CVE-2016-2044 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
libraries/sql-parser/autoload.php in the SQL parser in phpMyAdmin 4.5.x before 4.5.4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted request, which reveals the full path in an error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2044 resides within the sql-parser component of phpMyAdmin version 4.5.x prior to 4.5.4, specifically affecting the autoload.php file in the libraries/sql-parser directory. This issue represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize error messages before displaying them to remote attackers. The flaw allows malicious actors to craft specific requests that trigger error responses containing the full server path where phpMyAdmin is installed, thereby exposing sensitive system information that could aid in subsequent attack vectors.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the improper handling of error conditions within the SQL parser's autoloading functionality. When phpMyAdmin processes certain malformed or crafted SQL queries through its parsing mechanism, the system generates error messages that inadvertently include the complete file system path. This occurs because the error handling code does not adequately filter or sanitize the output before presenting it to users, creating a path disclosure condition that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and information hiding. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, which specifically addresses "Information Exposure Through an Error Message," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212, "Exploitation for Credential Access," as the disclosed paths may reveal system structure that could be leveraged for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple path disclosure, as it provides attackers with crucial reconnaissance information that can significantly aid in planning more sophisticated attacks against the target system. The full server path disclosure can reveal directory structures, potentially exposing sensitive file locations, version information, and system configurations that may not be apparent through normal network scanning. This information disclosure can facilitate attacks such as local file inclusion vulnerabilities, directory traversal exploits, or even help attackers identify specific system components that may have additional vulnerabilities. The exposure of the complete path also provides attackers with insight into the underlying system architecture, potentially revealing whether the application is running on shared hosting, virtualized environments, or specific operating system configurations that could present additional attack surfaces.
Organizations using affected versions of phpMyAdmin should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability, including updating to version 4.5.4 or later where the issue has been resolved. The fix typically involves implementing proper error message sanitization within the SQL parser's autoload functionality, ensuring that error responses do not contain sensitive path information. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can filter out suspicious request patterns that might trigger these error conditions, as well as configuring proper error handling at the web server level to prevent detailed error messages from being exposed to end users. The remediation process should also include regular security audits of application components to identify similar information disclosure vulnerabilities that may exist in other parts of the system architecture.