Critical SQL Injection Vulnerability in phpMyAdmin
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2016-6619: 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, tables, and records. The tool is popular among developers and database administrators due to its user-friendly interface and extensive functionality. However, a critical vulnerability has been identified that allows attackers to execute SQL injection attacks through the user interface preference feature, compromising the security of the control user account.
Vulnerability Detail
An issue was discovered in phpMyAdmin where a user can execute an SQL injection attack against the account of the control user. This vulnerability affects all versions of phpMyAdmin 4.6.x (prior to 4.6.4), 4.4.x (prior to 4.4.15.8), and 4.0.x (prior to 4.0.10.17). The SQL injection could allow an attacker to manipulate database queries, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data loss, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability is classified with a CVSS score of 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 measure, users should restrict access to the phpMyAdmin interface and ensure that only trusted users have access to the control user account. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls (WAF) can help mitigate the risk of SQL injection attacks.
Conclusion
The identified SQL injection vulnerability in phpMyAdmin poses a significant risk to users, allowing attackers to manipulate database queries. It is crucial to update to the patched versions provided to mitigate this risk. Users should also consider implementing additional security measures while awaiting updates.
See every vulnerability recorded for phpmyadmin →
FAQ
SQL injection is a code injection technique that exploits vulnerabilities in an application's software by allowing an attacker to interfere with the queries that an application makes to its database.
You can check your phpMyAdmin version against the affected versions listed in the vulnerability report. Additionally, using tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for vulnerabilities in your software.
If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive data, modify or delete database records, and potentially take control of the entire database system.
Yes, Vulert allows you to monitor and alert for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json, without requiring any installation.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing access controls and using web application firewalls to reduce the risk of exploitation until the software can be updated.
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