CVE-2004-2573 in phpGroupWare
Summary
by MITRE
PHP remote file inclusion vulnerability in tables_update.inc.php in phpGroupWare 0.9.14.005 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via an external URL in the appdir parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2573 represents a critical remote file inclusion flaw in the phpGroupWare web application framework version 0.9.14.005 and earlier. This security weakness resides within the tables_update.inc.php component of the application, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject external URLs into the appdir parameter. The flaw operates by leveraging the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into file inclusion operations, creating an avenue for attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-98 category, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with the broader ATT&CK technique of code injection. The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the application processes the appdir parameter without adequate sanitization or validation, allowing an attacker to specify a remote URL that points to malicious PHP code hosted on an external server. When the application attempts to include this file, it executes the remote code within the context of the web server, potentially granting the attacker full control over the affected system.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2573 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation enables remote code execution, which can lead to data breaches, system infiltration, and full administrative control over the affected phpGroupWare installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction and can be exploited automatically through web-based attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary solution involves upgrading to phpGroupWare version 0.9.14.006 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched through proper input validation and sanitization of the appdir parameter. Organizations should also implement input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and server-side validation mechanisms, to prevent unauthorized file inclusion operations. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for web application accounts and disabling unnecessary PHP functions such as allow_url_include can significantly reduce the attack surface and potential damage from similar vulnerabilities.