CVE-2004-2737 in DNA Helpdesk
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in problist.asp in NetSupport DNA HelpDesk 1.01 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the where parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2737 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the NetSupport DNA HelpDesk 1.01 web application. This vulnerability specifically affects the problist.asp component which processes user input through the where parameter, creating an exploitable condition that enables malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the application's web interface, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that bypasses normal authentication and authorization mechanisms.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-89, which categorizes it as a SQL injection weakness where untrusted data is directly incorporated into SQL command strings without proper sanitization or parameterization. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that handle sensitive data. The where parameter in problist.asp serves as the primary injection point, where attacker-controlled input is concatenated directly into SQL queries without appropriate escaping or validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the underlying database system. This can result in complete database compromise including data exfiltration, data modification, privilege escalation, and potentially system compromise if the database server has elevated permissions. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the helpdesk system's data, with potential cascading effects on business operations that rely on the integrity of the helpdesk information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and parameterized queries to prevent SQL injection attacks. Organizations should immediately apply vendor patches if available, implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious SQL injection attempts, and conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1190, which addresses exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, emphasizing the importance of input sanitization and proper database query construction. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for database accounts and regular security assessments can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.