CVE-2004-1383 in phpGroupWare
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in phpGroupWare 0.9.16.003 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL statements via the (1) order, (2) project_id, (3) pro_main, or (4) hours_id parameters to index.php or (5) ticket_id to viewticket_details.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/27/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1383 represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting phpGroupWare versions 0.9.16.003 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the application's handling of user-supplied input parameters within database queries, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands. The flaw specifically impacts five distinct parameters across two different files: order and project_id parameters in index.php, pro_main parameter in index.php, hours_id parameter in index.php, and ticket_id parameter in viewticket_details.php. These parameters are processed without proper input sanitization or parameterized query construction, making the application susceptible to malicious input manipulation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious input strings that alter the intended SQL query structure, potentially allowing them to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive database information, modify or delete records, or even escalate privileges within the application's database layer. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its remote nature, meaning attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for web applications accessible over the internet.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation could lead to complete database compromise and potential system takeover. Attackers might leverage the SQL injection to access confidential user information, financial data, or system configuration details stored within the phpGroupWare application's database. The attack surface is broad due to the multiple vulnerable parameters across different application modules, increasing the probability of successful exploitation. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences if sensitive information is compromised through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1383 should prioritize immediate remediation through upgrading to phpGroupWare version 0.9.16.004 or later, which contains patches addressing these SQL injection vulnerabilities. System administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring all user-supplied parameters undergo rigorous filtering before being processed in database queries. The implementation of parameterized queries or prepared statements represents the most effective long-term solution, as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and various cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, network segmentation, web application firewalls, and regular security audits should complement the patching efforts to provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing database access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts.