fix involves implementing proper parameter validation that rejects or normalizes any input containing .. sequences or other path traversal attempts. Organizations should also implement proper access controls and file permissions to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. The recommended approach includes validating the lang parameter against a whitelist of approved language files, implementing proper input sanitization routines, and ensuring that the application operates with minimal required privileges. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and secure coding practices, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 2021 category A03:2021 - Injection, and serves as a reminder of the necessity for regular security assessments and patch management processes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in legacy software systems.