CVE-2013-5000 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
phpMyAdmin 3.5.x before 3.5.8.2 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via an invalid request, which reveals the installation path in an error message, related to config.default.php and other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5000 affects phpMyAdmin versions 3.5.x prior to 3.5.8.2 and represents a sensitive information disclosure flaw that exposes installation paths through error messages generated during invalid requests. This vulnerability specifically impacts the configuration handling mechanisms within phpMyAdmin, where improper error message generation reveals critical system information to remote attackers. The flaw occurs when the application processes invalid requests related to config.default.php and other configuration files, resulting in error messages that contain the absolute installation path of the phpMyAdmin instance on the server filesystem. This type of information disclosure vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-200, which describes the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and can significantly aid attackers in planning subsequent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates poor error handling practices where the application fails to sanitize error messages before displaying them to users, creating a direct information leak that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and defense in depth. Attackers can leverage this information to craft more targeted attacks, potentially identifying system layout, file structures, and even locating other vulnerable components within the same server environment.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2013-5000 requires minimal effort and can be achieved through simple HTTP requests that trigger invalid configurations or malformed parameters. When phpMyAdmin encounters an invalid request during the configuration loading process, it generates error messages that inadvertently include the full filesystem path where the application is installed. This occurs because the application's error handling mechanism does not properly filter or sanitize the error output before sending it to the client. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects core configuration files such as config.default.php, which are essential for the application's operation and contain sensitive path information. The error messages typically include stack traces or configuration-related error text that reveals directory structures, making it easier for attackers to map out the target system's filesystem layout and potentially identify other security weaknesses. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability can be classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework's T1083 - File and Directory Discovery, as it provides attackers with information about system file structures. The exposure of installation paths can also facilitate additional attacks such as path traversal exploits or help attackers identify the exact version and configuration of the vulnerable software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a foundation for more sophisticated attacks and significantly reduces the security posture of affected systems. When attackers can obtain the installation path, they gain valuable reconnaissance information that can be used to target other vulnerabilities or craft more effective attack vectors. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate security of phpMyAdmin but also the broader server environment, as the exposed paths may reveal information about the hosting infrastructure, operating system, and other installed applications. Organizations running vulnerable versions of phpMyAdmin face increased risk of privilege escalation attacks, as the leaked information can be combined with other reconnaissance data to identify potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability also impacts compliance requirements, particularly in regulated environments where information disclosure can violate data protection standards and security frameworks such as ISO 27001 or NIST cybersecurity guidelines. System administrators must consider that this vulnerability can be exploited by automated scanning tools, making it a persistent threat that requires immediate remediation. The issue represents a failure in secure coding practices and proper input validation, where the application should never reveal internal system information through error messages regardless of the request type. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions of phpMyAdmin 3.5.x indicates a systemic problem in the error handling implementation that required a specific patch release to address. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring to detect exploitation attempts and ensure that all phpMyAdmin installations are updated to versions that properly handle error messages without exposing sensitive path information. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper error handling in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks. Security teams should treat this as a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention, as it provides attackers with essential reconnaissance information that can be used to plan more targeted and effective attacks against the affected systems and infrastructure.