CVE-2005-4079 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
The register_globals emulation in phpMyAdmin 2.7.0 rc1 allows remote attackers to exploit other vulnerabilities in phpMyAdmin by modifying the import_blacklist variable in grab_globals.php, which can then be used to overwrite other variables.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4079 represents a critical security flaw in phpMyAdmin version 2.7.0 rc1 that leverages improper variable handling mechanisms to enable remote code execution through variable overwrite attacks. This issue specifically targets the register_globals emulation functionality that was designed to maintain backward compatibility with older phpMyAdmin versions while addressing security concerns present in the original register_globals behavior. The vulnerability exists within the grab_globals.php file where the import_blacklist variable can be manipulated by remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over the application's internal state.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the flawed emulation of PHP's register_globals directive, which historically allowed variables from external sources such as GET, POST, and COOKIE parameters to automatically become global variables within the script's scope. In phpMyAdmin's case, this emulation was intended to provide compatibility while maintaining security boundaries, but the implementation contained a critical flaw that allowed attackers to inject malicious values into the import_blacklist variable. When this variable is modified through external input, it can subsequently overwrite other critical variables within the application's execution context, effectively bypassing intended security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to manipulate the application's internal variables and potentially execute arbitrary code on the server. By carefully crafting input parameters that modify the import_blacklist variable, an attacker can overwrite other variables used for authentication, authorization, or data handling within phpMyAdmin. This creates a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to database management functions, potentially allowing attackers to gain full administrative control over the database server through the phpMyAdmin interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring authentication to the phpMyAdmin application itself, making it a significant threat to database server security.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-1230, which addresses weaknesses in PHP applications related to variable handling and global variable manipulation, and represents a variant of the broader category of variable injection attacks that have been documented in the software security community for over a decade. The flaw demonstrates the inherent risks associated with maintaining backward compatibility in security-critical applications and highlights the importance of proper input validation and variable scoping mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection, specifically targeting the T1059.007 technique for command and script injection through variable manipulation. The vulnerability also reflects the common pattern of insecure parameter handling documented in various security frameworks, emphasizing the need for robust input sanitization and secure coding practices.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate upgrading to phpMyAdmin version 2.7.0 pl1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement proper input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture, including parameter sanitization and variable scope management. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and block suspicious parameter manipulation attempts. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough code reviews focusing on variable handling mechanisms and implement proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar issues in other applications that may be susceptible to similar variable manipulation attacks.