CVE-2004-0613 in osTicket
Summary
by MITRE
osTicket allows remote attackers to view sensitive uploaded files and possibly execute arbitrary code via an HTTP request that uploads a PHP file to the ticket attachments directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0613 represents a critical security flaw in the osTicket help desk software that enables remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. This vulnerability specifically targets the file upload functionality within the ticket attachments directory, creating a pathway for attackers to potentially escalate their privileges and compromise the entire system. The flaw exists due to inadequate input validation and improper file handling mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or restrict file types during the upload process. The vulnerability affects versions of osTicket prior to 1.2 and demonstrates a classic example of insecure file upload vulnerabilities that have plagued web applications for over a decade.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate file extensions and content types when processing uploaded attachments. Attackers can exploit this by crafting HTTP requests that upload malicious PHP files directly to the ticket attachments directory without proper authorization. This flaw directly maps to CWE-434, which describes the weakness of unrestricted upload of executable files, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The vulnerability allows for both information disclosure and potential code execution, making it particularly dangerous as it provides attackers with multiple attack vectors. When a PHP file is successfully uploaded, it can be executed by the web server, potentially allowing attackers to run arbitrary commands on the host system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file access, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive customer information, internal system files, and potentially escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the help desk system. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to the broader network infrastructure, as compromised help desk systems often serve as entry points for lateral movement attacks. Organizations using affected versions of osTicket face potential regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and financial losses due to unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit and can be automated through various attack frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves upgrading to osTicket version 1.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and file type restrictions for uploaded attachments. Organizations should implement additional security measures such as restricting write permissions on upload directories, implementing file content validation, and using secure file naming conventions. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring and blocking suspicious upload attempts. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive logging and monitoring of file upload activities to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.