CVE-2001-1296 in More.groupware
Summary
by MITRE
More.groupware PHP script allows remote attackers to include arbitrary files from remote web sites via an HTTP request that sets the includedir variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1296 represents a classic remote file inclusion flaw affecting More.groupware PHP scripts. This security weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems by manipulating the includedir variable through HTTP requests. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data within the PHP application's file inclusion mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to load and execute remote code from external web servers.
This flaw directly maps to CWE-98, which describes improper file inclusion vulnerabilities where applications include files based on user input without proper sanitization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and exploits the trust relationship between the web server and client-side inputs. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting HTTP requests that specify malicious URLs in the includedir parameter, effectively bypassing local file access controls and potentially gaining unauthorized access to system resources. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate sanitization of user-provided parameters that should never be trusted without proper verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain remote code execution capabilities, potentially allowing them to install backdoors, escalate privileges, or access confidential information stored on the target system. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where More.groupware may be used for business-critical operations. This type of vulnerability also enables attackers to perform lateral movement within networks and can serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation and sanitization practices. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied inputs are properly validated and sanitized before being used in file inclusion operations. The recommended approach includes implementing allowlists for acceptable file paths and using absolute paths instead of relative paths when including files. Additionally, disabling remote file inclusion features in PHP configurations and implementing proper access controls can significantly reduce the attack surface. Security measures should also include regular application security testing, including code reviews and vulnerability scanning to identify similar issues in other applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, highlighting the need for proper network segmentation and monitoring of suspicious HTTP requests that attempt to include remote files. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests attempting to exploit this and similar vulnerabilities.