CVE-2005-1202 in eGroupware
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in eGroupware before 1.0.0.007 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) ab_id, (2) page, (3) type, or (4) lang parameter to index.php or (5) category_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-1202 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the eGroupware collaboration platform prior to version 1.0.0.007. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically targeting web applications that do not adequately validate or escape data received from external sources. The flaw exists in the web application's handling of multiple HTTP parameters, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit several entry points within the same vulnerable application interface. The affected parameters include ab_id, page, type, lang, and category_id, all of which are processed by the index.php script, creating multiple attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to compromise user sessions or execute unauthorized commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. When users submit data through any of the identified parameters, the eGroupware application processes this input without adequate validation mechanisms or output encoding, allowing malicious scripts to be executed within the context of other users' browsers. This behavior aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can inject arbitrary web scripts that persist in the application's processing pipeline. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core application functionality parameters that are commonly used in legitimate user interactions, making detection more challenging and exploitation more likely to succeed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal sensitive user data, or redirect victims to malicious sites. Remote attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that execute when users navigate to the vulnerable application, potentially compromising user credentials, personal information, or business data. The multi-parameter nature of the vulnerability means that even if one input vector is patched, attackers can still exploit other affected parameters, creating a persistent threat surface that requires comprehensive remediation. Organizations using affected versions of eGroupware face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise, particularly in environments where multiple users interact with shared collaborative applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 1.0.0.007 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input validation frameworks, output encoding mechanisms, and regular security testing can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The remediation process should involve comprehensive code review of all user input handling, implementation of parameterized queries where applicable, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies to limit script execution capabilities and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple parameter handling can create significant security risks when not properly addressed through secure coding practices and defensive programming techniques.