Hat-Squad Advisory: SQL injection and XSS Vulnerabilities in HELM
November 2, 2004

Product: HELM Web Hosting Control Panel
Vendor URL: http://helm.webhostautomation.com
Version: HELM 3.1.19 and lower
Vulnerability: SQL injection and XSS
Release Date: November 2, 2004

Vendor Status:
Informed on 28 October 2004
Response: 1 November 2004
Fixed on 1 November 2004

Description:

Helm is a multi-server management and control system for Windows 2000 
and 2003 based web hosts. The system is designed for

any size web hosting companies, datacenters and ISPs, which require a 
solid platform that automates all of the day-to-day

tasks that would otherwise require highly skilled man power, and large 
work forces.

Details:

HELM Messaging module is used by resellers to keep customers up to date 
with the latest information. System information

messages can also be sent to the messaging service to inform resellers 
and users of any problems. Due to the lack of proper

input validation in this module, it's possible both to inject SQL 
commands and malicious script to the system to gain "ADMIN"

level access to the system.

SQL Injection:

There is no input validation on "messageToUserAccNum" parameter of 
"compose message" form. Therefore it's possible to execute

SQL query by passing arbitrary SQL code.

By using a Man in The Middle HTTP tool, it's possible to inject sql 
query in "messageToUserAccNum" value, in the form of:

    [username]',[messageid],[isread]);  [arbitrary sql query];--

Example:

A User with reseller level access can send the following value that will 
add an account "root" with ADMIN privilege and blank

password to the account table in HELM database:

xxxx',10,0);  insert into 
account(accountnumber,accounttype,accountpassword) values('root',0,'');--


Cross Site Scripting:

XSS attack code could be sent in "Subject" field of "compose message" 
form. Viewing the message by victim user (usually

ADMIN) will run the attack code.

Solution:

Update Your HELM software version to 3.1.20 .

Credits:

This vulnerability has been discovered by Behrang Fouladi 
(behrang@hat-squad.com)

The Original advisory could be found at:
http://www.hat-squad.com/en/000077.html