CVE-2011-2643 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in sql.php in phpMyAdmin 3.4.x before 3.4.3.2, when configuration storage is enabled, allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in a MIME-type transformation parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2643 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in phpMyAdmin's sql.php script affecting versions 3.4.x before 3.4.3.2. This issue specifically manifests when configuration storage is enabled, creating a pathway for remote attackers to exploit the system through manipulation of MIME-type transformation parameters. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such flaws typically arise when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input before using it in file system operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through carefully crafted directory traversal sequences embedded within MIME-type transformation parameters. When phpMyAdmin processes these parameters without adequate input validation, it inadvertently allows attackers to manipulate file inclusion mechanisms and access arbitrary local files on the server. The attack vector leverages the configuration storage feature, which enables phpMyAdmin to store user preferences and configuration data in database tables, thereby extending the attack surface to include database-backed configuration elements. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic example of how web applications can be compromised when they fail to properly sanitize user input before using it in file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass full remote code execution capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to include and execute arbitrary local files, potentially gaining complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of phpMyAdmin's database management interface, which is widely used across web applications and hosting environments. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on phpMyAdmin for database administration, as the compromised system could serve as a foothold for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where phpMyAdmin is accessible from untrusted networks or where administrative privileges are granted to multiple users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2643 primarily involve immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin installations to version 3.4.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the directory traversal vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to phpMyAdmin interfaces and restrict administrative privileges to trusted users only. Additional defensive measures include disabling configuration storage when not required, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, and monitoring system logs for suspicious file access patterns. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique through application misconfiguration highlights the importance of proper input validation and access control measures. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious directory traversal attempts, while maintaining regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems.