CVE-2013-3240 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the Export feature in phpMyAdmin 4.x before 4.0.0-rc3 allows remote authenticated users to read arbitrary files or possibly have unspecified other impact via a parameter that specifies a crafted export type.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2013-3240 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within phpMyAdmin's export functionality, specifically affecting versions 4.x prior to 4.0.0-rc3. This directory traversal vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation in the export parameter handling mechanism, allowing authenticated attackers to manipulate file paths and access arbitrary files on the server. The flaw exists in the way phpMyAdmin processes export type parameters, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being used in file system operations. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious export requests that can traverse directory structures and access sensitive files beyond the intended scope of the application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the predictable nature of how phpMyAdmin handles export parameters, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the export type specification. When an authenticated user submits an export request with a crafted parameter, the system processes this input without adequate boundary checks, allowing path traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ to be interpreted by the file system. This creates a condition where attackers can navigate to directories outside the intended export scope and potentially read configuration files, database credentials, or other sensitive information stored on the server. The vulnerability specifically impacts the export functionality which is designed to allow users to export database content in various formats, but the lack of proper input sanitization transforms this legitimate feature into a vector for unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file reading capabilities, as it can potentially lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An authenticated attacker with access to phpMyAdmin can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive configuration files that may contain database connection strings, encryption keys, or administrative credentials. The unspecified other impacts mentioned in the CVE description suggest that this vulnerability could potentially enable additional attack vectors such as code execution or privilege escalation depending on the server configuration and file permissions. This flaw particularly affects environments where phpMyAdmin is installed with default configurations or where administrative credentials are weakly protected, as it requires only authentication to exploit.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching to versions 4.0.0-rc3 or later where the directory traversal protection has been implemented. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and sanitization measures for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those that interact with the file system. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that phpMyAdmin operates with minimal required permissions and that exported files are properly restricted. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit access to phpMyAdmin interfaces, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Directory Traversal and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it requires authenticated access to exploit but can lead to broader system compromise through information disclosure and potential privilege escalation.