Path Disclosure Vulnerability in phpMyAdmin: CVE-2016-9853
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2016-9853: An issue was discovered in phpMyAdmin. Affects phpmyadmin versions < 4.4.15.9-r0. Fixed in 4.4.15.9-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
phpMyAdmin is a widely used open-source tool for managing MySQL databases through a web interface. It allows users to perform various database operations such as creating, modifying, and deleting databases and tables. The tool is popular among developers and database administrators due to its user-friendly interface and extensive features. However, certain versions of phpMyAdmin are vulnerable to a path disclosure issue, which can expose sensitive directory information.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-9853, arises when phpMyAdmin scripts are called in an unexpected manner, leading to the display of PHP error messages that reveal the full path of the directory where phpMyAdmin is installed. This can occur during execution timeouts in the export functionality, where errors are written to the export file. Affected versions include all 4.6.x versions prior to 4.6.5 and all 4.4.x versions prior to 4.4.15.9. The potential ramifications include exposing sensitive information about the server's file structure, which could be exploited by attackers.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
4.4.15.9-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade phpmyadminTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, consider disabling error display in your phpMyAdmin configuration to prevent sensitive information from being exposed. This can be done by setting 'display_errors' to 'Off' in your PHP configuration file (php.ini). Example: 'display_errors = Off'.
Conclusion
In summary, CVE-2016-9853 is a significant vulnerability affecting certain versions of phpMyAdmin, allowing for potential path disclosure. It is crucial to update to the latest patched versions to mitigate this risk. Additionally, employing workarounds such as disabling error display can provide temporary relief until the update is applied.
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FAQ
CVE-2016-9853 is a vulnerability in phpMyAdmin that allows attackers to view the full path of the installation directory through PHP error messages.
All 4.6.x versions prior to 4.6.5 and all 4.4.x versions prior to 4.4.15.9 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The vulnerability can lead to the exposure of sensitive directory paths, which may assist attackers in further exploiting the server.
You can update phpMyAdmin using the package manager for your system. For Alpine, use 'apk add phpmyadmin=4.4.15.9-r0' or 'apk add phpmyadmin=4.6.5.2-r0'.
References
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