CVE-2008-4454 in MySQL Quick Admin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in EKINdesigns MySQL Quick Admin 1.5.5 allows remote attackers to read and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the lang parameter to actions.php. NOTE: the provenance of this information is unknown; the details are obtained solely from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4454 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within EKINdesigns MySQL Quick Admin version 1.5.5, which exposes the application to remote code execution and unauthorized data access. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize user input received through the lang parameter in the actions.php script, allowing malicious actors to manipulate file paths and access restricted system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the lang parameter to include directory traversal sequences such as .. (dot dot) in the request. When processed without proper input validation, these sequences enable attackers to navigate outside the intended directory structure and access arbitrary files on the server. This weakness can potentially lead to the disclosure of sensitive information including database credentials, configuration files, and other system resources that should remain protected. The remote nature of this attack vector means that adversaries do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable full system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, potentially gaining complete control over the system. This represents a severe security risk for any organization using the affected software, as it could lead to data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to critical business information. The vulnerability affects the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, undermining the security posture of the entire system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures to prevent directory traversal attacks. Organizations should apply the latest security patches provided by EKINdesigns or migrate to supported versions of the software. Network segmentation and firewall rules can help limit access to the vulnerable application, while web application firewalls may provide additional protection against exploitation attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of implementing proper secure coding practices, particularly input validation, which aligns with the mitigation recommendations outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications within the organization's infrastructure.