CVE-2011-3591 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpMyAdmin 3.4.x before 3.4.5 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted row that triggers an improperly constructed confirmation message after inline-editing and save operations, related to (1) js/functions.js and (2) js/tbl_structure.js.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3591 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting phpMyAdmin versions 3.4.x prior to 3.4.5. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the web application's JavaScript components, specifically targeting the user interface elements responsible for inline editing operations. The flaw exists in two primary JavaScript files: js/functions.js and js/tbl_structure.js, which handle the construction and display of confirmation messages during database table modifications. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate the inline-editing functionality to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of authenticated user sessions, potentially compromising the entire database management environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted row modification that triggers an improperly constructed confirmation message. When users perform inline-editing operations and save changes, the application fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated JavaScript or HTML content. This allows authenticated attackers with access to the phpMyAdmin interface to inject malicious payloads that can execute in the browser of any user who views the affected confirmation message. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate administrative functionality, making the attack vector more subtle and harder to detect compared to direct input injection attempts. The CWE-79 classification applies directly to this issue, as it represents a failure to sanitize output that results in the execution of malicious code in the user's browser.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3591 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the database management environment. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify database content, or even escalate privileges within the phpMyAdmin interface. Since phpMyAdmin is commonly used for database administration tasks, the potential for data exfiltration, unauthorized database modifications, and privilege escalation is significant. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of database management operations, potentially disrupting business continuity and compromising sensitive data stored in the database systems. Organizations using affected versions of phpMyAdmin face increased risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to critical database infrastructure, particularly in environments where database administrators have elevated privileges.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrade to phpMyAdmin version 3.4.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities in the affected JavaScript components. Additionally, organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted users only, while regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues. The ATT&CK framework's T1566 technique applies to this vulnerability, as it represents a method for initial access through web application exploitation, while T1071.001 covers the use of web protocols for command and control communications that could result from successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities.