CVE-2018-19968 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
An attacker can exploit phpMyAdmin before 4.8.4 to leak the contents of a local file because of an error in the transformation feature. The attacker must have access to the phpMyAdmin Configuration Storage tables, although these can easily be created in any database to which the attacker has access. An attacker must have valid credentials to log in to phpMyAdmin; this vulnerability does not allow an attacker to circumvent the login system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19968 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within phpMyAdmin versions prior to 4.8.4, specifically targeting the application's transformation feature implementation. This security weakness allows authenticated attackers to extract sensitive local file contents through improper input validation and error handling mechanisms. The vulnerability operates within the context of database management tools where phpMyAdmin serves as a web-based interface for MySQL and MariaDB database administration, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized data access.
The technical flaw manifests in the transformation feature's inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input when processing local file references. When phpMyAdmin attempts to transform and display data, it fails to properly validate or escape file paths that may contain maliciously crafted input. This improper handling creates a path traversal condition that enables attackers to access local files on the server where phpMyAdmin is installed. The vulnerability specifically affects the configuration storage tables functionality, which are essential components for storing user preferences, bookmarks, and other administrative settings. These tables can be easily recreated by attackers who possess database access, significantly expanding the attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive system files, configuration data, and application resources that could contain credentials, encryption keys, or other confidential information. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain insights into the underlying system architecture, application code, and database configurations that would normally remain hidden from unauthorized users. The requirement for valid phpMyAdmin credentials and access to configuration storage tables does not significantly limit the attack scope, as these credentials are often obtained through other means such as weak password policies, credential reuse, or successful phishing campaigns. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-200 Information Disclosure, and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1213 Data from Information Repositories.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-19968 primarily focus on upgrading to phpMyAdmin version 4.8.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for the transformation feature. Organizations should implement strict access controls and authentication measures, including multi-factor authentication, to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access to phpMyAdmin interfaces. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict access to phpMyAdmin installations to trusted IP addresses only, while regular security audits should monitor for unauthorized configuration table modifications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability. The remediation process must also include comprehensive credential management policies, regular password rotation, and security awareness training for administrators to prevent unauthorized access to database management interfaces.