Description
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.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 12 | php-horde-util | 2.3.0-1 | — |
| Debian 6.0 | horde3 | 3.3.8+debian0-3 | DSA-2853-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Third-party code, not reviewed by us. Public PoCs are sometimes fake or contain malware. Read the code first and run it only in an isolated lab, against systems you are authorised to test.
Metasploit 1 module
-
Horde Framework Unserialize PHP Code Execution
exploit/unix/webapp/horde_unserialize_exec
Exploit-DB 1
- Horde Framework - Unserialize PHP Code Execution (Metasploit) EDB-32439 · remote · Mar 22, 2014 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-2853-1 horde3 - Remote code execution Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- https://github.com/horde/horde/blob/82c400788537cfc0106b68447789ff53793ac086/bundles/groupware/docs/CHANGES#L215
- [oss-security] 20140128 Re: Remote code execution in horde < 5.1.1 mailing-list
- [oss-security] 20140128 Remote code execution in horde < 5.1.1 mailing-list
- [oss-security] 20140129 Re: Remote code execution in horde < 5.1.1 mailing-list
- DSA-2853 vendor-advisory
- https://github.com/horde/horde/commit/da6afc7e9f4e290f782eca9dbca794f772caccb3