CVE-2004-2630 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
The MIME transformation system (transformations/text_plain__external.inc.php) in phpMyAdmin 2.5.0 up to 2.6.0-pl1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2630 represents a critical command injection flaw within the phpMyAdmin content management system that affected versions 2.5.0 through 2.6.0-pl1. This vulnerability resides within the MIME transformation system, specifically in the file transformations/text_plain__external.inc.php which handles external command execution for text transformation operations. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into system commands. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting shell metacharacters through unspecified vectors that ultimately reach the vulnerable transformation module, enabling them to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise and data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection attack pattern where user-controllable input flows directly into operating system command execution contexts. The MIME transformation system was designed to provide external processing capabilities for text data, but the lack of proper input sanitization creates an execution path where malicious payloads can be interpreted as shell commands rather than data. This flaw operates under CWE-77 which categorizes command injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it targets the web application layer where attackers can submit malicious input through various interfaces including database import functions, text field inputs, or configuration parameters that are processed through the vulnerable transformation system.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2630 extends far beyond simple data theft, as successful exploitation can result in complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute system commands such as creating new user accounts, installing malware, establishing reverse shells, or performing reconnaissance activities to map the internal network. The vulnerability affects organizations using vulnerable phpMyAdmin versions in production environments, particularly those with web-accessible database management interfaces. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it especially dangerous for web applications that are exposed to the internet. Additionally, the vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to escalate privileges or move laterally within compromised networks, making it a significant threat to organizational security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2630 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to phpMyAdmin version 2.6.0-pl2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent command injection through the vulnerable transformation system. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at multiple layers, including web application firewalls and proper escape sequences for any external command execution. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the impact if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits and penetration testing can identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation, particularly for applications that process user data and execute external commands. Security teams should also monitor for exploitation attempts through log analysis and implement proper logging of external command execution activities to detect potential compromise. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web server accounts and disabling unnecessary external command execution features can significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of similar vulnerabilities.