CVE-2003-1331 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the mysql_real_connect function in the MySql client library (libmysqlclient) 4.0.13 and earlier allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long socket name, a different vulnerability than CVE-2001-1453.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2003-1331 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the MySQL client library implementation that affects versions 4.0.13 and earlier. This flaw specifically manifests within the mysql_real_connect function which is responsible for establishing connections to MySQL database servers. The vulnerability arises when the application processes a socket name parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer space on the stack, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by local attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the MySQL client library's connection handling code. When a socket name parameter is passed to mysql_real_connect, the function fails to properly check the length of the input against the fixed-size buffer allocated on the stack. This allows an attacker to provide a socket name that exceeds the buffer boundaries, causing adjacent memory locations to be overwritten with attacker-controlled data. The stack-based nature of this overflow means that the return address of the calling function can be overwritten, enabling the execution of arbitrary code through controlled memory corruption.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to systems running affected MySQL client libraries as it allows local privilege escalation attacks. The fact that this vulnerability is local in nature means that an attacker with access to the system can exploit it without requiring network connectivity or authentication. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as the attacker can potentially escalate privileges to the database user level or higher, depending on the system configuration and process permissions. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where database connections are frequently established and where the MySQL client library is used by applications with elevated privileges.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which specifically addresses buffer overflows occurring in stack memory regions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory corruption. This flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of system privileges through local attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to MySQL versions 4.0.14 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and buffer size enforcement. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing application whitelisting controls and monitoring for unusual connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in client-side libraries and the potential for seemingly minor implementation flaws to result in significant security breaches.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper buffer management in database client libraries and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of application components that handle user input. The fact that this issue was distinct from CVE-2001-1453 indicates that multiple vulnerabilities existed within the MySQL client library implementation, emphasizing the need for thorough code review and security auditing of database connectivity components. Organizations should ensure that all systems using MySQL client libraries are patched promptly and that security monitoring is implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper security controls to prevent local privilege escalation attacks that could compromise database integrity and confidentiality.