CVE-2016-6612 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in phpMyAdmin. A user can exploit the LOAD LOCAL INFILE functionality to expose files on the server to the database system. 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-2016-6612 represents a critical security flaw in phpMyAdmin that exposes sensitive server files through improper access controls within the database management interface. This issue specifically targets the LOAD LOCAL INFILE functionality, which is designed to allow users to import data from local files into database tables. The flaw enables unauthorized file access and potential information disclosure, making it a significant concern for database administrators who rely on phpMyAdmin for their database operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of file paths and access controls within the LOAD LOCAL INFILE feature. When a user with appropriate privileges executes a LOAD DATA LOCAL INFILE statement, the system should restrict file access to predefined directories or enforce strict path validation. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass these restrictions and access files that should remain protected, including configuration files, system files, and potentially sensitive data stored on the server. This behavior aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable further exploitation techniques within the attack chain. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially access database connection credentials, server configuration files, and other sensitive information that could lead to privilege escalation or additional system compromise. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of phpMyAdmin, specifically 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, indicating this was a widespread issue affecting the software's user base during that period. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1566 (Phishing with Malicious Attachments) as attackers can use this technique to gather intelligence about the target system.
Organizations utilizing phpMyAdmin should implement immediate mitigation strategies to protect against this vulnerability. The most effective approach involves upgrading to patched versions of phpMyAdmin, specifically version 4.6.4, 4.4.15.8, or 4.0.10.17 respectively. Additionally, administrators should disable the LOAD LOCAL INFILE functionality if it is not required for their operations, as this removes the attack surface entirely. Network-level controls such as firewall rules can be implemented to restrict access to phpMyAdmin interfaces from untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and access control mechanisms, reinforcing principles from the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework that emphasize the need for secure coding practices and regular security updates to protect against known vulnerabilities.