CVE-2016-2559 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the format function in libraries/sql-parser/src/Utils/Error.php in the SQL parser in phpMyAdmin 4.5.x before 4.5.5.1 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted query.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The CVE-2016-2559 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the phpMyAdmin web application that affects versions 4.5.x prior to 4.5.5.1. This vulnerability resides in the SQL parser component, specifically within the format function located in the Error.php file under the libraries/sql-parser/src/Utils directory. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows authenticated attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or privilege escalation within the application environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the SQL parser's error handling mechanism. When phpMyAdmin processes SQL queries and encounters errors, the format function in Error.php is responsible for displaying error messages to users. However, the function fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into HTML output, creating an XSS vector that can be exploited by attackers who have authenticated access to the application. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2559 extends beyond simple script injection as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the phpMyAdmin environment. An authenticated attacker can craft malicious SQL queries that, when processed by the vulnerable parser, will execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser. This capability enables attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of legitimate users, access sensitive database information, or even escalate privileges if the authenticated user has administrative capabilities. The attack requires only that an attacker possess valid login credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to the database management interface.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers the use of web application vulnerabilities for initial access and privilege escalation. The exploitation pathway involves leveraging the authenticated session to inject malicious code that can persist across user sessions and potentially compromise the entire database management environment. Organizations using affected versions of phpMyAdmin should prioritize immediate patching to version 4.5.5.1 or later, as this update contains the necessary fixes to properly sanitize error messages and prevent the injection of malicious scripts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application, including the SQL parser, can provide defense-in-depth protection against similar vulnerabilities. Network monitoring should also be enhanced to detect anomalous SQL query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while access controls should be reviewed to ensure least privilege principles are maintained across all phpMyAdmin user accounts.