CVE-2025-63948
📋 TL;DR
A SQL injection vulnerability in phpMsAdmin 2.2 allows attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the dbname parameter in database_mode.php. This could lead to unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion. Organizations using phpMsAdmin version 2.2 for database management are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- phpMsAdmin
📦 What is this software?
Phpmsadmin by Craigtaub
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete database compromise including data theft, data destruction, privilege escalation, and potential server takeover via SQL injection chaining.
Likely Case
Unauthorized data access and manipulation of the phpMsAdmin database, potentially exposing sensitive configuration or user data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper input validation and database permissions restricting the attack surface.
🎯 Exploit Status
SQL injection via URL parameter requires minimal technical skill to exploit.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Unknown
Vendor Advisory: Not available
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Check for official patch from phpMsAdmin developers. 2. If unavailable, implement workarounds or consider alternative software.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allAdd parameter validation to filter malicious SQL characters from dbname parameter
Modify database_mode.php to add: $dbname = preg_replace('/[^a-zA-Z0-9_-]/', '', $_GET['dbname']);
Web Application Firewall Rule
allBlock SQL injection patterns targeting the dbname parameter
Add WAF rule: Detect and block requests containing SQL keywords in dbname parameter
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to database_mode.php using IP whitelisting or authentication
- Implement database user with minimal permissions (read-only if possible)
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test by accessing database_mode.php?dbname=test' OR '1'='1 and checking for SQL errors or unexpected behaviorCheck Version:
Check phpMsAdmin version in configuration files or admin interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Attempt SQL injection payloads after applying fixes and verify they are blocked or sanitized📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- SQL syntax errors in web server logs
- Unusual database queries from web application
- Multiple failed parameter attempts
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with SQL keywords in dbname parameter
- Unusual database connection patterns
SIEM Query:
web.url:*database_mode.php* AND (web.param.dbname:*SELECT* OR web.param.dbname:*UNION* OR web.param.dbname:*OR*)