CVE-2013-3238 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyAdmin 3.5.x before 3.5.8 and 4.x before 4.0.0-rc3 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a /e\x00 sequence, which is not properly handled before making a preg_replace function call within the "Replace table prefix" feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2013-3238 represents a critical code execution flaw in phpMyAdmin versions prior to 3.5.8 and 4.0.0-rc3, where authenticated remote attackers can leverage a specially crafted input sequence to execute arbitrary code on the target system. This vulnerability specifically targets the "Replace table prefix" functionality within the database management interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who already have access to the phpMyAdmin application. The flaw stems from improper handling of the '/e' modifier in regular expression operations, which is a well-known security risk that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-170. The vulnerability exists because the application fails to properly sanitize user input before passing it to the preg_replace function, creating a path for malicious code injection through the replacement process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability relies on the PHP preg_replace function's behavior when processing the '/e' modifier, which instructs the function to evaluate the replacement string as PHP code. When an authenticated user accesses the "Replace table prefix" feature and provides malicious input containing the '/e' sequence followed by arbitrary code, the application processes this input without adequate validation or sanitization. This creates a direct code execution pathway that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms and allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP commands on the server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access to the phpMyAdmin interface, meaning that an attacker who can obtain valid credentials for any user account within the application can exploit this flaw. According to ATT&CK framework, this maps to T1059.007 for PHP code execution and T1566 for credential access, as the attack chain involves both privilege escalation through valid credentials and code execution on the target system.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3238 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with full control over the affected phpMyAdmin server and potentially the underlying database infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive database information, modify or delete critical data, and use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on phpMyAdmin for database administration, particularly those with web applications that use MySQL databases, as the attack can be executed through the standard web interface without requiring specialized tools or techniques. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpMyAdmin are at risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential compliance violations, especially in regulated environments where database security is paramount. The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access, as it requires legitimate user credentials to reach the vulnerable functionality while enabling full system compromise once executed. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions, applying input validation measures, and monitoring for suspicious activity in the phpMyAdmin interface to prevent exploitation of this critical vulnerability.