CVE-2011-4949 in EGroupware Enterprise Line
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in phpgwapi/js/dhtmlxtree/samples/with_db/loaddetails.php in EGroupware Enterprise Line (EPL) before 11.1.20110804-1 and EGroupware Community Edition before 1.8.001.20110805 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2018
The CVE-2011-4949 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in the EGroupware Enterprise Line and Community Edition platforms, specifically within the phpgwapi/js/dhtmlxtree/samples/with_db/loaddetails.php component. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 11.1.20110804-1 for Enterprise Line and before 1.8.001.20110805 for Community Edition, making it a persistent threat across multiple release branches of the software ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-provided parameters, particularly the id parameter that flows directly into sql execution contexts without proper escaping or parameterization.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the id parameter in the loaddetails.php script, which processes database queries without sufficient sanitization measures. Attackers can craft malicious input that bypasses normal parameter handling mechanisms, allowing them to inject arbitrary sql commands into the backend database system. This flaw aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into sql commands without proper escaping or parameterization. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute commands at the database level, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations using EGroupware platforms as it provides remote attackers with the capability to perform unauthorized database operations without authentication. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include potential system compromise, data integrity violations, and service disruption. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, extract sensitive information from databases, modify business-critical data, or even establish persistent backdoors within the affected systems. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location with internet access, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed web applications.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates that address this vulnerability in versions 11.1.20110804-1 and 1.8.001.20110805 respectively. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be configured to monitor and filter suspicious sql injection patterns targeting the affected endpoint. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application code, database level, and network perimeter defenses. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual database query patterns and unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1071.004, which addresses application layer protocol manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in their broader software ecosystem.