CVE-2004-0129 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in export.php in phpMyAdmin 2.5.5 and earlier allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via .. (dot dot) sequences in the what parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0129 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within phpMyAdmin version 2.5.5 and earlier releases. This security weakness resides in the export.php script which fails to properly validate user-supplied input parameters, specifically the what parameter that controls file export operations. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to manipulate file paths through the use of .. (dot dot) sequences, allowing them to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries and access arbitrary files on the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a fundamental weakness in input validation and path handling mechanisms. The flaw directly enables path traversal attacks that can lead to unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential information disclosure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious value containing .. sequences in the what parameter of the export.php script. When the application processes this input without proper sanitization or validation, it allows the attacker to traverse directories and access files that should normally be restricted. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate file export functionality of phpMyAdmin, making it more difficult to detect through standard security monitoring. This vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as it enables attackers to enumerate and access files outside the intended scope. The impact is significant as it allows attackers to potentially read sensitive configuration files, database credentials, application source code, and other confidential data stored on the server.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0129 extends beyond simple file access, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to discover the structure of the target system, identify sensitive files, and potentially gain access to database connection strings, administrative credentials, or other valuable information. The vulnerability affects not just individual files but entire directory structures, making it a comprehensive threat to system security. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpMyAdmin face significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential system infiltration. This flaw can be exploited by attackers without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyAdmin is publicly accessible or deployed in unsecured network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-0129 should focus on immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin installations to version 2.5.6 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation. System administrators should implement proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms that prevent the use of directory traversal sequences in user-supplied parameters. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted networks only. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in export operations and parameter usage. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and proper path handling in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications and ensure that all software components are kept up to date with the latest security patches.