CVE-2014-4954 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the PMA_getHtmlForActionLinks function in libraries/structure.lib.php in phpMyAdmin 4.2.x before 4.2.6 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted table comment that is improperly handled during construction of a database structure page.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4954 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within phpMyAdmin's structure library component, specifically affecting versions 4.2.x prior to 4.2.6. This vulnerability resides in the PMA_getHtmlForActionLinks function located within the libraries/structure.lib.php file, demonstrating a classic input validation and output encoding weakness that has significant implications for web application security. The flaw enables authenticated attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious table comment containing embedded script code and submits it through the phpMyAdmin interface. During the rendering process of database structure pages, the system fails to properly sanitize or encode the table comment content before incorporating it into the HTML output. This improper handling creates an XSS vector where the malicious payload executes in the victim's browser when they view the affected database structure page. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to the phpMyAdmin interface, meaning that attackers who have obtained legitimate credentials can leverage this flaw without requiring additional privileges or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4954 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the phpMyAdmin environment. Attackers can manipulate the database structure display to inject malicious JavaScript that can capture user credentials, redirect users to phishing sites, or even execute additional attacks against the underlying database system. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of phpMyAdmin's structure view, which is frequently accessed by database administrators and developers, making it a high-value target for exploitation. This flaw also demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices, as the vulnerability stems from inadequate protection of user-supplied data during HTML generation processes.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The attack pattern corresponds to the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries leverage XSS to execute malicious code in the context of the victim's browser session. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin installations to 4.2.6 or later versions, as well as implementing additional security controls such as content security policies and regular security assessments of web applications. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data in contexts where the data is rendered as HTML content.