Critical CSRF Vulnerability in phpMyAdmin: CVE-2016-9866
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2016-9866: 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 provides a user-friendly way to perform database operations such as creating, modifying, and deleting databases and tables. However, it has been found to have a critical vulnerability that affects its security, particularly in versions prior to 4.6.5, 4.4.15.9, and 4.0.10.18.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-9866, arises when the 'arg_separator' is set to a value different from its default '&'. In such cases, the CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) token is not properly stripped from the return URL during the preference import action. This flaw can lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of users, potentially compromising sensitive data and allowing attackers to manipulate database content.
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 ensure that the 'arg_separator' is set to its default value '&' in the phpMyAdmin configuration. This may help mitigate the risk until the package is updated.
Conclusion
CVE-2016-9866 represents a significant security risk for phpMyAdmin users, particularly those running affected versions. It is crucial to update to the patched versions as soon as possible to safeguard against potential attacks. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
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FAQ
CVE-2016-9866 is a critical vulnerability in phpMyAdmin that allows CSRF attacks due to improper handling of the CSRF token.
All versions of phpMyAdmin prior to 4.6.5, 4.4.15.9, and 4.0.10.18 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
The CVSS score for CVE-2016-9866 is 9.8, indicating a critical level of severity.
If immediate updates are not possible, ensure that the 'arg_separator' is set to its default value '&' as a temporary workaround.
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