CVE-2014-1691 in Groupware
Summary
by MITRE
The framework/Util/lib/Horde/Variables.php script in the Util library in Horde before 5.1.1 allows remote attackers to conduct object injection attacks and execute arbitrary PHP code via a crafted serialized object in the _formvars form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-1691 represents a critical object injection flaw within the Horde web application framework that affects versions prior to 5.1.1. This vulnerability exists in the framework/Util/lib/Horde/Variables.php script which is part of the Util library component of the Horde framework. The issue stems from improper handling of serialized data within the _formvars form parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to inject malicious serialized objects that can be subsequently unserialized and executed within the application context.
The technical flaw manifests when the application processes user-supplied data through the _formvars form parameter without adequate sanitization or validation of serialized objects. When a malicious user submits a crafted serialized object through this parameter, the framework's deserialization process fails to properly validate the object's integrity and content. This allows attackers to inject objects that, when unserialized, can trigger arbitrary code execution within the context of the web server process. The vulnerability falls under the category of deserialization flaws that enable object injection attacks, which can be leveraged to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary PHP code on the target system without requiring authentication or prior access. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over the affected web application and potentially the underlying server. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects the core framework components that are commonly used across various Horde applications and modules. This allows attackers to perform actions such as data exfiltration, privilege escalation, backdoor installation, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the web application has elevated privileges or access to sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-1691 primarily involve upgrading to Horde version 5.1.1 or later, which includes patches that properly validate and sanitize serialized objects before processing. Organizations should also implement input validation measures that reject or sanitize serialized data within form parameters, particularly in the _formvars context. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious serialized object submissions. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that web applications run with minimal necessary permissions and that sensitive operations are properly isolated. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-502 which categorizes deserialization of untrusted data as a critical security weakness, and it maps to ATT&CK techniques involving code injection and remote command execution. Regular security audits and dependency monitoring are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through outdated or unpatched components in the application stack.