CVE-2011-0987 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
The PMA_Bookmark_get function in libraries/bookmark.lib.php in phpMyAdmin 2.11.x before 2.11.11.3, and 3.3.x before 3.3.9.2, does not properly restrict bookmark queries, which makes it easier for remote authenticated users to trigger another user s execution of a SQL query by creating a bookmark.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0987 resides within the phpMyAdmin web-based database management tool, specifically in the PMA_Bookmark_get function located in the libraries/bookmark.lib.php file. This flaw affects versions 2.11.x prior to 2.11.11.3 and 3.3.x prior to 3.3.9.2, representing a significant security weakness that undermines the integrity of user session management and query execution within the application. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper restriction of bookmark queries, creating a pathway for malicious users to manipulate the system's bookmark functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to exploit the bookmark system by creating malicious bookmarks that can be executed by other users. When a user views a bookmark, the PMA_Bookmark_get function processes the bookmark data without adequate sanitization or access control checks, enabling arbitrary SQL query execution. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where a lower-privileged user can potentially execute commands with higher privileges or access data belonging to other users. The flaw operates through a path traversal or injection mechanism that bypasses normal access controls, allowing unauthorized query execution through bookmark manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it enables a form of cross-user privilege escalation and potential data exfiltration. An attacker who gains access to a valid user account can create bookmarks containing malicious SQL payloads that will execute when other users view those bookmarks. This creates a persistent threat vector where the attack can remain undetected while other users unknowingly execute malicious queries. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where different users have varying levels of database access permissions, as it allows for unauthorized privilege escalation and data access across user boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0987 should prioritize immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin versions to the latest stable releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Additionally, regular security audits should be conducted to ensure proper input validation and access control mechanisms are in place, with particular attention to bookmark and query execution functionality. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege as outlined in security best practices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be leveraged for initial access and persistence within compromised environments.
The broader implications of this vulnerability demonstrate the critical importance of proper input sanitization and access control validation in web applications. It highlights how seemingly benign features like bookmarking can become attack vectors when not properly secured against malicious input. Organizations should implement comprehensive security training for developers to ensure proper validation of user inputs and adherence to secure coding practices. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the application's architecture and code implementation.