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CVE Record

CVE-2021-43008: Improper Access Control in Adminer versions 1.12.0 to 4.6.2 (fixed in version 4.6.3) allows an attacker to...

Improper Access Control in Adminer versions 1.12.0 to 4.6.2 (fixed in version 4.6.3) allows an attacker to achieve Arbitrary File Read on the remote server by requesting the Adminer to connect to a remote MySQL database.

UnknownCVSS not scoredNot KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2021-43008 is an Adminer access-control flaw affecting versions 1.12.0 through 4.6.2. Public sources say it can allow arbitrary file read on the server when Adminer is made to connect to a remote MySQL database. That can expose sensitive local files, so internet-exposed Adminer instances deserve prompt attention.

Executive priority

Prioritize remediation for internet-facing Adminer because the stated impact is server file disclosure. Internal-only instances still need upgrade planning, but public exposure increases business urgency.

Technical view

The issue is described as improper access control in Adminer, fixed in 4.6.3. The reported impact is arbitrary file read on the remote server through Adminer's database connection behavior. The bundle provides no CVSS score, CWE, or KEV status, so severity must be judged from impact and exposure.

Likely exposure

Exposure is most likely where Adminer 1.12.0 to 4.6.2 is deployed, especially if reachable from untrusted networks. Package-managed Debian LTS deployments may also be affected if not updated.

Exploitation context

The source bundle includes public research references and a Debian security update, but KEV is false and no cited source in the bundle confirms active exploitation. Treat exploit status as unconfirmed, not absent.

Researcher notes

Evidence is clear on affected version range and fixed version from the CVE description. The bundle lacks CVSS, CWE, detailed product metadata, and confirmed exploitation, so validation should focus on version discovery and exposure review.

Mitigation direction

  • Upgrade Adminer to version 4.6.3 or later.
  • Apply the relevant Debian LTS adminer security update where applicable.
  • Remove or disable Adminer deployments that are no longer required.
  • Restrict Adminer access to trusted administrative networks.
  • Review current Adminer vendor guidance before production remediation.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory all Adminer deployments and record exact versions.
  • Confirm any version 1.12.0 through 4.6.2 is upgraded or removed.
  • Check whether Adminer is reachable from the public internet.
  • Review web logs for unusual Adminer access patterns.
  • Verify Debian package status against the security update if package-managed.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
7

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.

description · low confidence lookup

Database behavior lookup

The CVE wording references database injection or access, so collection and exfiltration review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

Open ATT&CK lookup
description · low confidence lookup

File access behavior lookup

The CVE wording references file access or upload behavior, so file telemetry and web shell review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.

Open ATT&CK lookup
cve · low confidence lookup

CVE-2021-43008 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

Open ATT&CK lookup
Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
Unknown
CVSS
Not scored
Known Exploited
No
Published
Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

0CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
6Source links

CVSS and timeline data

No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/an/an/aListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.