CVE-2011-3592 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the PMA_unInlineEditRow function in js/sql.js in phpMyAdmin 3.4.x before 3.4.5 allow remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a (1) database name, (2) table name, or (3) column name that is not properly handled after an inline-editing operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2011-3592 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in phpMyAdmin version 3.4.x before 3.4.5, specifically within the PMA_unInlineEditRow function located in the js/sql.js file. This vulnerability affects the web-based database management interface that millions of users rely on for MySQL database administration tasks. The flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly handle user-supplied data during inline editing operations. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating database names, table names, or column names through authenticated sessions, creating a persistent security risk that can affect all users of the vulnerable phpMyAdmin installation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user performs inline editing operations on database objects within phpMyAdmin's graphical interface. During these operations, the PMA_unInlineEditRow function processes user inputs without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious scripts to be injected into the application's response. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of a legitimate user session, making it difficult to detect and potentially allowing for privilege escalation attacks. The XSS payload can be executed in the victim's browser when they view the modified database objects, enabling attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, defacing web pages, or redirecting users to malicious sites. This flaw directly maps to CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is classified under the OWASP Top Ten as a critical web application vulnerability.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3592 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that compromise the entire web application environment. An attacker with valid credentials can manipulate database metadata in ways that persist across multiple sessions, potentially leading to data exfiltration or unauthorized access to sensitive database information. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate phpMyAdmin interface but also creates potential for broader system compromise when combined with other attack techniques. Organizations using vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized data access, especially in environments where phpMyAdmin is exposed to untrusted users or where administrative privileges are compromised. The attack surface is particularly wide since phpMyAdmin is commonly deployed in web hosting environments where it may be accessible to users with varying privilege levels, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in shared hosting scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3592 primarily focus on immediate patching and implementation of defensive coding practices. The most effective solution is upgrading to phpMyAdmin version 3.4.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper input sanitization and output encoding. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as input validation at multiple layers, including client-side and server-side sanitization, and proper HTML escaping of all dynamic content. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious inline editing activities and unusual user behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices, particularly in JavaScript code that handles user inputs, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for phpMyAdmin access, limiting administrative capabilities to only those users who require them, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications.