CVE-2007-6696 in WebCalendar
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in WebCalendar 1.1.6 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) an event description, (2) the query string to pref.php, and (3) the adv parameter to search.php. NOTE: vector 1 requires user authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/15/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6696 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in WebCalendar version 1.1.6 that exposes the application to remote code execution through malicious web script injection. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of unsafe input handling in web applications. The flaw affects three distinct input vectors within the calendar application's interface, creating multiple attack surfaces for potential exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through three separate pathways that bypass proper input sanitization mechanisms. The first vector targets event descriptions where unfiltered user input can be injected directly into the calendar's display system, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts when other users view calendar entries. The second vector exploits the query string parameters in pref.php, a configuration file that handles user preferences, where unsanitized input can be manipulated to inject harmful code. The third vector operates through the adv parameter in search.php, which processes advanced search queries without adequate validation. These three attack vectors demonstrate a systemic weakness in the application's input validation architecture, where multiple entry points fail to implement proper sanitization measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The fact that the first vector requires user authentication adds a layer of complexity to the attack model, suggesting that authenticated users become potential conduits for privilege escalation attacks. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1531 which involves modifying system or application configuration files, and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter attacks. The security implications are particularly severe given that calendar applications often contain sensitive personal and organizational data, making them attractive targets for information theft and social engineering campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input sanitization across all application interfaces, particularly for dynamic content rendering. The recommended approach involves deploying strict output encoding mechanisms, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and establishing proper parameter validation for all user-supplied inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting these specific vectors. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process requires immediate patching of the WebCalendar application to version 1.1.7 or later, as this vulnerability was addressed in subsequent releases through enhanced input validation and sanitization measures. Additionally, security awareness training for developers should emphasize proper input handling practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future code implementations.