CVE-2011-5109 in Freelancer calendar
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Freelancer calendar 1.01 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the SearchField parameter in a search action to (1) category_list.php, (2) Copy_of_calendar_list.php, (3) customer_statistics_list.php, (4) customer_list.php, and (5) task_statistics_list.php in the worldcalendar directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5109 represents a critical security flaw in Freelancer calendar version 1.01 and earlier, specifically targeting multiple web applications within the worldcalendar directory. This issue manifests as multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities that enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of the SearchField parameter during search operations. The affected files include category_list.php, Copy_of_calendar_list.php, customer_statistics_list.php, customer_list.php, and task_statistics_list.php, all of which process user input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's database interaction layers, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls and inject malicious payloads directly into the database queries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when attackers submit specially crafted SearchField parameters containing SQL injection payloads to any of the listed PHP files. These payloads can manipulate the underlying database queries to extract sensitive information, modify database records, or even execute arbitrary commands on the server. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses that occur when application code incorporates user-supplied data into SQL queries without proper sanitization. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it allows remote code execution and data manipulation from any location, as the vulnerability exists in web-accessible files that do not require authentication for the initial injection point. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential complete system compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user information and system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5109 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on the Freelancer calendar system for business operations. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to customer data, calendar entries, and potentially user credentials stored within the database. The vulnerability's presence in multiple files increases the attack surface and makes it more difficult to secure the application comprehensively, as each affected file requires individual patching or input validation implementation. Organizations using this calendar system face risks of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized data access. The vulnerability also enables attackers to perform persistent attacks by injecting malicious scripts that can execute whenever the affected pages are accessed, creating a long-term security risk that can remain undetected for extended periods. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004, which describes the use of application layer protocols for command and control communications, as the injected scripts can establish persistent communication channels with attacker-controlled systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5109 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the Freelancer calendar system that implements proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should implement input sanitization mechanisms that filter or escape special characters in user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on SQL metacharacters and script tags. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should be mandatory for all database interactions to ensure that user input cannot alter the intended structure of SQL commands. Additionally, organizations should deploy web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious traffic patterns, implement proper access controls to limit database access permissions, and establish regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The security posture should also include regular patch management procedures and security awareness training for developers to prevent the introduction of similar flaws in future application development cycles.