CVE-2003-0780 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in get_salt_from_password from sql_acl.cc for MySQL 4.0.14 and earlier, and 3.23.x, allows attackers with ALTER TABLE privileges to execute arbitrary code via a long Password field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-0780 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the MySQL database management system that affects versions 4.0.14 and earlier, as well as the 3.23.x series. This issue resides in the get_salt_from_password function located within the sql_acl.cc source file, which handles authentication and access control operations. The flaw specifically manifests when processing password fields that exceed the allocated buffer size, creating a condition where attackers can manipulate memory layout through carefully crafted input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer size management within the MySQL authentication subsystem. When a user with ALTER TABLE privileges submits a password field that exceeds the predetermined buffer limits, the system fails to properly handle the overflow condition, allowing memory corruption to occur. This buffer overflow can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets the password handling mechanism during authentication processes, making it particularly dangerous for database administrators who must maintain proper access controls.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant security risk for MySQL installations as it allows authenticated attackers with relatively limited privileges to escalate their access level. The requirement for ALTER TABLE privileges means that an attacker must first gain some level of database access, but once achieved, they can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on the database server. This creates a potential pathway for full system compromise, as database servers often run with elevated privileges and may have access to sensitive data and system resources. The vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanism, undermining the fundamental security model of the database system.
The exploitation of this buffer overflow aligns with several attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and code injection techniques. The vulnerability maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face substantial risk as this flaw can be leveraged for persistent access to database systems, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or denial of service conditions. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include long-term security implications for database integrity and confidentiality.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers and enforce strict access controls to minimize the risk of privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potentially affected systems, while monitoring for suspicious database activities can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, database administrators should review and restrict user privileges, ensuring that only essential personnel maintain ALTER TABLE permissions, as this level of access combined with the buffer overflow vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that can lead to complete system compromise.