CVE-2001-1168 in PhpMyExplorer
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in PhpMyExplorer before 1.2.1 allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ..%2F (modified dot dot) in the chemin parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-1168 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the PhpMyExplorer web-based database management tool. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.2.1 and resides within the index.php script where user input is processed without adequate sanitization. The flaw enables remote attackers to access arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the chemin parameter through encoded directory traversal sequences. The exploitation technique leverages the ..%2F encoding pattern which represents the directory traversal sequence ../ when decoded, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access restricted files on the file system.
This directory traversal vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The vulnerability operates by accepting user-supplied input through the chemin parameter and directly incorporating it into file system operations without proper validation or sanitization. The weakness creates an opportunity for attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the server, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, application source code, or other confidential data stored on the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to access critical system resources that could lead to further compromise of the affected system. An attacker could potentially retrieve database connection strings, administrative credentials, or other sensitive configuration data that would facilitate additional attacks. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. The vulnerability could also enable attackers to execute more sophisticated attacks such as arbitrary code execution if they can manipulate files in a way that allows for script inclusion or execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 1.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should implement proper input validation and sanitization measures, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are validated against a whitelist of acceptable values. The implementation of proper access controls and the principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can be configured to monitor for suspicious directory traversal patterns in URL parameters, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other web applications and systems that may be susceptible to the same class of attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and input validation techniques as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards to prevent such fundamental flaws from being introduced into web applications.