CVE-2005-4427 in Helpdesk
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in Cerberus Helpdesk allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) file_id parameter to attachment_send.php, (2) the $addy variable in email_parser.php, (3) $address variable in email_parser.php, (4) $a_address variable in structs.php, (5) kbid parameter to cer_KnowledgebaseHandler.class.php, (6) queues[] parameter to addresses_export.php, (7) $thread variable to display.php, (8) ticket parameter to display_ticket_thread.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2025
The CVE-2005-4427 vulnerability represents a critical set of multiple sql injection flaws discovered in the cerberus helpdesk application, a widely used ticketing system for customer support management. This vulnerability classifies under cwe-89 sql injection as identified by the common weakness enumeration framework, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in sql commands. The flaw exists across multiple file components within the application's codebase, indicating a systemic issue in input validation and query construction practices. These vulnerabilities arise from the application's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into sql database queries, creating exploitable pathways for malicious actors to manipulate database operations.
The technical exploitation of these vulnerabilities occurs through various parameter injection points within the cerberus helpdesk system. The most significant attack vectors include the file_id parameter in attachment_send.php, which allows attackers to inject malicious sql code directly into file retrieval operations. Additionally, the $addy variable in email_parser.php and $address variable in the same file demonstrate how email processing components can be manipulated to execute unauthorized database commands. The $a_address variable in structs.php and kbid parameter in cer_KnowledgebaseHandler.class.php further extend the attack surface by enabling injection in knowledge base operations. The queues[] parameter in addresses_export.php and $thread variable in display.php provide additional pathways for sql command execution, while the ticket parameter in display_ticket_thread.php targets the ticket display functionality. These diverse entry points indicate that the vulnerability affects core database interaction components throughout the application.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-4427 is severe and potentially catastrophic for organizations relying on the cerberus helpdesk system. Remote attackers can execute arbitrary sql commands, which typically translates to complete database compromise, data exfiltration, and potential system escalation. Successful exploitation allows attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive customer data, including support tickets, email communications, user credentials, and system configurations. The vulnerability's presence in multiple components increases the likelihood of successful exploitation and reduces the effort required for attackers to achieve their objectives. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breach notifications, and significant financial losses due to the exposure of sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these vulnerabilities affect fundamental application functions such as email processing, ticket management, knowledge base operations, and data export capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4427 should prioritize immediate patch application from the vendor, as the vulnerability affects core database interaction components that are essential for application functionality. Organizations should implement input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data, particularly in the identified parameter locations. The implementation of prepared statements or parameterized queries should replace dynamic sql construction where possible, following the principle of least privilege for database connections. Network segmentation and access controls should limit exposure of the helpdesk system to unauthorized users, while comprehensive logging and monitoring should be enabled to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough code reviews to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components and implement web application firewalls to provide additional protection layers against sql injection attacks. These measures align with the attack techniques catalogued under the attack pattern taxonomy and help prevent the exploitation patterns associated with sql injection vulnerabilities as outlined in industry best practices for web application security.