CVE-2010-4481 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyAdmin before 3.4.0-beta1 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and obtain sensitive information via a direct request to phpinfo.php, which calls the phpinfo function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4481 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in phpMyAdmin versions prior to 3.4.0-beta1. This issue stems from the improper handling of direct requests to the phpinfo.php file within the application's web interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to bypass the standard authentication mechanisms that protect database management interfaces. The flaw exists in the application's access control logic where specific files are accessible without proper authentication, creating an entry point for unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the direct invocation of the phpinfo function through a web request to phpinfo.php. This function in php represents a well-known security risk when exposed to unauthenticated users as it reveals extensive information about the server configuration, installed PHP modules, system environment variables, and potentially sensitive configuration details. The phpinfo function outputs detailed information including PHP version, loaded extensions, server software details, and configuration settings that could aid attackers in planning further attacks against the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which deals with inadequate access control mechanisms, specifically focusing on improper access control in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks. When attackers can access phpinfo.php without authentication, they gain visibility into the underlying server infrastructure and PHP configuration, which provides valuable reconnaissance data for attackers. This information can reveal the presence of debug modes, exposed configuration files, database connection details, and other sensitive server parameters. The vulnerability creates a persistent security risk as it allows attackers to maintain access to sensitive information without needing to exploit additional vulnerabilities, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyAdmin is deployed without proper network segmentation or additional security controls.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is significant given that phpMyAdmin is widely deployed across web hosting environments and database management systems. The flaw affects installations where the phpinfo.php file is accessible through the web root, which is common in default installations. Organizations using vulnerable versions of phpMyAdmin face potential exposure to attackers who can use the information gathered to identify system weaknesses, discover potential attack vectors, and escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities to gain access to information systems, specifically focusing on the use of exposed system information for further compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4481 primarily involve upgrading to phpMyAdmin version 3.4.0-beta1 or later, which includes proper access controls for the phpinfo.php file. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting access to sensitive files through web server configuration, disabling unnecessary phpinfo functionality, and implementing proper network segmentation. The remediation process should include removing or securing access to phpinfo.php files in production environments, as this function should never be exposed to unauthenticated users in operational systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar access control vulnerabilities in their web applications, following security frameworks such as OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines to maintain robust security postures.