Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerabilities in phpMyAdmin: Security Risk Overview
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2016-5733: Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpMyAdmin 4.0.x before 4.0.10.16, 4.4.x before 4.4.15.7, and 4.6.x before 4.6.3 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors involving... Affects phpmyadmin versions 4:4.0.10-1 – 4:4.0.9-1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
phpMyAdmin is a widely used open-source tool written in PHP, designed to handle the administration of MySQL databases through a web interface. It allows users to perform various database operations, such as creating, modifying, and deleting databases, tables, and rows. However, certain versions of phpMyAdmin are vulnerable to multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerabilities originate from improper handling of user inputs in various components of phpMyAdmin, specifically in versions prior to 4.0.10.16, 4.4.15.7, and 4.6.3. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by crafting malicious table names or manipulating specific directives, leading to arbitrary script execution in the context of the user's session. This can result in unauthorized actions, data theft, or further exploitation of the affected system.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, consider restricting access to phpMyAdmin by implementing IP whitelisting or using strong authentication methods to limit exposure to potential attacks. Additionally, ensure that your web server is configured to sanitize user inputs.
Conclusion
In summary, phpMyAdmin versions prior to 4.0.10.16, 4.4.15.7, and 4.6.3 are vulnerable to multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. It is crucial to update to a secure version to protect against potential threats. Additionally, temporary workarounds can help mitigate risks until an update can be performed.
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FAQ
Versions of phpMyAdmin prior to 4.0.10.16, 4.4.15.7, and 4.6.3 are vulnerable to these cross-site scripting issues.
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized actions, data theft, or the execution of malicious scripts in the context of the user's session.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level.
If an immediate update is not possible, implement access restrictions and input sanitization as temporary measures to mitigate the risk.
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