CVE-2021-29625 : What You Need to Know

Adminer, an open-source database management software, is affected by a cross-site scripting vulnerability in versions 4.6.1 to 4.8.0. This vulnerability impacts users of MySQL, MariaDB, PgSQL, and SQLite. The issue is mitigated by CSP in modern browsers, but bypassed when using certain extensions. Version 4.8.1 resolves this security flaw by patching the vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-29625

Adminer's versions 4.6.1 to 4.8.0 are prone to a cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting users of various database systems.

What is CVE-2021-29625?

CVE-2021-29625 is a high-severity cross-site scripting vulnerability in Adminer versions 4.6.1 to 4.8.0, impacting users of MySQL, MariaDB, PgSQL, and SQLite.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29625

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an Adminer user's session, potentially leading to data theft or unauthorized actions on the database.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29625

The following technical aspects are associated with CVE-2021-29625:

Vulnerability Description

Adminer's XSS vulnerability arises from improper handling of user input in web page generation, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts within the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

Users of Adminer versions 4.6.1 to 4.8.0 are affected, particularly if they are utilizing MySQL, MariaDB, PgSQL, or SQLite database systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious scripts into vulnerable input fields within the Adminer application, leading to the execution of unauthorized code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-29625, users and administrators are advised to take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Adminer version 4.8.1 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Utilize web browsers that support strict Content Security Policy (CSP) to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and update Adminer to the latest versions promptly.
Educate users on safe browsing practices and the risks of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates released by Adminer to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the database management software.