CVE-2012-1902 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
show_config_errors.php in phpMyAdmin 3.4.x before 3.4.10.2, when a configuration file does not exist, allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request, which reveals the installation path in an error message about this missing file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1902 affects phpMyAdmin versions 3.4.x prior to 3.4.10.2 and represents a critical information disclosure issue that exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. This flaw occurs in the show_config_errors.php component when the application attempts to access a missing configuration file, creating a scenario where attackers can directly request this script and receive detailed error messages containing the server installation path. The vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling mechanisms that fail to sanitize or suppress sensitive path information in error responses, creating a direct avenue for attackers to gather reconnaissance data about the target system infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic path disclosure weakness that falls under CWE-209, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through error messages. When phpMyAdmin encounters a missing configuration file, it generates an error message that inadvertently reveals the absolute installation path of the application on the web server. This occurs because the application does not properly implement error suppression or sanitization protocols that would prevent such sensitive data from being exposed to unauthenticated users. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires no authentication or special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyAdmin is publicly accessible.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-1902 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths can serve as foundational intelligence for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers can leverage this information to craft targeted attacks against specific system configurations, identify potential weaknesses in file permissions, or develop more effective exploitation strategies. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1213 (Data from Information Repositories) as it enables threat actors to gather system reconnaissance data that can be used for further exploitation. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpMyAdmin face significant risk of compromise, as this information disclosure can serve as a stepping stone to more serious security breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper error handling procedures that sanitize all error messages before presentation to users. System administrators should immediately upgrade to phpMyAdmin version 3.4.10.2 or later, which includes patches addressing this specific information disclosure issue. Additionally, web server configurations should be reviewed to ensure that error messages do not contain sensitive path information, and custom error pages should be implemented to prevent direct exposure of application internals. The remediation approach should also include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts and implementing network-level controls to restrict access to phpMyAdmin interfaces where possible. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify other applications that may exhibit similar path disclosure vulnerabilities, as this represents a common class of weakness in web applications that can significantly aid attackers in their reconnaissance efforts.