CVE-2016-6633 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in phpMyAdmin. phpMyAdmin can be used to trigger a remote code execution attack against certain PHP installations that are running with the dbase extension. 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.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6633 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within phpMyAdmin that emerged from a dangerous interaction between the database management tool and specific PHP configurations. This vulnerability specifically targets installations where the dbase extension is enabled, creating a pathway for attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within phpMyAdmin's export functionality, particularly when processing certain database export formats that can be manipulated to inject malicious code into the PHP execution environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of user-supplied data during database export operations. When phpMyAdmin processes export requests with maliciously crafted parameters, it fails to adequately sanitize the input before passing it to PHP functions that can execute system commands. This weakness allows attackers to leverage the dbase extension's capabilities to inject and execute arbitrary PHP code on the server. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can be triggered through standard web interface interactions, making it accessible to attackers with basic web application exploitation knowledge.
Systems affected by this vulnerability include all versions of phpMyAdmin from the 4.6.x series prior to 4.6.4, the 4.4.x series prior to 4.4.15.8, and the 4.0.x series prior to 4.0.10.17, representing a substantial portion of the phpMyAdmin user base during that time period. The operational impact extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-74, which describes weaknesses in external input validation, and represents a classic example of how insecure input handling can lead to remote code execution in web applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning from an ATT&CK perspective as it maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, since the exploitation can occur through legitimate administrative interfaces.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to protect against this vulnerability, including prompt patching to the latest stable versions of phpMyAdmin that contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators must also consider disabling the dbase extension on systems where it is not absolutely required, as this removes the attack surface that enables the exploit. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to trusted networks only, while implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious export requests. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected phpMyAdmin versions and ensure proper monitoring for exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include reviewing system logs for any evidence of exploitation attempts and implementing proper incident response procedures to address potential compromise. Security teams should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected systems, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining current security patches in database management tools.