CVE-2026-111634 in Helical Insight
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2026
Helical Insight through 7.0.0 contains an sql injection vulnerability that allows authenticated viewers to inject SQL through unescaped report parameter values sent to /executeDatasource. Attackers can supply crafted Numeric or String placeholder values that bypass the broken SqlDetect guard to read unexposed tables and modify data in the report's data source.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2026
Helical Insight versions prior to 7.0.0 are susceptible to a critical SQL injection vulnerability within its reporting engine, specifically affecting authenticated users with viewer privileges. This flaw resides in the handling of report parameter values transmitted via the /executeDatasource endpoint. The application fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before incorporating them into backend database queries. While the system implements a basic SqlDetect guard intended to filter out malicious SQL syntax, this security control is fundamentally broken and can be easily bypassed by attackers using crafted Numeric or String placeholder values. This weakness allows an authenticated viewer, who typically has limited permissions, to escalate their privileges effectively by interacting directly with the underlying database structure rather than through the application's intended interface.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the report execution module. When a user submits parameters for a report, these values are concatenated or interpolated into SQL statements without adequate escaping. The SqlDetect guard likely relies on simple pattern matching that fails to account for obfuscation techniques or specific data type conversions allowed by the database engine. By supplying specially crafted inputs, an attacker can break out of the intended parameter context and inject arbitrary SQL commands. This bypass capability transforms a standard reporting feature into a powerful attack vector against the backend data store, undermining the principle of least privilege that should govern viewer-level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it compromises both the confidentiality and integrity of the organization's data assets. Attackers can exploit this flaw to read unexposed tables within the report's data source, potentially accessing sensitive customer information, financial records, or proprietary business logic that was never intended for viewer-level access. Furthermore, because the injection allows for modification commands, attackers can alter, delete, or insert malicious data into the database. This capability not only leads to significant data breaches but also risks corrupting critical datasets, which can disrupt business operations and lead to long-term reputational damage and regulatory non-compliance depending on the nature of the exposed data.
To mitigate this risk, organizations running Helical Insight versions up to 7.0.0 must immediately upgrade to a patched version where these input validation issues have been resolved. In addition to upgrading, it is advisable to implement strict parameterized queries or prepared statements in any custom code that interacts with the database, ensuring that user inputs are treated strictly as data rather than executable SQL commands. Network-level controls such as Web Application Firewalls can also provide a layer of defense by detecting and blocking common SQL injection patterns, although they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation strategy given the sophistication required to bypass the existing guard in this specific case. Regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on input validation are recommended to identify similar weaknesses across other endpoints within the application ecosystem.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration identifier CWE-89, which describes Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command. It also maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically sub-techniques related to command scripting or database commands, illustrating how attackers leverage application logic flaws to execute unauthorized operations on backend systems. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize remediation efforts and align their defense strategies with established industry standards for preventing injection-based attacks.