CVE-2004-0627 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
The check_scramble_323 function in MySQL 4.1.x before 4.1.3, and 5.0, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via a zero-length scrambled string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-0627 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in MySQL database systems that affected versions 4.1.x before 4.1.3 and 5.0. This vulnerability resides within the check_scramble_323 function which handles authentication challenges for older MySQL clients. The flaw occurs when a remote attacker can manipulate the authentication process by submitting a zero-length scrambled string, effectively circumventing the normal authentication procedures that should validate user credentials. The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper handling of authentication data where the system fails to properly validate the length or content of scrambled authentication responses.
The core technical issue stems from insufficient input validation within the authentication subsystem where the check_scramble_323 function does not adequately verify the integrity of authentication challenges. When a client attempts to authenticate, the server expects a properly formatted scrambled string containing cryptographic challenge responses. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to submit empty or zero-length strings that bypass validation checks, enabling unauthorized access to database resources. This flaw aligns with CWE-20, "Improper Input Validation," and represents a classic case of weak authentication mechanism implementation. The vulnerability directly impacts the principle of authentication by allowing unauthenticated access through manipulation of the authentication protocol itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides remote attackers with unauthorized database access without requiring valid credentials. An attacker can exploit this weakness to gain access to sensitive database information, modify or delete data, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. This authentication bypass affects all database operations that rely on user authentication, including read, write, and administrative functions. The vulnerability particularly impacts database servers that have not been updated with the security patches released by MySQL, creating a persistent risk for organizations maintaining legacy systems. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely without requiring local system access, making it a significant concern for database administrators and security teams.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to the corrected releases that address the authentication validation flaw. Organizations should prioritize updating their MySQL installations to versions 4.1.3 or later for 4.1.x series, and 5.0.x releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to database servers, limiting exposure to potential attackers. Additionally, implementing strong network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify suspicious authentication attempts that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication layers such as SSL/TLS encryption for database connections and regular security audits of database access controls to prevent unauthorized access. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated systems to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications while maintaining the integrity of the database security posture.