CVE-2008-4455 in MySQL Quick Admin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in index.php in EKINdesigns MySQL Quick Admin 1.5.5 and earlier, when magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, allows remote attackers to read and execute arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the language cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4455 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the EKINdesigns MySQL Quick Admin 1.5.5 software suite. This weakness exists in the index.php script and specifically manifests when the PHP configuration parameter magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, creating an exploitable condition that enables remote attackers to manipulate file access patterns. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter or reject malicious path traversal sequences. Attackers can leverage this flaw by manipulating the language cookie parameter to include directory traversal sequences such as .. which allows them to navigate beyond the intended directory boundaries and access files outside the web root or designated application directories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP cookie values, specifically targeting the language parameter which is processed without adequate sanitization. When magic_quotes_gpc is disabled, PHP does not automatically escape special characters in GET, POST, and COOKIE data, leaving the application vulnerable to injection attacks. The directory traversal attack allows adversaries to traverse the file system hierarchy by using sequences like ../ or ../../ to move up directory levels and access sensitive files including configuration files, database credentials, or other system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4455 extends beyond simple file disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. Once an attacker successfully traverses to a location where they can read system files, they may also be able to upload malicious files or manipulate existing application components to achieve remote code execution. This vulnerability can lead to complete system compromise, data theft, or unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the MySQL database that the application manages. The attack vector operates entirely through HTTP cookies, making it particularly stealthy and difficult to detect through standard network monitoring. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage this weakness to establish persistent access and potentially deliver additional payloads.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of multiple defensive measures to protect against directory traversal attacks. Organizations should first ensure that magic_quotes_gpc is enabled or implement proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within their applications to prevent malicious path traversal sequences from being processed. The recommended approach involves implementing strict input validation that filters out or rejects directory traversal sequences such as .. and ..\, while also employing proper access control mechanisms that restrict file system access to only necessary resources. Additionally, application developers should implement secure coding practices including the use of allowlists for valid language parameters, proper file access controls, and regular security audits. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious cookie values and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper security configuration management and the critical need for organizations to maintain up-to-date security practices to prevent exploitation of known weaknesses in legacy applications.