CVE-2004-2551 in Helpbox
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Layton HelpBox 3.0.1 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via (1) the sys_comment_id parameter in editcommentenduser.asp, (2) the sys_suspend_id parameter in editsuspensionuser.asp, (3) the table parameter in export_data.asp, (4) the sys_analgroup parameter in manageanalgrouppreference.asp, (5) the sys_asset_id parameter in quickinfoassetrequests.asp, (6) the sys_eusername parameter in quickinfoenduserrequests.asp, and the sys_request_id parameter in (7) requestauditlog.asp, (8) requestcommentsenduser.asp, (9) selectrequestapplytemplate.asp, and (10) selectrequestlink.asp, resulting in an ability to create a new HelpBox user account and read, modify, or delete data from the backend database.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2025
The CVE-2004-2551 vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw affecting Layton HelpBox version 3.0.1, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in input validation and query construction within web applications. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL commands without proper sanitization or parameterization. The flaw exists across multiple parameters within different ASP pages, indicating a systemic issue in the application's data handling architecture rather than isolated code defects.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of specific HTTP parameters that are processed without adequate input validation. Attackers can inject malicious SQL payloads through the sys_comment_id parameter in editcommentenduser.asp, sys_suspend_id in editsuspensionuser.asp, and numerous other parameters including table in export_data.asp, sys_analgroup in manageanalgrouppreference.asp, and various other system identifiers. These parameters are directly incorporated into backend database queries, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. The vulnerability's scope extends beyond simple data retrieval to include full database manipulation capabilities, enabling attackers to create new user accounts, read sensitive information, modify existing records, and delete database entries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with complete database access and administrative capabilities within the HelpBox application environment. The ability to create new user accounts represents a significant privilege escalation risk, potentially allowing attackers to maintain persistent access to the system. Data integrity and confidentiality are compromised across all vulnerable parameters, with attackers capable of extracting sensitive information from user accounts, asset management records, and request audit logs. The vulnerability's presence in multiple endpoints suggests that the entire HelpBox application ecosystem is at risk, as attackers can leverage any of the affected parameters to achieve their objectives.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2551 must address the root cause through proper input validation and parameterized query implementation. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input sanitization across all user-supplied parameters, utilizing prepared statements or parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks, and implementing proper access controls to limit database privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, while conducting thorough code reviews to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities throughout the application. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1190 highlights the need for defensive measures against SQL injection attacks, emphasizing the importance of input validation as a primary defense mechanism. System administrators should also ensure that all applications are updated to the latest versions that address these security flaws, as the affected HelpBox version 3.0.1 contains multiple exploitable vulnerabilities that could be leveraged in broader attack campaigns.