CVE-2020-26935 Scanner

phpMyAdmin is a widely used web-based application for managing MySQL databases, primarily utilized by web developers and database administrators. It provides a graphical interface for interacting with databases, creating, modifying, and deleting records, tables, and overall database management. phpMyAdmin is extensively used in web hosting environments and local development setups, facilitating easier database management. It supports most MySQL features, including import and export of data and managing multiple databases. The application is commonly embedded into web hosting control panels like cPanel for easier access for users. Given its comprehensive feature set, phpMyAdmin remains a key tool for database management in various web applications and environments.

CVE-2020-26935 is a critical SQL injection vulnerability in phpMyAdmin versions prior to 4.9.6 and 5.0.3. The flaw arises due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the table search functionality. Attackers can inject malicious SQL code through crafted parameters, bypassing intended query constraints. This vulnerability is classified as pre-authentication in some scenarios, meaning exploitation does not require valid credentials, significantly increasing its severity. The root cause is the lack of proper escaping or parameterized queries in the affected code path, allowing direct manipulation of SQL statements.

Specifically, the vulnerability exists in the 'tbl_find_replace' and 'tbl_sql' scripts where user input from the 'find' parameter is directly concatenated into SQL queries without adequate validation. An attacker can send a specially crafted HTTP request to the phpMyAdmin interface, targeting the table search endpoint. By injecting SQL commands into the 'find' parameter, they can alter the intended query logic. For example, appending a UNION SELECT statement can retrieve data from other tables. The exploit does not require authentication if the phpMyAdmin instance is exposed to the internet, making it a high-risk vector for data breaches.

If successfully exploited, an attacker can gain unauthorized access to all databases managed by the phpMyAdmin instance. This includes reading sensitive data such as user credentials, personal information, and financial records. The attacker can also modify or delete database contents, leading to data integrity loss or service disruption. In worst-case scenarios, the attacker might escalate privileges to execute operating system commands via MySQL's INTO OUTFILE feature, potentially compromising the entire server. Given the CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability poses a critical threat to any organization using affected phpMyAdmin versions, requiring immediate remediation.