CVE-2010-3263 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in setup/frames/index.inc.php in the setup script in phpMyAdmin 3.x before 3.3.7 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a server name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3263 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in phpMyAdmin's setup script that affects versions 3.x prior to 3.3.7. This vulnerability resides in the setup/frames/index.inc.php file and enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of server name parameters. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without adequate validation or sanitization. The vulnerability operates within the ATT&CK framework under the technique T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it targets a publicly accessible web interface component that serves as an entry point for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the setup script's handling of server name parameters. When phpMyAdmin processes user-supplied server name data during the setup process, it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before rendering it in the web interface. This omission creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers who visit the compromised setup page. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it occurs during the setup phase, which is typically accessible to users with administrative privileges or those attempting to configure the application. Attackers can leverage this flaw to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3263 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling full account compromise and persistent access to database environments. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to establish persistent backdoors through malicious script injection, modify database configurations, or escalate privileges within the phpMyAdmin interface. The attack surface is particularly wide because phpMyAdmin is commonly deployed in web server environments where the setup script remains accessible to unauthorized users. Organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, as the vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to database contents, execute arbitrary SQL commands, or manipulate database structures. The vulnerability's presence in the setup script means that even systems where phpMyAdmin is not actively used for database management can be compromised during initial configuration phases.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3263 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patch that updates phpMyAdmin to version 3.3.7 or later, which contains proper input sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement network-level protections including firewall rules that restrict access to the setup script directory, particularly in production environments where the setup process is unnecessary. Input validation should be enforced at multiple levels, including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection attempts. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual access patterns to setup directories and automated scanning for vulnerable phpMyAdmin installations. Additionally, administrators should implement proper access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can access setup scripts, and regular security assessments should verify that no unauthorized modifications exist in the phpMyAdmin installation directories. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.