CVE-2011-2718 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple directory traversal vulnerabilities in the relational schema implementation in phpMyAdmin 3.4.x before 3.4.3.2 allow remote authenticated users to include and execute arbitrary local files via directory traversal sequences in an export type field, related to (1) libraries/schema/User_Schema.class.php and (2) schema_export.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/15/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2011-2718 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in phpMyAdmin's relational schema implementation affecting versions 3.4.x before 3.4.3.2. This security weakness resides in the export functionality of the database management tool, specifically within the User_Schema.class.php and schema_export.php components. The vulnerability allows authenticated remote attackers to exploit directory traversal sequences in the export type field, potentially enabling arbitrary local file inclusion and execution. This flaw directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of database environments where phpMyAdmin is deployed, as it provides attackers with means to access sensitive system files and execute malicious code on the server.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters in the export functionality, where directory traversal sequences can be injected into the export type field. When phpMyAdmin processes these malformed inputs, the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the paths, allowing attackers to navigate beyond the intended directory structure. This vulnerability maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. The flaw essentially permits attackers to bypass normal access controls and access files outside the designated web root or database schema directories, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2718 extends beyond simple file access, as authenticated users can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary local files on the target system. This capability enables attackers to gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects database administrators who rely on phpMyAdmin for schema management and export operations, creating a significant risk for organizations where phpMyAdmin is used in production environments. Attackers could exploit this weakness to read sensitive configuration files, access database credentials, or even upload and execute malicious payloads, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyAdmin is accessible from untrusted networks.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to phpMyAdmin version 3.4.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the directory traversal vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted networks only. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the application can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual export operations and suspicious file access patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of system commands through web applications, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in preventing arbitrary file inclusion attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their database management systems.