CVE-2015-7873 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
The redirection feature in url.php in phpMyAdmin 4.4.x before 4.4.15.1 and 4.5.x before 4.5.1 allows remote attackers to spoof content via the url parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7873 affects phpMyAdmin versions 4.4.x prior to 4.4.15.1 and 4.5.x prior to 4.5.1, specifically within the url.php component that handles redirection functionality. This issue represents a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to manipulate the application's redirection mechanism through the url parameter, potentially leading to content spoofing and various malicious activities. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the redirection feature, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that could deceive users into visiting unintended destinations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of the url parameter in the redirection process. When phpMyAdmin processes a redirection request, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input provided in the url parameter, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious URLs. This flaw falls under the category of insecure redirection as defined by CWE-601, where applications redirect users to external sites without sufficient validation of the target URLs. The vulnerability specifically enables content spoofing attacks where an attacker can manipulate the redirection to point to a malicious website that appears legitimate, potentially leading to phishing attempts, credential theft, or malware distribution.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7873 extends beyond simple content spoofing, as it can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the context of the ATT&CK framework's initial access and execution phases. Attackers can use this vulnerability to redirect users to malicious sites that may host phishing pages designed to capture database credentials or other sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyAdmin is used for database administration, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to database systems and potential data breaches. The attack surface is broad since phpMyAdmin is widely deployed across various organizations, making this vulnerability a significant concern for system administrators and security teams.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7873 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of phpMyAdmin, specifically versions 4.4.15.1 and 4.5.1 or later. Organizations should also implement network-level controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious redirection attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing strict input validation policies and monitoring for unusual redirection patterns within their network traffic. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other web applications and components within the organization's infrastructure.