CVE-2004-1055 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpMyAdmin 2.6.0-pl2 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the PmaAbsoluteUri parameter, (2) the zero_rows parameter in read_dump.php, (3) the confirm form, or (4) an error message generated by the internal phpMyAdmin parser.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1055 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting phpMyAdmin versions 2.6.0-pl2 and earlier, demonstrating a fundamental weakness in web application input validation and output encoding mechanisms. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw manifests across multiple entry points within the phpMyAdmin interface, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can exploit various vectors to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through four distinct attack vectors that all share the common weakness of insufficient input sanitization. The first vector involves the PmaAbsoluteUri parameter where remote attackers can inject malicious scripts through improperly validated URI values. The second vector targets the zero_rows parameter within read_dump.php, allowing attackers to inject XSS payloads when the application processes database dump operations. The third vector exploits the confirm form functionality, while the fourth vector targets error messages generated by phpMyAdmin's internal parser. Each of these vectors demonstrates a failure in proper HTML escaping and input validation, enabling attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-1055 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user credentials, and potentially gain unauthorized access to database systems. When exploited, these vulnerabilities can lead to complete compromise of database server access, allowing attackers to view, modify, or delete sensitive information stored in the database. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that phpMyAdmin is commonly used by database administrators and developers, making the potential impact of such attacks significant for organizations relying on these tools for database management operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics involving the delivery of malicious code through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-1055 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding measures across all vulnerable parameters. Organizations should upgrade to phpMyAdmin version 2.6.1 or later, which contains patches addressing these specific vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers, proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content, and regular security auditing of web application inputs can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of input validation and output encoding in preventing XSS attacks, and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in web applications can create substantial security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web applications.