CVE-2008-5062 in Mini Web Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in php/cal_pdf.php in Mini Web Calendar (mwcal) 1.2 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in the thefile parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5062 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the Mini Web Calendar version 1.2 web application. This issue resides in the php/cal_pdf.php component where the application fails to properly validate user input before processing file operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the thefile parameter which is used to determine which calendar files should be processed for PDF generation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that allow them to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem.
This directory traversal vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive files that should remain protected within the application's directory structure. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as attackers can potentially access configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other sensitive data that may be stored in accessible locations within the web server's file system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it an attractive target for automated scanning and attack tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any organization running the affected Mini Web Calendar version. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially leading to complete system compromise if they can access database configuration files or application credentials. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable software version is deployed. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachment) as attackers can use it to discover system files and potentially create malicious PDF documents containing malware. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations and security breaches if sensitive information is accessed through this vulnerability, particularly in environments where the calendar application stores personal or business data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-5062 should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to the latest version of Mini Web Calendar that addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should implement input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file operations. The recommended approach includes implementing proper path validation that restricts file access to predetermined directories and rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal patterns in HTTP requests. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications, while also ensuring that all software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security design.