CVE-2023-25727 Scanner

phpMyAdmin is a popular open-source tool used for managing MySQL and MariaDB databases through a web interface. It is utilized by database administrators, web developers, and software engineers to facilitate database management tasks like executing SQL statements, managing user permissions, and performing backups. The software is widely used in server environments, especially in web hosting platforms, due to its user-friendly interface and robust feature set. As a database management tool, phpMyAdmin allows users to perform complex database operations with ease, making it a staple in many web development workflows. Moreover, its active community support ensures that users have access to the latest updates and security patches. With its extensive locale options, phpMyAdmin is accessible to a global audience, enhancing its usability in diverse environments.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. In the context of phpMyAdmin, the vulnerability arises when an authenticated user can upload a crafted .sql file through the drag-and-drop interface, which can execute arbitrary JavaScript code. The vulnerability can be exploited to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of the victim, or redirect them to malicious sites. XSS attacks exploit the trust a user has in a particular site, thereby bypassing the same-origin policy. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous as it can compromise user accounts and obtain sensitive information. It is crucial for systems like phpMyAdmin to sanitize user inputs properly to mitigate such risks.

The technical details of this vulnerability involve the improper handling of .sql files uploaded through phpMyAdmin's drag-and-drop feature. When a crafted .sql file containing JavaScript payloads is uploaded, these payloads can execute when the file is accessed or when the data is rendered by the application. The vulnerability resides in the parsing or rendering logic for these uploaded files. By leveraging this flaw, an attacker can manipulate the returned HTML or script content without proper escaping or validation, leading to XSS. This specific vulnerability is confined to versions of phpMyAdmin before 4.9.11 and 5.x before 5.2.1. It is recommended to apply patches or updates to eliminate this vulnerability.

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to severe consequences for the affected phpMyAdmin installations. Malicious actors could steal sensitive information such as session tokens, enabling them to impersonate legitimate users. The XSS attack could also enable unauthorized actions such as altering database records, which could result in data destruction or modification. Furthermore, as phpMyAdmin is often used alongside production databases, attacks can disrupt service availability and affect the integrity of the managed databases. An XSS attack can also propagate further attacks by injecting backdoor scripts into the affected system. Organizations are advised to apply security best practices to mitigate such vulnerabilities actively.

REFERENCES

• https://www.phpmyadmin.net/security/PMASA-2023-1/
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-25727