CVE-2018-7260 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in db_central_columns.php in phpMyAdmin before 4.7.8 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7260 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in phpMyAdmin's db_central_columns.php component prior to version 4.7.8. This vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users who can manipulate URL parameters to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the application's central columns management functionality, which processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization before rendering it in web responses.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters that are processed by the db_central_columns.php script. When authenticated users access crafted URLs containing malicious payloads, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input data before incorporating it into HTML responses. This creates an environment where attackers can inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML content that executes in the victim's browser when they navigate to affected pages. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS attack vector since the malicious code can be stored and executed whenever users access the affected functionality, making it particularly dangerous for database administrators who frequently use the central columns feature.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on phpMyAdmin for database management tasks. Attackers who can authenticate to the application can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that phpMyAdmin is widely deployed across enterprise environments and is often accessible through web interfaces, making it a prime target for exploitation. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) aligns with the broader category of injection flaws that remain among the most prevalent security weaknesses in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, highlighting the execution of malicious code through web-based interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7260 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin installations to version 4.7.8 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL parameters, enforce strict input validation policies, and monitor for suspicious user activities. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the exposure of phpMyAdmin interfaces to only authorized personnel. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application stack. The remediation process should also include user education regarding safe browsing practices and the importance of keeping software components up to date. Organizations utilizing phpMyAdmin should consider implementing additional layers of authentication and authorization to minimize the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.