CVE-2011-0986 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyAdmin 2.11.x before 2.11.11.2, and 3.3.x before 3.3.9.1, does not properly handle the absence of the (1) README, (2) ChangeLog, and (3) LICENSE files, which allows remote attackers to obtain the installation path via a direct request for a nonexistent file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0986 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within phpMyAdmin installations across multiple version ranges. This vulnerability specifically affects phpMyAdmin versions 2.11.x prior to 2.11.11.2 and 3.3.x prior to 3.3.9.1, where the application fails to properly handle requests for missing documentation files. The flaw stems from the application's inadequate error handling mechanism when encountering requests for non-existent files, particularly the absence of standard documentation components including README, ChangeLog, and LICENSE files. When attackers make direct requests for these missing files, the application inadvertently reveals the absolute installation path of the phpMyAdmin directory structure, providing attackers with critical system information that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes improper error handling that leads to information disclosure. This flaw operates through a simple yet effective mechanism where the application's error processing does not properly sanitize responses when files are not found. The vulnerability is classified as a path disclosure issue that occurs during the application's normal operation when it attempts to serve content for non-existent files. The lack of proper input validation and error response handling allows the web server to expose directory paths in error messages or response headers, creating an information leak that provides attackers with precise knowledge of the server's file system structure.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly weakens the security posture of affected systems by enabling attackers to gain reconnaissance information that would otherwise remain hidden. The disclosed installation paths can be used to craft more sophisticated attacks targeting specific system configurations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or additional vulnerability exploitation. This information disclosure creates a foundation for advanced persistent threats where attackers can map the target environment and identify potential attack vectors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyAdmin is installed in non-standard locations or where the installation path contains sensitive information that could be exploited by malicious actors. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it a preferred initial reconnaissance step for security researchers and attackers alike.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent path disclosure in error responses. Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions of phpMyAdmin, specifically versions 2.11.11.2 and 3.3.9.1, which contain the necessary fixes to address this information disclosure flaw. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and sanitization for all file access requests, ensuring that error responses do not contain system path information. Security measures should include configuring web servers to suppress detailed error messages, implementing proper access controls for documentation files, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation efforts should also include monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper error handling practices in web applications and the critical need for comprehensive security testing that includes input validation and error response analysis, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize secure coding practices and defense in depth strategies.