CVE-2005-0459 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyAdmin 2.6.2-dev, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to determine the full path of the web root via a direct request to select_lang.lib.php, which reveals the path in a PHP error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-0459 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within phpMyAdmin version 2.6.2-dev and potentially earlier releases. This vulnerability exposes the underlying file system structure of the web server hosting the phpMyAdmin interface, creating significant security implications for database administrators and system operators. The flaw specifically manifests when attackers make direct requests to the select_lang.lib.php component, which triggers PHP error messages containing sensitive path information. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of path disclosure issues that can provide attackers with valuable reconnaissance data for subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of input parameters within the phpMyAdmin codebase. When a direct request is made to select_lang.lib.php without proper validation or sanitization, the application fails to properly manage the error handling process. PHP error messages generated during this process inadvertently reveal the complete file system path where phpMyAdmin is installed, including the web root directory structure. This occurs because the application does not implement adequate error suppression or custom error handling mechanisms that would prevent sensitive path information from being exposed to remote attackers. The vulnerability specifically demonstrates a weakness in the application's defensive programming practices and input validation procedures, aligning with CWE-200 which categorizes improper error handling as a significant security concern.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial information for planning more sophisticated attacks against the affected system. The revealed path information can be leveraged to understand the server's directory structure, potentially enabling attackers to identify other vulnerable components or misconfigurations within the web application environment. This information disclosure can facilitate attacks such as local file inclusion vulnerabilities, directory traversal exploits, or other path-based attacks that rely on knowledge of the underlying file system structure. The vulnerability also compromises the principle of least privilege by exposing system-level information that should remain hidden from unauthorized users. From an attacker's perspective, this information can significantly reduce the effort required to compromise the system, as it eliminates the need for extensive reconnaissance to determine the server's file structure. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as it provides the initial reconnaissance data necessary for more advanced attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling mechanisms and input validation within the phpMyAdmin application. System administrators should immediately upgrade to patched versions of phpMyAdmin that address this specific vulnerability, as the fix typically involves implementing proper error suppression and ensuring that sensitive path information is not exposed through error messages. The recommended approach includes configuring PHP to suppress error messages in production environments, implementing custom error handlers that do not reveal system information, and ensuring that all application components properly validate input parameters before processing. Additionally, network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict direct access to internal phpMyAdmin library files can provide an additional layer of defense. Organizations should also implement comprehensive monitoring and logging to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive application components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper error handling as outlined in OWASP Top 10 security guidelines, particularly addressing the risks associated with improper error handling and information disclosure vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar issues in other applications and ensure that error handling mechanisms properly protect sensitive system information from exposure to unauthorized parties.