CVE-2013-1937 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in tbl_gis_visualization.php in phpMyAdmin 3.5.x before 3.5.8 might allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) visualizationSettings[width] or (2) visualizationSettings[height] parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1937 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the phpMyAdmin web-based database management tool. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 3.5.x prior to 3.5.8 and resides within the tbl_gis_visualization.php script which handles geographic information system visualizations. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code through manipulation of specific parameters within the visualization settings, creating a significant security risk for database administrators who rely on phpMyAdmin for their database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the affected phpMyAdmin component. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious payloads into the visualizationSettings[width] or visualizationSettings[height] parameters, which are then rendered without proper sanitization in the web interface. This occurs because the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content, directly violating secure coding practices and creating an avenue for persistent cross-site scripting attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1937 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, defacement of database interfaces, and potential data exfiltration from compromised systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to database content, manipulate visualization data, or redirect users to malicious websites while maintaining persistence within the compromised environment. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that use phpMyAdmin for database administration, as it undermines the integrity of the web interface and potentially compromises the entire database management ecosystem.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection. The remediation strategy involves immediate upgrading to phpMyAdmin version 3.5.8 or later, which includes proper input validation and output sanitization measures. Additionally, organizations should implement web application firewalls, conduct regular security assessments, and establish proper input validation protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of their database management infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs and properly escaping output in web applications to prevent injection-based attacks that could compromise entire database environments.