CVE-2005-3005: Helpdesk Software Hesk allows remote attackers to bypass authentication for (1) admin.php and (2) admin_main.p

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-3005 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting hesk. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Helpdesk Software Hesk allows remote attackers to bypass authentication for (1) admin.php and (2) admin_main.php by modifying the PHPSESSID session ID parameter or cookie.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	3.0% (top 13%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-09-21
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: helpdesk software

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-09-21 20:03 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:16 UTCUpdated Record last modified

helpdesk software hesk DOWNGRADE

Affected: 0.92 · 0.93

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 0.92

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy hesk || rpm -q hesk || hesk --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 0.92 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison hesk sudo apt install hesk=<VERSION_BEFORE_0.92> sudo apt-mark hold hesk

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list hesk sudo dnf downgrade hesk-<VERSION_BEFORE_0.92> sudo dnf versionlock add hesk

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Hesk 0.92/0.93 - Session ID Authentication Bypass

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2005-3005?

hesk: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-3005 being exploited?

CVE-2005-3005 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2005-3005 affect?

CVE-2005-3005 affects hesk. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Helpdesk Software Hesk allows remote attackers to bypass authentication for (1) admin.php and (2) admin_main.php by modifying the PHPSESSID session ID parameter or cookie.

How urgent is CVE-2005-3005?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

Software pages

PHP vulnerabilities

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References

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