CVE-2005-1392 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
the sql install script in phpmyadmin 2.6.2 is created with world-readable permissions which allows local users to obtain the initial database password by reading the script.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1392 represents a critical security flaw in phpMyAdmin version 2.6.2 that stems from improper file permission configuration during the installation process. This issue falls under the category of insecure permissions and weak access controls, specifically addressing the principle of least privilege in system security. The sql install script, which contains sensitive database credentials, is created with world-readable permissions, allowing any local user on the system to access this information without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical flaw manifests in the installation routine where phpMyAdmin fails to properly secure the sql installation script by setting appropriate file permissions. When the installation script is executed, it generates a sql file that contains the initial database password in plain text format. This password is typically used during the initial database setup process and serves as the administrative credential for the database instance. The vulnerability occurs because the script creation process does not implement proper umask settings or explicit permission changes, resulting in a file that can be read by any user on the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems running vulnerable versions of phpMyAdmin. Local users who gain access to the system can easily extract database credentials from the install script, potentially allowing them to access sensitive database information, perform unauthorized database operations, or escalate their privileges within the database environment. This creates a pathway for both casual attackers and malicious insiders to compromise database security, especially in multi-user environments where multiple individuals have access to the same system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require network access or external exploitation techniques, making it an easily exploitable local privilege escalation vector.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns and security frameworks. It corresponds to CWE-732: Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource, which specifically addresses when security-critical resources are given inappropriate permissions that allow unauthorized access. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1003.001: OS Credential Dumping: LSASS Memory, as it provides an alternative method for obtaining credentials without relying on more sophisticated credential dumping techniques. Additionally, this issue demonstrates poor security hygiene in software installation processes, which can be categorized under the broader concept of insecure configuration management.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to address the immediate risk. The most direct approach involves manually correcting the file permissions on existing install scripts by changing them to restrictive permissions such as 600 or 640, ensuring only the owner or authorized users can read the file. System administrators should also verify that the installation process properly sets appropriate permissions during script creation, typically by implementing proper umask settings or explicit chmod commands. The recommended long-term solution involves upgrading to a patched version of phpMyAdmin that properly handles file permissions during installation, as well as implementing comprehensive access control policies and regular security audits to prevent similar issues in other software components. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts and establish proper file permission baseline configurations for all system components.