CVE-2011-2642 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the table Print view implementation in tbl_printview.php in phpMyAdmin before 3.3.10.3 and 3.4.x before 3.4.3.2 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted table name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2642 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the phpMyAdmin web application that affects versions prior to 3.3.10.3 and 3.4.x before 3.4.3.2. This issue specifically targets the table Print view implementation in the tbl_printview.php file, which serves as a crucial interface for users to generate printable representations of database tables. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied table names before rendering them in the print view context. This flaw allows authenticated attackers who possess valid credentials to manipulate the application's behavior by injecting malicious scripts or HTML content through carefully crafted table names. The attack vector requires authentication since the vulnerability specifically targets authenticated users, making it particularly concerning for environments where database administrators or users with appropriate privileges maintain access to the phpMyAdmin interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user navigates to the print view functionality and provides a table name containing malicious script code. The application processes this input without adequate sanitization, leading to the execution of injected scripts in the context of other users who subsequently access the same print view. This creates a persistent XSS attack scenario where the malicious code can be executed in the browsers of other users who view the affected print view, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as the improper handling of input data that enables attackers to inject client-side scripts into web applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding that violates fundamental web security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2642 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within database administration environments. When administrators or authorized users access the compromised print view, their browsers execute the injected malicious code, potentially allowing attackers to capture session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized database operations. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where phpMyAdmin serves as the primary database administration interface, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise database environments. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers do not require public exposure or complex exploitation techniques, as they can leverage existing user privileges to inject malicious code. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, potentially enabling privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments where database administrators maintain elevated access rights.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to phpMyAdmin versions 3.3.10.3 or 3.4.3.2 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability in the print view implementation. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough security reviews of their phpMyAdmin configurations to ensure proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms are in place. The mitigation strategy should include regular security updates, implementation of web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious user activities within the database administration interface. Security teams should also consider implementing additional access controls and privilege separation to limit the impact of potential exploitation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications and credential access, as the XSS can be used to steal session tokens and maintain persistent access to database environments. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures to quickly address potential exploitation attempts and ensure comprehensive security awareness training for database administrators who interact with the phpMyAdmin interface.