CVE-2008-1924 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in phpMyAdmin before 2.11.5.2, when running on shared hosts, allows remote authenticated users with CREATE table permissions to read arbitrary files via a crafted HTTP POST request, related to use of an undefined UploadDir variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1924 represents a critical security flaw in phpMyAdmin versions prior to 2.11.5.2 that specifically affects shared hosting environments. This issue stems from improper handling of file upload directories within the application's configuration logic, creating a path traversal scenario that can be exploited by authenticated users with minimal privileges. The vulnerability manifests when phpMyAdmin operates in a shared hosting context where multiple users or applications share the same server resources, making the attack surface more expansive and potentially more dangerous.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the undefined UploadDir variable within phpMyAdmin's file handling mechanisms. When an authenticated user with CREATE table permissions submits a crafted HTTP POST request, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the directory path used for file uploads. This undefined variable creates a predictable path traversal condition that allows attackers to bypass normal file access controls and read arbitrary files from the server's filesystem. The flaw specifically exploits the application's assumption about directory configuration, which becomes exploitable when the UploadDir variable remains unset or improperly initialized in shared hosting environments where phpMyAdmin may not have explicit directory permissions configured.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access sensitive files that may contain database credentials, application configuration details, or other system information that could facilitate further attacks. In shared hosting environments, where multiple websites or applications may be hosted on the same server, this vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to access files belonging to other users or applications, creating a significant escalation path. The attack requires only authenticated access with CREATE table permissions, which is often granted to database users who need to manage their own data but not necessarily to access system-level files, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for database administrators who may not fully understand the implications of such permissions.
Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting patterns, as it involves improper handling of file paths and user input that can lead to unauthorized file access. The attack vector specifically relates to ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables attackers to enumerate and access files that should normally be protected. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to phpMyAdmin version 2.11.5.2 or later, which addresses the undefined UploadDir variable issue, and implementing proper directory access controls on shared hosting environments. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict CREATE table permissions to only those users who absolutely require such privileges, and consider implementing network-level restrictions or additional authentication layers to limit exposure.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in web applications, particularly those running in multi-tenant environments where security boundaries may not be clearly defined. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration issues can create significant security risks when combined with specific deployment scenarios, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security testing and proper security hardening practices in shared hosting environments. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping web applications updated, as the fix for this issue was included in a minor version update that addressed the specific path traversal condition in phpMyAdmin's file handling code.