CVE-2003-1480 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL 3.20 through 4.1.0 uses a weak algorithm for hashed passwords, which makes it easier for attackers to decrypt the password via brute force methods.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1480 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in MySQL database systems spanning versions 3.20 through 4.1.0. This flaw resides in the password hashing mechanism that was implemented in these older versions, creating a significant security risk for database environments that relied on this authentication system. The weakness stems from the use of a relatively simple hashing algorithm that does not provide adequate protection against cryptographic attacks, particularly those employing brute force methodologies. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of user authentication within MySQL databases and represents a fundamental failure in cryptographic implementation that was prevalent during this era of database development.
The technical flaw manifests in the password hashing implementation where MySQL employed a weak algorithm that failed to provide sufficient entropy for secure password storage. This weakness allows attackers to perform dictionary attacks and brute force attempts with significantly reduced computational overhead compared to properly implemented cryptographic hashing. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication process where user passwords are stored in hashed format within the MySQL system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to reverse engineer password hashes and gain unauthorized access to database accounts, effectively bypassing the intended security controls. The implementation falls short of industry standards for password hashing and demonstrates poor cryptographic hygiene that was common in database systems of that time period.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions, as it enables unauthorized access to database resources through password cracking techniques. The impact extends beyond simple account compromise to potentially expose sensitive data stored within these databases, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors. Security incidents resulting from this weakness could lead to data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the foundational authentication mechanisms of the database system, making it difficult for organizations to detect and remediate without significant system changes or upgrades.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to newer MySQL versions that employ stronger cryptographic hashing algorithms such as those based on SHA-1 or more modern approaches. The recommended remediation involves comprehensive system upgrades to MySQL 4.1.1 or later versions where the password hashing mechanism was significantly improved. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough password audits and enforce strong password policies across all database accounts. The mitigation strategy should include implementing additional authentication layers such as SSL/TLS encryption for database connections and regular security assessments to identify other potential vulnerabilities. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper cryptographic implementation and demonstrates how weak security controls in fundamental system components can create widespread security risks across entire database infrastructures. The issue aligns with CWE-326 which addresses weak encryption and CWE-259 which covers weak password storage mechanisms, representing fundamental failures in security design that require immediate attention and remediation.