BBCode Injection Vulnerability in phpMyAdmin: CVE-2016-5701

phpmyadmin Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

03/07/2016
N/A
Yes i
Medium
6.1

CVE-2016-5701: setup/frames/index.inc.php in phpMyAdmin 4.0.10.x before 4.0.10.16, 4.4.15.x before 4.4.15.7, and 4.6.x before 4.6.3 allows remote attackers to conduct BBCode injection attacks against HTTP sessions via a crafted URI. Affects phpmyadmin across 2 version ranges.

< 1dca386505f396f0c2035112a403cc80768a141f < 4:4.6.3-1

Fixed in 4:4.6.3-1. 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 known for its user-friendly interface and extensive features, making it a popular choice among developers and database administrators. However, certain versions of phpMyAdmin are vulnerable to a BBCode injection attack, which can compromise HTTP sessions.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-5701 exists in the setup/frames/index.inc.php file of phpMyAdmin versions 4.0.10.x before 4.0.10.16, 4.4.15.x before 4.4.15.7, and 4.6.x before 4.6.3. This flaw allows remote attackers to conduct BBCode injection attacks via a specially crafted URI. The attack can lead to unauthorized access to user sessions, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate or steal sensitive information. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.1, indicating a moderate level of risk.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

4:4.6.3-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade phpmyadmin

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Workaround

If an immediate upgrade is not possible, consider restricting access to the phpMyAdmin interface by implementing IP whitelisting or using a VPN to limit exposure to trusted users only. Additionally, ensure that all user sessions are monitored for unusual activity.

Conclusion

CVE-2016-5701 is a significant vulnerability affecting certain versions of phpMyAdmin, allowing for potential BBCode injection attacks that can compromise user sessions. It is crucial for users to upgrade to the latest versions to mitigate this risk. For those unable to upgrade immediately, implementing access restrictions and monitoring sessions can provide temporary relief.

See every vulnerability recorded for phpmyadmin →

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FAQ

CVE-2016-5701 is a vulnerability in phpMyAdmin that allows remote attackers to conduct BBCode injection attacks via crafted URIs, compromising HTTP sessions.

Affected versions include phpMyAdmin 4.0.10.x before 4.0.10.16, 4.4.15.x before 4.4.15.7, and 4.6.x before 4.6.3.

You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.

If you cannot upgrade immediately, consider implementing access restrictions and monitoring user sessions for unusual activity.

The CVSS score of CVE-2016-5701 is 6.1, indicating a moderate level of risk.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for phpmyadmin.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

4:4.6.3-1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade phpmyadmin

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

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