CVE-2010-4953 in JW Calendar
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the JW Calendar (jw_calendar) extension 1.3.20 and earlier for TYPO3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2018
The CVE-2010-4953 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within the JW Calendar extension version 1.3.20 and earlier for the TYPO3 content management system. This vulnerability falls under the category of remote code execution, which poses significant risks to web applications and their underlying infrastructure. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple pathways, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can potentially leverage various methods to achieve code execution on the target system. The vulnerability exists within a widely used CMS extension, amplifying its potential impact across numerous websites and organizations that rely on TYPO3 for their web presence. This type of vulnerability directly undermines the integrity and confidentiality of web applications, as unauthorized parties can gain complete control over the affected systems and potentially use them as launch points for further attacks.
The technical flaw within the JW Calendar extension appears to stem from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious inputs that bypass normal validation checks, ultimately leading to arbitrary code execution on the target server. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue indicates that no local access or authentication is required to exploit the flaw, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise large numbers of systems with minimal effort. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under the execution tactics, specifically targeting the use of malicious code to gain unauthorized access to systems. The lack of specific details about the exact exploit mechanism suggests that the vulnerability may involve improper handling of file uploads, parameter manipulation, or other common web application attack vectors that have been previously documented in CWE entries related to input validation failures.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-4953 extends far beyond simple data theft or service disruption, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent access for attackers. Organizations using affected TYPO3 installations may face unauthorized access to sensitive data, potential data exfiltration, system modification, and the establishment of backdoors for future access. The vulnerability's presence in a calendar extension also indicates that attackers could potentially use compromised systems to conduct phishing campaigns, deploy malware, or leverage the compromised environment for further reconnaissance and lateral movement within networks. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where TYPO3 systems may host critical business information or serve as part of larger web application infrastructures. The remote execution capability means that attackers can potentially compromise systems from anywhere on the internet, making traditional network security measures insufficient to prevent exploitation. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as a potential indicator of broader system compromise, as attackers often use initial access points to establish persistent presence within networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4953 should prioritize immediate remediation through the installation of updated versions of the JW Calendar extension, as this represents the most effective and direct solution to address the vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular scanning for outdated CMS extensions and plugins, as well as maintaining up-to-date security patches across all web applications. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack surface, while implementing robust monitoring solutions to detect suspicious activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security configurations should include input validation mechanisms and web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing defensive measures such as application whitelisting, monitoring for unusual file creation patterns, and maintaining detailed audit logs to track potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider conducting regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within their web application environments. Additionally, implementing proper security awareness training for administrators and developers can help prevent the installation of vulnerable extensions and maintain overall system security hygiene.