CVE-2007-5176 in eHelpDesk
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in GroupLink eHelpDesk 6.2.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) NA_DISPLAYNAME parameter in helpdesk/user/rf_create.jsp and the (2) username and (3) LDAPError parameters in index2.jsp. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2022
The CVE-2007-5176 vulnerability affects GroupLink eHelpDesk version 6.2.2 and represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's user interface components. The flaw manifests in three distinct parameter injection points that collectively create a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise user sessions or exfiltrate sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves three specific parameters that fail to properly sanitize user input before rendering in web pages. The NA_DISPLAYNAME parameter in helpdesk/user/rf_create.jsp represents the first attack vector where unvalidated input allows malicious script execution during user creation processes. The username parameter in index2.jsp provides a second entry point where attacker-controlled values can be injected into the application's response. The LDAPError parameter in the same file creates a third vulnerability where error messages containing unsanitized input can be manipulated to execute malicious code. These parameters lack proper HTML encoding or sanitization before being rendered in the browser context, creating persistent XSS opportunities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to steal user authentication tokens, capture session cookies, or redirect victims to malicious domains. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or network to exploit these flaws, making them particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where user interaction with the helpdesk application is common. When combined with social engineering techniques, these vulnerabilities can facilitate sophisticated attacks targeting privileged users or administrators who access the helpdesk system.
Security practitioners should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to address these vulnerabilities. The most effective mitigations include implementing proper HTML entity encoding for all user-supplied input before rendering in web pages, employing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and establishing robust parameter validation routines. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns targeting these specific parameters. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a common weakness in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks that leverage web-based vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough code review of all input handling routines, implementation of automated security testing during development cycles, and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues in future deployments.