CVE-2011-3646 in phpmyadmin
Summary
by MITRE
phpmyadmin.css.php in phpMyAdmin 3.4.x before 3.4.6 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an array-typed js_frame parameter to phpmyadmin.css.php, which reveals the installation path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3646 affects phpMyAdmin versions 3.4.x prior to 3.4.6 and represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that can be exploited by remote attackers to obtain installation path information. This vulnerability specifically resides in the phpmyadmin.css.php component of the phpMyAdmin web application suite, which is widely used for managing mysql databases through web interfaces. The issue arises from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms within the application's css generation functionality.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker crafts a malicious request containing an array-typed js_frame parameter directed at the phpmyadmin.css.php endpoint. When the application processes this malformed input, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the parameter type, leading to an error condition that inadvertently exposes the server's installation path within the error message output. This occurs because the application's error handling routine does not properly account for array inputs when processing css-related parameters, resulting in a path disclosure vulnerability that can be leveraged by threat actors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with critical system information that can be used for further exploitation attempts. The exposed installation path can reveal directory structures, file locations, and potentially sensitive environmental details that aid in crafting more sophisticated attacks. This information disclosure can serve as a stepping stone for attackers to identify other potential vulnerabilities, map the server infrastructure, or plan targeted attacks against specific components within the phpMyAdmin installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication and can be exploited remotely, making it accessible to any attacker with network connectivity to the affected system.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and represents a classic case of path disclosure through improper error handling. The flaw also corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the information gathering phase, where adversaries seek to discover system information to facilitate their attack objectives. Organizations using affected phpMyAdmin versions should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates to version 3.4.6 or later, which includes proper input validation and error handling for the js_frame parameter. Additional mitigations may include implementing web application firewalls to filter suspicious parameter inputs, restricting access to the phpmyadmin.css.php endpoint, and conducting regular security audits to identify similar input validation vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack.