CVE-2016-2562 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
The checkHTTP function in libraries/Config.class.php in phpMyAdmin 4.5.x before 4.5.5.1 does not verify X.509 certificates from api.github.com SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof these servers and obtain sensitive information via a crafted certificate.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2562 resides within the phpMyAdmin web-based database management tool, specifically within the libraries/Config.class.php file where the checkHTTP function operates. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the application's certificate validation mechanism, affecting versions 4.5.x prior to 4.5.5.1. The vulnerability stems from the function's failure to properly validate X.509 certificates when establishing secure connections to api.github.com servers, creating an exploitable gap in the application's security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the checkHTTP function's inadequate SSL certificate verification process. When phpMyAdmin attempts to communicate with GitHub's api endpoint for configuration or update checking purposes, the application fails to validate the presented X.509 certificates against trusted certificate authorities. This omission allows malicious actors positioned in the network traffic path to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting forged certificates that appear legitimate to the vulnerable application. The flaw essentially disables the SSL/TLS certificate validation that should normally ensure the authenticity of the server being connected to, leaving the system vulnerable to impersonation attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent attack vector that can be exploited by adversaries with network access. An attacker capable of intercepting traffic between the phpMyAdmin instance and api.github.com can craft malicious certificates that will be accepted by the vulnerable application, potentially allowing them to intercept sensitive configuration data, update information, or even redirect the application to malicious endpoints. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where phpMyAdmin is configured to automatically check for updates or retrieve configuration data from external sources, making it a significant concern for database administrators managing sensitive information systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-295, which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation," and represents a clear violation of secure communication protocols. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this weakness maps to T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol: DNS and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage this flaw to establish fraudulent connections and potentially redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of T1552 for Unsecured Credentials and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as it affects a publicly accessible web application component that can be exploited by remote attackers. The security implications are particularly severe for organizations that rely on phpMyAdmin for database administration, as the compromised system could potentially provide attackers with access to database credentials, configuration details, or other sensitive operational information that could be used for further compromise of the database infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to phpMyAdmin version 4.5.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary certificate validation fixes. Additional protective measures include implementing network-level controls such as firewall rules that restrict outbound connections to api.github.com, deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious certificate validation patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications to identify similar validation weaknesses. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper SSL/TLS certificate validation in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor security flaws in authentication mechanisms can have significant operational consequences.