CVE-2009-0364 in WebCit
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the mini_calendar component in Citadel.org WebCit 7.22, and other versions before 7.39, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0364 represents a critical format string flaw within the mini_calendar component of Citadel.org WebCit software version 7.22 and earlier releases. This issue affects a widely used collaborative software platform that provides web-based email, calendaring, and collaboration services. The format string vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in printf-style functions, creating opportunities for malicious input to manipulate the program's execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper input handling within the mini_calendar module, which processes calendar-related data through format string functions. When attackers supply specially crafted input containing format specifiers such as %s, %d, or %x, they can cause the application to read from or write to arbitrary memory locations. This behavior enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected application process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a format string vulnerability aligns with CWE-134, which specifically addresses the improper use of format strings in applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risk to organizations relying on Citadel.org WebCit for their collaboration infrastructure. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible systems. The impact extends beyond simple code execution to include potential data breaches, system compromise, and service disruption. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to calendar data, email messages, and other sensitive information stored within the Citadel environment, while also potentially establishing persistent access through backdoor creation or privilege escalation.
The exploitation of CVE-2009-0364 aligns with various tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to code injection and privilege escalation techniques. The vulnerability's remote attack surface makes it susceptible to automated exploitation tools, and its presence in widely deployed software increases the potential attack volume. Organizations implementing the affected software should prioritize immediate patching to version 7.39 or later, as this release contains the necessary fixes for the format string vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation, deploying intrusion detection systems, and monitoring for suspicious input patterns in calendar and web application logs. Security professionals should also consider the broader implications of format string vulnerabilities in legacy applications and implement comprehensive input validation controls across all components that process user-supplied data.