CVE-2016-9864 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in phpMyAdmin. With a crafted username or a table name, it was possible to inject SQL statements in the tracking functionality that would run with the privileges of the control user. This gives read and write access to the tables of the configuration storage database, and if the control user has the necessary privileges, read access to some tables of the MySQL database. All 4.6.x versions (prior to 4.6.5), 4.4.x versions (prior to 4.4.15.9), and 4.0.x versions (prior to 4.0.10.18) are affected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9864 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within phpMyAdmin's tracking functionality that exploits improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the control user privilege model where crafted usernames or table names can be manipulated to inject malicious SQL statements into the tracking system. The flaw exists in the way phpMyAdmin processes user-supplied data within the configuration storage database context, creating an avenue for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access. The affected versions span multiple release lines including 4.6.x prior to 4.6.5, 4.4.x prior to 4.4.15.9, and 4.0.x prior to 4.0.10.18, indicating a widespread impact across the phpMyAdmin codebase during this period. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 SQL Injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that fail to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into database queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the database management system. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands with the privileges of the control user, who typically possesses elevated permissions within the configuration storage database. This access enables both read and write operations against the configuration storage database tables, potentially allowing attackers to modify tracking configurations, inject malicious code, or extract sensitive administrative information. If the control user has broader database privileges, the vulnerability could also grant read access to tables within the MySQL database itself, effectively providing attackers with a pathway to access sensitive data across multiple database objects. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate tracking functionality of phpMyAdmin, making the malicious activity appear as normal administrative operations.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it exploits legitimate user accounts with appropriate privileges to gain unauthorized access to additional resources. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 Phishing with Social Engineering, as attackers may need to craft specific inputs to bypass input validation, and T1046 Network Service Scanning, as the exploitation typically requires network access to the phpMyAdmin interface. The attack chain begins with the identification of the vulnerable phpMyAdmin installation, followed by the crafting of malicious inputs that exploit the SQL injection mechanism within the tracking system. The control user's elevated privileges create a significant escalation path, as the attacker can leverage these permissions to access and manipulate database configurations, potentially leading to further compromise of the underlying database infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-9864 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases, specifically updating to phpMyAdmin 4.6.5, 4.4.15.9, or 4.0.10.18 respectively. Network-level protections should include implementing proper input validation at the application firewall level, restricting access to phpMyAdmin interfaces through network segmentation, and employing web application firewalls to detect and block SQL injection attempts. Administrative controls involve reviewing and limiting control user privileges, implementing least privilege principles for database accounts, and conducting regular security audits of phpMyAdmin configurations. Additionally, organizations should implement database activity monitoring to detect anomalous SQL execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and establish proper network access controls to limit who can access phpMyAdmin interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation practices in web applications handling database administration functions.