CVE-2005-4349 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** SQL injection vulnerability in server_privileges.php in phpMyAdmin 2.7.0 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) dbname and (2) checkprivs parameters. NOTE: the vendor and a third party have disputed this issue, saying that the main task of the program is to support query execution by authenticated users, and no external attack scenario exists without an auto-login configuration. Thus it is likely that this issue will be REJECTED. However, a closely related CSRF issue has been assigned CVE-2005-4450.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-4349 represents a disputed sql injection flaw within phpMyAdmin version 2.7.0's server_privileges.php component. This issue affects authenticated users who possess valid credentials to access the phpMyAdmin interface, creating a potential security risk that could allow malicious actors to execute unauthorized sql commands against the underlying database systems. The vulnerability specifically targets two parameter fields: dbname and checkprivs, which are processed within the server_privileges.php script. According to the original description, an attacker would need to be authenticated to the phpMyAdmin instance to exploit this vulnerability, limiting the attack surface to users who already have legitimate access credentials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common sql injection attack patterns where user-supplied input is directly incorporated into sql query construction without proper sanitization or parameterization. When authenticated users interact with the server_privileges.php script, the dbname and checkprivs parameters are processed in a manner that could allow malicious input to be interpreted as sql commands rather than data. This creates a scenario where an attacker could manipulate these parameters to inject additional sql statements that would be executed by the database server with the privileges of the authenticated user. The vulnerability classification would typically map to CWE-89 sql injection within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, representing a fundamental flaw in input validation and output encoding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability, while limited by the requirement for authentication, remains significant within the context of internal security controls. If an attacker gains access to legitimate user credentials through phishing, credential theft, or other means, they could leverage this vulnerability to escalate their privileges or execute unauthorized database operations. The implications extend beyond simple data manipulation to potentially include data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or even complete database compromise depending on the level of access granted to the compromised account. The vulnerability's disputed nature stems from the vendor's argument that phpMyAdmin's primary function is to enable authenticated users to execute sql queries, making external exploitation unlikely without additional misconfigurations. However, the security implications remain relevant in environments where authentication credentials may be compromised or where the application is improperly configured.
The vendor's position that this issue should be rejected is based on the premise that phpMyAdmin is designed to facilitate legitimate database administration tasks for authenticated users, and that no practical external attack scenario exists without auto-login configurations or similar misconfigurations. This argument reflects the principle that security vulnerabilities should be evaluated within the context of realistic attack vectors and proper system configuration. However, the existence of this vulnerability in the official database suggests that security researchers identified potential risks even within the intended operational parameters. The related CVE-2005-4450, which addresses a csrf issue, demonstrates that phpMyAdmin was indeed subject to multiple security concerns during this version's lifecycle, highlighting the importance of comprehensive security testing. Organizations should maintain awareness of these issues even when they are disputed, as they may indicate broader security design considerations or potential attack vectors in specific deployment scenarios.
Security professionals should evaluate this vulnerability within the context of their specific phpMyAdmin deployments and consider whether additional security controls or monitoring measures are warranted. The disputed status does not eliminate the need for proper authentication controls, credential management, or regular security assessments. Organizations should ensure that phpMyAdmin installations are properly configured with strong authentication mechanisms, regular updates, and appropriate network segmentation to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of principle of least privilege in database administration environments, where even authenticated users should have minimal necessary permissions to reduce the potential impact of credential compromise.