CVE-2009-1319 in Guest Cal
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in includes/ini.inc.php in GuestCal 2.1 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter to index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1319 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within GuestCal 2.1's web application framework. This security weakness resides in the includes/ini.inc.php file and manifests through improper input validation mechanisms that fail to adequately sanitize user-supplied parameters. The vulnerability specifically affects the lang parameter within the index.php script, creating an exploitable condition where remote attackers can manipulate file inclusion paths through the use of directory traversal sequences.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the .. (dot dot) sequence to navigate upward through the directory structure, bypassing intended file access restrictions. When the application processes the lang parameter without proper validation, it allows attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can lead to unauthorized file access and execution. This flaw directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability enables attackers to include and execute arbitrary files that may contain malicious code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the target system. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to access sensitive system files, potentially gain unauthorized privileges, and establish persistent access to the affected web server. The vulnerability affects the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, as the directory traversal allows bypassing normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized file access. This weakness particularly impacts web applications that dynamically include files based on user input without proper sanitization, creating a vector for code injection and privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the GuestCal application. The most effective approach involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects or filters out directory traversal sequences before processing user input. Security measures should include whitelisting acceptable language parameter values, implementing proper file access controls, and ensuring that all file inclusion operations occur within predetermined safe directories. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious directory traversal attempts. The remediation process must address the root cause by modifying the includes/ini.inc.php file to sanitize the lang parameter and prevent path traversal attacks, aligning with the principle of least privilege and secure coding practices. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack.