Critical Vulnerability in phpMyAdmin: Arbitrary PHP Command Execution Risk
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2016-6609: An issue was discovered in phpMyAdmin. Affects phpmyadmin versions < 4:4.0.10-1ubuntu0.1+esm3. Fixed in 4:4.0.10-1ubuntu0.1+esm3. 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. However, certain versions of phpMyAdmin are vulnerable to a security flaw that can be exploited to execute arbitrary PHP commands, posing a significant risk to database integrity and security.
Vulnerability Detail
An issue was discovered in phpMyAdmin where a specially crafted database name could be used to run arbitrary PHP commands through the array export feature. This vulnerability affects all 4.6.x versions (prior to 4.6.4), 4.4.x versions (prior to 4.4.15.8), and 4.0.x versions (prior to 4.0.10.17). The potential ramifications include unauthorized access to sensitive data, data manipulation, and complete compromise of the database server. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high severity level.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
4:4.0.10-1ubuntu0.1+esm3
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade phpmyadminTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can restrict access to the phpMyAdmin interface by implementing IP whitelisting or using strong authentication methods to limit exposure until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in phpMyAdmin poses a significant risk to users, allowing for arbitrary PHP command execution through specially crafted database names. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to mitigate this risk and ensure the security of your database management system.
See every vulnerability recorded for phpmyadmin →
FAQ
The vulnerability affects all 4.6.x versions (prior to 4.6.4), 4.4.x versions (prior to 4.4.15.8), and 4.0.x versions (prior to 4.0.10.17).
The risks include unauthorized access to sensitive data, data manipulation, and the potential for a complete compromise of the database server.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. You can check your application using the Vulert playground without any signup.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.8, indicating a high severity level.
As a temporary measure, restrict access to the phpMyAdmin interface using IP whitelisting or strong authentication methods.
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