CVE-2008-4775 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in pmd_pdf.php in phpMyAdmin 3.0.0, and possibly other versions including 2.11.9.2 and 3.0.1, when register_globals is enabled, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the db parameter, a different vector than CVE-2006-6942 and CVE-2007-5977.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/16/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4775 represents a cross-site scripting flaw in phpMyAdmin's pmd_pdf.php component that specifically exploits the dangerous combination of the register_globals PHP configuration setting with user input manipulation. This vulnerability affects phpMyAdmin versions 3.0.0 and earlier, including the 2.11.9.2 and 3.0.1 releases, making it a significant concern for organizations running these outdated versions of the database administration tool. The vulnerability's classification as a persistent XSS issue stems from its ability to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems.
The technical exploitation mechanism relies on the register_globals directive being enabled on the web server, which automatically creates PHP global variables from HTTP request data including GET, POST, and COOKIE parameters. When attackers manipulate the db parameter in the pmd_pdf.php script while register_globals is active, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content. This creates an injection point where malicious JavaScript code can be executed within the victim's browser context, bypassing normal security boundaries that would typically protect against such attacks. The vulnerability differs from previous XSS flaws like CVE-2006-6942 and CVE-2007-5977 in its specific vector and exploitation method, targeting the PDF generation functionality rather than other entry points within the phpMyAdmin interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the database administration environment. When an authenticated user visits a malicious page or clicks on a compromised link that triggers the vulnerable script, the injected JavaScript can access the user's phpMyAdmin session, potentially allowing attackers to execute database operations, extract sensitive information, or even modify database structures. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where phpMyAdmin is accessible from external networks or where users maintain elevated privileges within the database systems. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, representing a critical security gap that can compromise entire database infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to disable the register_globals directive in PHP configuration settings, as this is the primary condition enabling the attack vector. Organizations should upgrade to phpMyAdmin versions 3.0.2 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched and proper input sanitization has been implemented. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by filtering suspicious input patterns, though these should not replace proper application-level fixes. Security administrators should also conduct thorough audits of their phpMyAdmin installations to ensure that register_globals is disabled and that proper input validation is enforced throughout the application. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues in other web applications, as this vulnerability demonstrates how outdated configuration settings can create persistent security risks in database management tools.