CVE-2009-4928 in TotalCalendar
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in config.php in TotalCalendar 2.4 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a URL in the inc_dir parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-1922 and CVE-2006-7055.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2009-4928 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in TotalCalendar 2.4's configuration file processing mechanism. This issue specifically affects the config.php script where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input passed through the inc_dir parameter. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to inject malicious URLs that are subsequently included and executed as PHP code on the target server, creating a severe attack surface that can be exploited without authentication. The flaw operates through a classic remote code execution vector where attacker-controlled input directly influences the file inclusion process, bypassing normal security boundaries.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-88, known as "Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command" and more specifically relates to CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')." The attack pattern follows the established methodology documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1190 "Exploit Public-Facing Application" and T1059.007 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell." The vulnerability exists because the application does not implement proper input validation or sanitization for the inc_dir parameter, allowing arbitrary URLs to be passed directly to PHP's include or require functions without adequate security checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected server environment. Once exploited, attackers can upload additional malicious files, establish persistent backdoors, escalate privileges, and potentially use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects the entire application stack since the config.php file is likely loaded during application initialization, meaning any user input that flows to this parameter can be leveraged for code execution. This creates a significant risk for organizations that deploy TotalCalendar 2.4 without proper patching or network segmentation, as the attack can be initiated from any location with access to the vulnerable web application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary fix involves implementing strict input validation and sanitization for the inc_dir parameter, ensuring that only predetermined, safe directories are accepted. Organizations should implement whitelisting mechanisms that restrict file inclusion to known, trusted locations while rejecting any input containing URL schemes or external references. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion prevention systems can provide additional layers of defense by monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in HTTP requests. Security teams should also consider implementing proper access controls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO/IEC 27001 security standards, emphasizing that all user-supplied data must be treated as potentially malicious and validated accordingly.