CVE-2016-6607 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
XSS issues were discovered in phpMyAdmin. This affects Zoom search (specially crafted column content can be used to trigger an XSS attack); GIS editor (certain fields in the graphical GIS editor are not properly escaped and can be used to trigger an XSS attack); Relation view; the following Transformations: Formatted, Imagelink, JPEG: Upload, RegexValidation, JPEG inline, PNG inline, and transformation wrapper; XML export; MediaWiki export; Designer; When the MySQL server is running with a specially-crafted log_bin directive; Database tab; Replication feature; and Database search. All 4.6.x versions (prior to 4.6.4), 4.4.x versions (prior to 4.4.15.8), and 4.0.x versions (prior to 4.0.10.17) are affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2016-6607 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in phpMyAdmin that affects multiple components within the database management interface. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms across various phpMyAdmin modules, creating multiple attack vectors that could allow malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. The flaw specifically targets the Zoom search functionality where specially crafted column content can trigger XSS attacks, the GIS editor where certain graphical fields lack proper escaping mechanisms, and the relation view which fails to adequately sanitize user inputs. Additionally, several transformation functions including Formatted, Imagelink, JPEG: Upload, RegexValidation, and inline image transformations all present potential XSS entry points due to insufficient output encoding. The vulnerability extends to XML export, MediaWiki export, and the Designer module where user-provided data can be improperly handled. When the MySQL server operates with specific log_bin directives, additional attack surface becomes available through the database tab and replication features, while database search functionality also remains susceptible to exploitation. The scope of this vulnerability encompasses all versions of phpMyAdmin 4.6.x prior to 4.6.4, 4.4.x versions before 4.4.15.8, and 4.0.x versions before 4.0.10.17, indicating a widespread impact across multiple release branches.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-Site Scripting, which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape output data in web applications. This flaw operates under the ATT&CK framework category of T1212 Exploitation for Credential Access, as successful exploitation could potentially lead to session hijacking and unauthorized database access. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and output encoding practices that violate fundamental web security principles. Attackers can leverage this flaw by injecting malicious JavaScript payloads through various input fields, particularly those used in database operations, search functions, and data transformation processes. The GIS editor component represents a particularly concerning vector as it handles graphical data that is rendered in the browser, making it susceptible to JavaScript injection through malformed coordinate data or other graphical parameters.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-6607 extends beyond simple script execution, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities within the phpMyAdmin environment. An attacker could potentially steal user sessions, access sensitive database information, modify data through the web interface, or even escalate privileges if the phpMyAdmin instance has elevated database permissions. The vulnerability's presence across multiple modules including replication features and database search capabilities means that even passive monitoring of database operations could provide attack vectors for exploitation. The fact that the vulnerability affects both the user-facing interface and backend processing functions creates a comprehensive attack surface that could be leveraged for persistent threats. Organizations using affected phpMyAdmin versions face potential data breaches, unauthorized access to database contents, and possible compromise of the underlying database server through the web interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin installations to versions 4.6.4, 4.4.15.8, or 4.0.10.17 respectively, which contain the necessary output escaping fixes. Organizations should implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, proper output encoding for all user-provided data, and regular security audits of web applications. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted users only. Web Application Firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though they should not be considered a complete solution given the nature of XSS vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious input patterns and unusual database access behaviors. The vulnerability's widespread impact across multiple phpMyAdmin versions underscores the importance of maintaining current software versions and implementing robust patch management procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts, though this mitigation is secondary to the primary fix of updating to patched versions. Regular security training for database administrators and web developers can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in custom applications that may interact with the same database systems.