CVE-2013-4997 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpMyAdmin 3.5.x before 3.5.8.2 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving a JavaScript event in (1) an anchor identifier to setup/index.php or (2) a chartTitle (aka chart title) value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2013-4997 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in phpMyAdmin versions 3.5.x prior to 3.5.8.2, which exposes web applications to remote code execution through malicious script injection. This vulnerability specifically targets the input validation mechanisms within the setup/index.php script and chart title functionality, creating pathways for attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code in the context of affected users' browsers. The flaw stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data, particularly JavaScript event handlers and chart title parameters, which are processed without proper encoding or filtering. This issue falls under CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of XSS vulnerability exploitation. The attack vectors leverage the web application's trust in user input, where legitimate parameters containing JavaScript event handlers can be manipulated to execute malicious code when rendered in the browser.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through two primary attack paths that demonstrate the application's inadequate input validation practices. The first vector involves injecting JavaScript event handlers into anchor identifiers within the setup/index.php page, while the second targets the chartTitle parameter where attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code into chart title values. Both attack scenarios exploit the fundamental weakness in the application's data sanitization process, where user-provided content flows directly into HTML output without proper HTML escaping or context-appropriate encoding. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated sessions. The attack requires minimal privileges since it operates entirely at the web application layer without requiring system-level access or database credentials. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script injection to potentially enable session hijacking, data theft, and privilege escalation attacks, making it a significant concern for database administrators and security professionals.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-4997 is substantial for organizations relying on phpMyAdmin for database management, as it creates persistent security risks across multiple deployment scenarios. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, steal sensitive database credentials, or perform unauthorized data manipulation operations through the compromised web interface. The vulnerability affects both the setup wizard and chart generation functionalities, meaning that any user with access to these features can potentially exploit the flaw. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to database systems, particularly in environments where phpMyAdmin is exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would place it within the T1059.007 technique category for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting web-based command execution through JavaScript injection. This type of vulnerability also relates to T1566 which covers phishing techniques, as attackers could use the XSS to redirect users to malicious sites or inject malicious content that appears legitimate. The long-term impact includes potential compromise of entire database infrastructure, as successful exploitation can lead to full system infiltration through database access points.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-4997 should prioritize immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin installations to version 3.5.8.2 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, particularly focusing on JavaScript event handler validation and chart title parameter sanitization. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts, while proper input filtering should be enforced at multiple layers including application, network, and database levels. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar input validation flaws in other web applications, as this vulnerability type commonly affects web-based management interfaces. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted users only, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect suspicious script injection attempts. The remediation process should also include user education about recognizing and avoiding suspicious links or content that may exploit such vulnerabilities, particularly in environments where multiple users have access to database management interfaces. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be established to prevent similar vulnerabilities from accumulating in the application stack.