CVE-2006-6943 in PhpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
PhpMyAdmin before 2.9.1.1 allows remote attackers to obtain the full server path via direct requests to (a) scripts/check_lang.php and (b) themes/darkblue_orange/layout.inc.php; and via the (1) lang[], (2) target[], (3) db[], (4) goto[], (5) table[], and (6) tbl_group[] array arguments to (c) index.php, and the (7) back[] argument to (d) sql.php; and an invalid (8) sort_by parameter to (e) server_databases.php and (9) db parameter to (f) db_printview.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2018
This vulnerability in phpMyAdmin versions prior to 2.9.1.1 represents a critical path disclosure issue that exposes sensitive server information to remote attackers. The flaw manifests through multiple attack vectors that collectively enable an adversary to extract the complete server path where phpMyAdmin is installed. This information disclosure vulnerability falls under the CWE-200 category of Information Exposure and can significantly aid attackers in planning subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects core phpMyAdmin functionality by allowing direct access to internal script files and configuration elements that should remain hidden from external access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through several specific file access points including check_lang.php and the layout.inc.php theme file within the darkblue_orange theme directory. Attackers can exploit these direct script access points by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal application flow and directly retrieve server path information. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to parameter manipulation within key phpMyAdmin scripts where array arguments are processed without proper input validation. The index.php script accepts multiple array parameters including lang[], target[], db[], goto[], table[], and tbl_group[] that when improperly handled can reveal path information through error responses or direct file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. When combined with other vulnerabilities or reconnaissance efforts, knowledge of the server path can facilitate directory traversal attacks, local file inclusion exploits, or help attackers craft more convincing social engineering attacks. The sql.php script with its back[] parameter and server_databases.php with its sort_by parameter create additional attack surfaces where malformed inputs can trigger path revelation. The db_printview.php script with its db parameter adds another vector for path disclosure. These vulnerabilities collectively represent a significant information leak that violates the principle of least privilege and exposes system internals that should remain confidential.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal technical skill and can be automated using standard web scanning tools. Attackers can construct requests to the vulnerable endpoints using common web application testing frameworks, making this a particularly dangerous flaw for publicly accessible phpMyAdmin installations. The path disclosure occurs through error handling mechanisms or direct file access responses that inadvertently reveal directory structures. This vulnerability specifically targets the phpMyAdmin application's configuration and installation paths, potentially exposing database server locations, backup directories, or other sensitive filesystem information that could aid in further compromise attempts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application of the security patch released with phpMyAdmin 2.9.1.1, which addresses the path disclosure issues through proper input validation and access control mechanisms. Administrators should also implement network-level controls such as firewalls that restrict access to phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted IP addresses only, and ensure that phpMyAdmin installations are properly configured with appropriate file permissions that prevent direct access to internal script files. Regular security audits should verify that no direct access paths remain open to sensitive application files, and that all parameters are properly sanitized before processing. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a reconnaissance technique under information gathering, specifically targeting path disclosure and system information enumeration that precedes more advanced attack phases. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter patterns that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.