CVE-2020-37116 in GUnet OpenEclass
Summary
by MITRE • 02/03/2026
GUnet OpenEclass 1.7.3 includes phpMyAdmin 2.10.0.2 by default, which allows remote logins. Attackers with access to the platform can remotely access phpMyAdmin and, after uploading a shell, view the config.php file to obtain the MySQL password, leading to full database compromise.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-37116 resides within GUnet OpenEclass 1.7.3 which ships with phpMyAdmin 2.10.0.2 as a default component. This configuration creates a significant security risk by exposing administrative functionality to remote attackers who gain access to the platform. The embedded phpMyAdmin instance operates with default settings that permit remote login access, establishing an attack surface that directly compromises the system's database security posture. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insecure default configurations where administrative tools are made accessible without proper authentication controls, creating an entry point for malicious actors to escalate their privileges and access sensitive system components.
The technical flaw manifests through the default remote login capability of phpMyAdmin 2.10.0.2, which operates without adequate access controls or authentication mechanisms. This allows attackers who have already compromised the platform to directly access the phpMyAdmin interface and leverage it for database operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to upload malicious shell scripts and subsequently access the config.php file to extract MySQL credentials. This credential extraction process represents a critical failure in privilege separation and access control, as the configuration file containing database authentication details remains accessible to unauthorized users. The flaw aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication and CWE-798 which covers the use of hard-coded credentials in software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete database compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary database commands, modify or delete sensitive information, and potentially establish persistent access through shell uploads. The ability to read the config.php file provides attackers with database connection parameters including usernames and passwords, enabling them to connect directly to the MySQL database from external systems. This creates a pathway for attackers to perform advanced persistent threats including data mining, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a backdoor into the database layer that bypasses traditional application-level security controls.
Organizations using GUnet OpenEclass 1.7.3 should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves removing or disabling the embedded phpMyAdmin component entirely, as it provides unnecessary administrative access to the system. If phpMyAdmin functionality is required, administrators must ensure that it operates behind proper authentication mechanisms and is not accessible to unauthenticated users. Access controls should be implemented through firewalls or network segmentation to restrict phpMyAdmin access to trusted IP addresses only. Additionally, all default credentials should be changed immediately, and the application should be updated to versions that either remove the vulnerable component or properly secure it. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and dependency management to prevent the inclusion of vulnerable third-party components in production environments, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through web applications.