CVE-2004-2718 in phpMyChat
Summary
by MITRE
PHPMyChat 0.14.5 does not remove or protect setup.php3 after installation, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information including database passwords via a direct request.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2718 affects PHPMyChat version 0.14.5, a widely used web-based database management tool that allows users to interact with mysql databases through a web interface. This security flaw represents a critical misconfiguration issue that persists even after the initial installation process has been completed. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly secure installation files that remain accessible to unauthorized users. The setup.php3 file, which contains crucial database connection parameters and administrative credentials, continues to exist in the web root directory following installation, creating an exploitable condition that directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and secure configuration management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under CWE-668, which specifically addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere," and represents a classic case of insecure configuration where sensitive files remain accessible to external users. The flaw operates through a simple yet effective attack vector where an attacker can directly request the setup.php3 file through a web browser or automated scanning tools. When accessed, this file reveals database connection strings, username credentials, and potentially other sensitive configuration parameters that would normally be protected during the installation process. The vulnerability exists because the installation routine does not properly execute cleanup procedures or file permission modifications to remove or secure the setup file after successful configuration completion, leaving it exposed to anyone who knows the file path or can enumerate web directories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond mere information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the foundation for more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. Once database credentials are obtained through this vulnerability, attackers can directly access and manipulate database content, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized data modification, or even complete database compromise. The exposure of database connection parameters enables attackers to establish their own database connections and may facilitate lateral movement within networks where the database server is accessible from multiple systems. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that deploy PHPMyChat without proper security hardening or monitoring, as the attack surface remains unmitigated and accessible to any external party with basic web reconnaissance capabilities.
Organizations should immediately implement several remediation measures to address this vulnerability, including manual file removal or access restriction through web server configuration directives. The primary mitigation involves ensuring that setup.php3 files are either deleted or rendered inaccessible through proper file permissions and web server access controls. Security best practices recommend that all installation and setup files be removed or secured immediately after successful deployment, following the principle of least privilege and the secure configuration baseline established by frameworks such as the CIS Critical Security Controls. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts to common installation files and configuration directories, while also establishing regular security audits to identify and remediate similar misconfigurations across all deployed web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper post-installation security configuration and the potential consequences of failing to implement basic security hygiene practices in web application deployment environments.