CVE-2016-1927 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
The suggestPassword function in js/functions.js in phpMyAdmin 4.0.x before 4.0.10.13, 4.4.x before 4.4.15.3, and 4.5.x before 4.5.4 relies on the Math.random JavaScript function, which makes it easier for remote attackers to guess passwords via a brute-force approach.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1927 resides within the phpMyAdmin web-based database management tool, specifically in the suggestPassword function located in the js/functions.js file. This flaw affects multiple versions of phpMyAdmin including 4.0.x before 4.0.10.13, 4.4.x before 4.4.15.3, and 4.5.x before 4.5.4, creating a significant security risk for systems utilizing these vulnerable versions. The core issue stems from the function's reliance on JavaScript's Math.random() method for generating password suggestions, which fundamentally undermines the cryptographic security requirements necessary for secure password generation.
The technical flaw manifests through the predictable nature of JavaScript's Math.random() function, which produces pseudo-random numbers that lack sufficient entropy for cryptographic purposes. This weakness allows remote attackers to perform brute-force attacks against password suggestions generated by the vulnerable phpMyAdmin versions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-330 Use of Insufficiently Random Values, which specifically addresses the use of pseudo-random number generators in security-sensitive contexts where true randomness is required. The predictability of the generated passwords significantly reduces the effective entropy and makes automated guessing attacks considerably more feasible, particularly when attackers can observe or intercept the password suggestion process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password guessing, as it represents a fundamental failure in the security architecture of the password generation mechanism within phpMyAdmin. Attackers can exploit this weakness to systematically guess user passwords, potentially leading to unauthorized access to database systems and the compromise of sensitive data. The vulnerability affects all users who rely on the automatic password suggestion feature, making it particularly dangerous in environments where phpMyAdmin is used for database administration. The implications are severe because database administrators often use these generated passwords for critical system accounts, and their predictability creates a direct pathway for unauthorized access to database resources.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and accessible to remote attackers without requiring special privileges or complex exploitation techniques. The flaw exists in the client-side JavaScript implementation, meaning that an attacker only needs to interact with the vulnerable web interface to observe the password generation process and subsequently perform targeted brute-force attacks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003 Credential Stuffing and T1212 Exploitation for Credential Access, as the vulnerability enables attackers to systematically test guessed passwords against legitimate accounts. Organizations using vulnerable versions of phpMyAdmin should consider immediate remediation, as the vulnerability does not require privileged access or specialized tools to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in publicly accessible environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-1927 primarily focus on upgrading to patched versions of phpMyAdmin where the password generation mechanism has been properly secured using cryptographically secure random number generators. System administrators should immediately apply the vendor patches available for versions 4.0.10.13, 4.4.15.3, and 4.5.4, which address the reliance on Math.random() and implement proper cryptographic randomization. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as account lockout mechanisms, multi-factor authentication, and monitoring for unusual password generation activity. The remediation process should also include reviewing all password policies and ensuring that generated passwords are properly rotated and validated against known weak password patterns to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.