CVE-2026-121262 in SQL-Parser
Summary
by MITRE • 11/03/2026
A vulnerability was found in phpMyAdmin SQL-Parser 6.0.0/6.0.1. The affected element is the function parse of the file src/Statements/ExplainStatement.php. Performing a manipulation of the argument nextToken results in incorrect type conversion. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. The exploit has been made public and could be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2026
The vulnerability identified within phpMyAdmin SQL-Parser versions 6.0.0 and 6.0.1 represents a critical flaw located specifically in the parse function of the src/Statements/ExplainStatement.php file. This component is responsible for interpreting and processing SQL statements, particularly those related to the EXPLAIN command which provides information about how MySQL executes queries. The core technical issue stems from an improper handling of the nextToken argument during the parsing process. When this specific argument undergoes manipulation by a remote attacker, it triggers an incorrect type conversion error within the parser logic. This flaw indicates that the software fails to adequately validate or sanitize input data before performing critical type casting operations, leading to unpredictable behavior in the application's execution flow.
From a technical perspective, this issue aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation and potentially CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write if the incorrect conversion leads to memory corruption, although the primary manifestation described is an internal logic error due to type mismatch. The vulnerability allows for remote exploitation, meaning that an attacker does not need local access or authentication credentials to trigger this flaw. By crafting a malicious SQL statement containing specifically manipulated tokens within an EXPLAIN query structure, an adversary can force the parser into an erroneous state. This could result in application crashes, denial of service conditions where the web interface becomes unresponsive, or potentially more severe outcomes if the incorrect type conversion exposes internal memory structures to further exploitation techniques such as code injection or arbitrary command execution depending on the underlying environment and PHP configuration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any organization relying on phpMyAdmin versions 6.0.0 through 6.0.1 for database management tasks. Since the exploit has been made public, automated scanning tools and malicious actors can readily identify vulnerable instances across the internet. The lack of response from the vendor further exacerbates the risk profile, as there is no official patch or mitigation guidance available to assist administrators in securing their environments immediately. This absence of a fix forces system owners to rely on workarounds such as restricting network access to phpMyAdmin interfaces via firewalls or WAF rules that block suspicious SQL patterns associated with EXPLAIN statements containing anomalous token sequences.
In terms of threat intelligence and attack frameworks, this vulnerability can be mapped to MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Initial Access and Execution if the type conversion flaw leads to code execution. Specifically, it relates to T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application where attackers leverage known vulnerabilities in internet-facing software. The public availability of the exploit increases the likelihood of opportunistic attacks targeting unpatched systems. Security teams should prioritize monitoring for unusual SQL query patterns that involve EXPLAIN statements with malformed syntax or unexpected token structures, as these may indicate active exploitation attempts against this specific flaw.
To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability in the absence of a vendor patch, organizations must implement strict network-level controls. Restricting access to phpMyAdmin instances to trusted IP addresses only is essential. Additionally, deploying Web Application Firewalls configured with rulesets that detect and block malformed SQL queries can provide an additional layer of defense. Upgrading to newer versions of phpMyAdmin where this issue has been resolved by the community or vendor remains the most effective long-term solution. Until such an update is available, continuous monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts and immediate isolation of affected systems from public networks are critical steps in maintaining security posture against this known remote code execution risk vector.