CVE-2017-10841 in Webcalendar
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in WebCalendar 1.2.7 and earlier allows authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files via unspecified vectors.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2022
The CVE-2017-10841 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting WebCalendar version 1.2.7 and earlier systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanism of the web calendar application, allowing attackers who have already gained valid credentials to exploit a weakness in file path handling. The vulnerability exists within the application's processing of user-supplied input that controls file access operations, creating an opportunity for unauthorized file system access. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of file path parameters, which enables malicious users to manipulate the application's file access routines through crafted requests that traverse directory structures beyond intended boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated attack vectors where an attacker with legitimate user credentials can manipulate file access parameters to read arbitrary files from the server's file system. This typically involves crafting specific request parameters that include directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that bypass normal access controls and allow access to sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other system resources. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised or where attackers can obtain valid credentials through social engineering or other means. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. This classification indicates that the vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize file path inputs before using them in file system operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-10841 extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, potentially exposing sensitive system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. An attacker could access database configuration files containing database credentials, application source code revealing implementation details, or system configuration files that might contain additional security weaknesses. This information disclosure could enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, database compromise, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects web applications that handle file operations and user inputs without proper sanitization, creating a persistent risk for organizations using outdated WebCalendar versions. The impact is further amplified by the fact that the vulnerability requires minimal additional attack vectors beyond authentication, making it accessible to attackers who have already compromised user accounts or obtained valid credentials through other means.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies addressing this vulnerability through multiple layers of security controls. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to WebCalendar version 1.2.8 or later, which includes patches specifically addressing the directory traversal flaw. Additionally, implementing input validation and sanitization measures at the application level can help prevent malicious path traversal attempts even if the primary vulnerability is not patched. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software inventory and implementing regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar weaknesses across the organization's technology stack. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous file access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, specifically targeting the T1078 and T1566 sub-techniques that involve legitimate credentials and valid accounts for unauthorized access. The vulnerability demonstrates how authenticated access can be leveraged to escalate privileges and access sensitive information through application-level flaws.