CVE-2016-5732 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the partition-range implementation in templates/table/structure/display_partitions.phtml in the table-structure page in phpMyAdmin 4.6.x before 4.6.3 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via crafted table parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2016-5732 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in phpMyAdmin's table structure display functionality. This issue specifically affects versions 4.6.x before 4.6.3 and resides within the partition-range implementation in the templates/table/structure/display_partitions.phtml file. The vulnerability occurs on the table-structure page where attackers can manipulate table parameters to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content. This flaw demonstrates a classic input validation failure where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in the web interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the lack of proper output encoding in the partition display functionality. When phpMyAdmin processes table parameters for partition range visualization, it fails to adequately escape or sanitize user input before incorporating it into the HTML output. This creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specially formatted table parameters that, when processed by the vulnerable application, execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the presentation layer where user interactions directly influence HTML rendering, making it a prime target for persistent XSS attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-5732 extends beyond simple script injection as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive database credentials, or redirect users to malicious websites. Since phpMyAdmin is commonly used by database administrators and developers with elevated privileges, successful exploitation could provide attackers with unauthorized access to database systems, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the core table structure functionality, meaning any user with access to the phpMyAdmin interface could be targeted, regardless of their specific database permissions. This makes it particularly concerning for environments where phpMyAdmin is exposed to untrusted users or where administrative access is not properly restricted.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense against this vulnerability including immediate patching to phpMyAdmin version 4.6.3 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to mitigate the impact of any remaining XSS vulnerabilities, and establish proper input validation at all application layers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities and conducting regular security assessments of phpMyAdmin installations can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from remaining unaddressed in production environments.