CVE-2005-0544 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyAdmin 2.6.1 allows remote attackers to obtain the full path of the server via direct requests to (1) sqlvalidator.lib.php, (2) sqlparser.lib.php, (3) select_theme.lib.php, (4) select_lang.lib.php, (5) relation_cleanup.lib.php, (6) header_meta_style.inc.php, (7) get_foreign.lib.php, (8) display_tbl_links.lib.php, (9) display_export.lib.php, (10) db_table_exists.lib.php, (11) charset_conversion.lib.php, (12) ufpdf.php, (13) mysqli.dbi.lib.php, (14) setup.php, or (15) cookie.auth.lib.php, which reveals the path in a PHP error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0544 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within phpMyAdmin version 2.6.1 that exposes the full server path through direct access to multiple library files. This vulnerability falls under the category of path disclosure as defined by CWE-470 and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 for discovering system information. The flaw occurs when attackers can directly request specific php files within the phpMyAdmin installation, causing the application to generate PHP error messages that inadvertently reveal the complete file system path where the application is installed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to properly validate or sanitize direct requests to internal library files. When these specific files are accessed directly rather than through the intended application flow, PHP generates error messages that contain the full server path information. The affected files include core library components such as sqlvalidator.lib.php, sqlparser.lib.php, and several other critical files that handle database operations, theme selection, language configuration, and authentication processes. The vulnerability affects the setup.php and cookie.auth.lib.php files particularly as they handle sensitive authentication and configuration aspects of the application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed server paths provide attackers with critical reconnaissance information that can be leveraged for further exploitation. Attackers can use the disclosed paths to craft more targeted attacks, understand the application's directory structure, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities that may exist within the same file system hierarchy. This information disclosure creates a foundation for advanced persistent threats where attackers can map the application's internal architecture and identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects core functionality files that are essential to the application's operation, making it difficult to simply remove or disable the affected components without breaking application functionality.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control measures to prevent direct access to internal library files. Organizations should ensure that all phpMyAdmin components are properly configured to reject direct requests to library files and instead route all requests through the proper application interface. The recommended approach includes implementing proper file access controls, configuring web server restrictions to prevent direct access to .lib.php files, and ensuring that error reporting is properly configured to prevent sensitive path information from being exposed in error messages. Additionally, regular updates and patches should be applied to phpMyAdmin installations to address known vulnerabilities and maintain security posture. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper application architecture design and input validation practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other security frameworks that emphasize the need for robust access controls and secure coding practices to prevent information disclosure attacks.