CVE-2020-26546 in HelpDeskZ
Summary
by MITRE • 10/13/2020
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** An issue was discovered in HelpDeskZ 1.0.2. The feature to auto-login a user, via the RememberMe functionality, is prone to SQL injection. NOTE: This vulnerability only affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2020-26546 resides within HelpDeskZ version 1.0.2, a ticketing system that has since reached end-of-life status. This security flaw specifically targets the RememberMe auto-login functionality, which is designed to maintain user sessions across browser sessions. The issue manifests as a SQL injection vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability affects systems where the application fails to properly sanitize user input within the auto-login token processing logic, creating a pathway for database manipulation through crafted input parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the RememberMe feature. When users select the auto-login option, the system generates and stores authentication tokens that are later used to automatically log users back into the system. The flaw occurs during the token validation process where user-provided data is directly incorporated into SQL queries without adequate parameterization or input filtering. This allows attackers to inject malicious SQL code through the auto-login mechanism, potentially enabling them to extract sensitive database information, modify user credentials, or escalate privileges within the HelpDeskZ application. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which categorizes SQL injection flaws as weaknesses in software that allows attackers to manipulate database queries through untrusted input.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations utilizing the deprecated HelpDeskZ system. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain persistent access to the helpdesk system, potentially accessing customer support tickets, user information, and other sensitive data stored within the application. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as the SQL injection could enable attackers to modify database records, create backdoor accounts, or even escalate to system-level privileges if the database user has elevated permissions. The RememberMe functionality, designed for user convenience, becomes a security liability when the underlying implementation lacks proper input validation. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 which covers data from information repositories, as attackers could extract sensitive data through the SQL injection vector.
Organizations currently running HelpDeskZ 1.0.2 should immediately implement mitigation strategies despite the product's unsupported status. The most effective immediate solution involves disabling the RememberMe functionality entirely through configuration settings, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Additionally, implementing network-level restrictions such as firewall rules that limit access to the helpdesk application can reduce exposure windows. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns or SQL query execution attempts. For organizations unable to immediately migrate from HelpDeskZ, deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block SQL injection attempts may provide temporary protection, though this approach is not foolproof. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and the risks associated with continuing to operate unsupported applications in production environments, as these systems often contain known vulnerabilities that are not patched or addressed by vendors.