CVE-2013-4729 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
import.php in phpMyAdmin 4.x before 4.0.4.1 does not properly restrict the ability of input data to specify a file format, which allows remote authenticated users to modify the GLOBALS superglobal array, and consequently change the configuration, via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4729 represents a critical security flaw in phpMyAdmin versions 4.x prior to 4.0.4.1 that stems from improper input validation in the import.php script. This weakness allows authenticated attackers to manipulate the GLOBALS superglobal array through crafted requests, potentially leading to unauthorized configuration changes and privilege escalation within the application. The vulnerability specifically targets the file format parameter handling during data import operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's trust in user-supplied input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the import.php script's insufficient sanitization of file format parameters. When users submit import requests, the application fails to properly validate or restrict the input data that specifies the file format, allowing attackers to inject malicious data that modifies the GLOBALS array. This array manipulation creates a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled values can overwrite critical application configuration variables, effectively compromising the application's runtime behavior. The flaw operates at the input validation layer, making it particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to influence core application functionality through seemingly legitimate import operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables authenticated remote attackers to gain unauthorized control over phpMyAdmin configuration settings, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple configuration changes, as manipulation of the GLOBALS superglobal array can result in code execution, privilege escalation, and unauthorized database access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to modify critical application parameters, inject malicious code into the application's runtime environment, or establish persistent access to database management interfaces. The authenticated requirement reduces the attack surface compared to unauthenticated vulnerabilities, but the potential for privilege escalation and configuration manipulation remains severe.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-79, representing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that can be exploited through parameter manipulation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and script injection, and T1548.001 for privilege escalation through configuration modification. Organizations using affected phpMyAdmin versions face significant risk of unauthorized database access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where database administrators have elevated privileges. The vulnerability also exposes systems to potential lateral movement attacks, as compromised database management interfaces often provide access to underlying database servers and associated resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4729 require immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin installations to version 4.0.4.1 or later, which implements proper input validation for file format parameters. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to phpMyAdmin interfaces, enforce strict access controls through authentication mechanisms, and monitor for suspicious import activities. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts, conducting regular security audits of database management interfaces, and establishing privileged access monitoring to detect unauthorized configuration changes. Regular vulnerability assessments and security updates should be prioritized to maintain protection against similar input validation flaws in web applications.