CVE-2018-12581: phpMyAdmin XSS Vulnerability

phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

14/05/2022
Yes i
Moderate
6.1

CVE-2018-12581: phpMyAdmin XSS Vulnerability. Affects phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin versions < 4.8.2. Fixed in 4.8.2. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2018-12581 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.

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Background

phpMyAdmin is a popular open-source administration tool for managing MySQL databases. It provides a web-based interface that allows users to perform various database management tasks. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12581 affects phpMyAdmin versions prior to 4.8.2. This vulnerability specifically targets the Designer feature of phpMyAdmin, where an attacker can exploit a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability by using a crafted database name. When this database is referenced from the Designer feature, the XSS attack is triggered.

Vulnerability Detail

The CVE-2018-12581 vulnerability in phpMyAdmin allows an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a user's browser. By crafting a malicious database name and referencing it in the Designer feature, the attacker can inject and execute arbitrary code. This can lead to various security risks, such as session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.1, indicating a moderate severity level.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

4.8.2

This is the first release that contains the fix.

composer require phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin:4.8.2

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Workaround

If upgrading to the latest version is not immediately feasible, users can implement a temporary workaround by disabling or restricting access to the Designer feature in phpMyAdmin. This can be done by modifying the configuration settings or applying access controls to prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability. However, it is strongly advised to update to the latest version as soon as possible to fully mitigate the risk.

Conclusion

The CVE-2018-12581 vulnerability in phpMyAdmin poses a moderate security risk due to the potential for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Users are advised to upgrade their phpMyAdmin installation to version 4.8.2 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Alternatively, they can implement temporary workarounds by disabling or restricting access to the Designer feature. For further assistance or support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

phpMyAdmin is an open-source administration tool for managing MySQL databases. It provides a web-based interface for performing various database management tasks.

The Designer feature in phpMyAdmin allows users to visually design and manage their database structure. It provides a graphical representation of tables, relationships, and other database elements.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser. This can lead to various security risks, such as session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.

The CVE-2018-12581 vulnerability in phpMyAdmin can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a user's browser. This can lead to various security risks, such as session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.

To mitigate the CVE-2018-12581 vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade phpMyAdmin to version 4.8.2 or later. This version includes a patch that addresses the XSS vulnerability. Alternatively, users can temporarily disable or restrict access to the Designer feature in phpMyAdmin until the upgrade is performed.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

4.8.2

This is the first release that contains the fix.

composer require phpmyadmin/phpmyadmin:4.8.2

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

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