CVE-2000-0045 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL allows local users to modify passwords for arbitrary MySQL users via the GRANT privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0045 represents a significant privilege escalation flaw within the MySQL database management system that existed in versions prior to 3.23.26. This weakness allows local attackers with minimal system access to manipulate user authentication credentials across the entire MySQL instance. The core issue stems from improper validation of privilege checks during password modification operations, specifically when the GRANT privilege is involved in the process. The vulnerability affects systems where local users can execute MySQL client commands and have been granted the GRANT privilege, which typically should only be available to database administrators. This misconfiguration creates an exploitable condition where any local user with sufficient privileges can manipulate the password database of other MySQL users without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the inherent design flaw in MySQL's privilege checking mechanism during password modification operations. When a local user with the GRANT privilege attempts to modify a user password, the system fails to properly validate whether the user has adequate authorization to perform such actions on the target account. This flaw operates under the principle of insufficient privilege checking, which is categorized as CWE-284 according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal access controls by exploiting the relationship between the GRANT privilege and password modification functionality, creating a path for unauthorized privilege escalation. The underlying mechanism involves the MySQL client's handling of privilege verification during user management operations, where the system incorrectly assumes that having the GRANT privilege automatically authorizes all password modification activities across the database.
The operational impact of CVE-2000-0045 extends beyond simple password manipulation to encompass broader security implications for database environments. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to database accounts that may contain sensitive information or administrative privileges. The vulnerability creates an attack vector that can be exploited to escalate local privileges to administrative levels within the MySQL environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk as this flaw allows for unauthorized credential modification without requiring elevated system access. The impact is particularly severe in multi-user database environments where local users may have been granted the GRANT privilege for legitimate administrative purposes but could abuse this privilege to compromise other user accounts. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete database takeover depending on the compromised user accounts and their associated privileges.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and credential access. Attackers can utilize this flaw as part of a broader attack chain to establish persistent access within database environments, potentially using the compromised accounts to move laterally within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates how improper privilege validation can create pathways for attackers to escalate their access levels and persist within target environments. Organizations should consider implementing additional monitoring and access controls to detect unauthorized password modification activities within their database systems. Remediation efforts must focus on upgrading to patched MySQL versions that properly validate privilege requirements during password modification operations, implementing stricter access controls for the GRANT privilege, and establishing comprehensive audit logging for all user management activities. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper privilege validation and the potential consequences of inadequate access control mechanisms within database systems.