CVE-2009-1406 in TotalCalendar
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in cms_detect.php in TotalCalendar 2.4 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the include parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1406 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the TotalCalendar 2.4 web application, specifically affecting the cms_detect.php script. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the include parameter processing mechanism, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to manipulate file inclusion paths.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables attackers to traverse the file system hierarchy by exploiting the .. (dot dot) sequences in the include parameter. When the cms_detect.php script processes user-supplied input without proper validation, it directly incorporates the malicious path into its file inclusion logic, allowing arbitrary local file access. This weakness can be leveraged to include and execute any file accessible to the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can utilize this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or system files that should remain protected from external access.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-1406 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can facilitate arbitrary code execution on the affected server. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with limited system permissions but may still provide access to sensitive data or enable further attack vectors. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web applications. This type of attack can result in data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the vulnerable application resides.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures. The primary defense involves implementing strict parameter validation that rejects any input containing directory traversal sequences or special characters. Web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious path traversal patterns, while the application code must be updated to use whitelisting approaches for file inclusion operations. Security patches should be applied immediately if available, and the system should be configured to run with minimal necessary privileges. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future development cycles. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, highlighting the potential for both execution and privilege escalation attacks that can occur through such path traversal exploits.