CVE-2016-2560 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpMyAdmin 4.0.x before 4.0.10.15, 4.4.x before 4.4.15.5, and 4.5.x before 4.5.5.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) a crafted Host HTTP header, related to libraries/Config.class.php; (2) crafted JSON data, related to file_echo.php; (3) a crafted SQL query, related to js/functions.js; (4) the initial parameter to libraries/server_privileges.lib.php in the user accounts page; or (5) the it parameter to libraries/controllers/TableSearchController.class.php in the zoom search page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The CVE-2016-2560 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting phpMyAdmin versions across multiple release lines including 4.0.x before 4.0.10.15, 4.4.x before 4.4.15.5, and 4.5.x before 4.5.5.1. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's core components, creating multiple attack vectors that collectively enable remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as phpMyAdmin serves as one of the most widely used database management tools for mysql databases, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise web applications and their underlying database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through five distinct attack vectors that demonstrate the breadth of the flaw within the application's architecture. The first vector involves manipulation of the Host HTTP header during library configuration processing, specifically within libraries/Config.class.php, where unfiltered header data gets directly incorporated into the application's output. The second vector exploits crafted JSON data processing in file_echo.php, indicating that data serialization and deserialization routines lack proper sanitization. The third vector targets js/functions.js through crafted SQL queries, suggesting that client-side JavaScript functions do not adequately validate database input before rendering. The fourth vector involves the initial parameter in libraries/server_privileges.lib.php during user account management operations, demonstrating that administrative interfaces are vulnerable to malicious input. The fifth vector targets the it parameter in libraries/controllers/TableSearchController.class.php during zoom search operations, showing that search functionality contains insecure data handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-2560 extends beyond simple XSS execution as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, deface web applications, steal sensitive database credentials, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The vulnerability's presence in core configuration and administrative components means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify database server settings, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, or access sensitive configuration data. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 (Data from Information Repositories) and T1566.001 (Phishing with Spoofed Credentials), as attackers could use the XSS to redirect users to malicious sites or harvest session cookies. The attack surface is particularly broad due to the application's widespread deployment in web hosting environments and enterprise database management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2560 must focus on immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin versions to the latest stable releases that contain the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures across all application components, particularly in areas handling HTTP headers, JSON data, SQL queries, and user-provided parameters. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not replace proper application-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious HTTP header patterns, malformed JSON data, and unusual SQL query structures. Regular security audits of database management interfaces are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust input validation practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST SP 800-53 security standards.