CVE-2004-0628 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in MySQL 4.1.x before 4.1.3, and 5.0, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) and possibly execute arbitrary code via a long scramble string.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0628 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw affecting MySQL database servers version 4.1.x prior to 4.1.3 and version 5.0. This vulnerability resides in the authentication mechanism of the MySQL server software and specifically targets the handling of scramble strings during the authentication process. The flaw occurs when the server receives an excessively long scramble string from a client attempting to authenticate, causing the stack buffer to overflow and potentially leading to system instability or unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it a significant threat to database server security.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the MySQL authentication protocol handler. When a client connects to the MySQL server, it must provide a scramble string as part of the authentication process. The server allocates a fixed-size buffer on the stack to store this scramble string, but fails to properly validate the length of the incoming data. This classic stack buffer overflow occurs because the code does not perform bounds checking before copying the client-provided data into the allocated stack space. According to CWE-121, this vulnerability maps directly to stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw can be exploited through the MySQL protocol by sending a specially crafted authentication packet containing an oversized scramble string that exceeds the allocated buffer capacity.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-0628 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution on vulnerable systems. When exploited successfully, the buffer overflow can corrupt the stack memory, leading to unpredictable program behavior including crashes, data corruption, or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems running MySQL versions 4.1.0 through 4.1.2 and 5.0.0 through 5.0.1, representing a significant portion of the MySQL user base at the time of discovery. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to cause service disruption, potentially leading to business continuity issues, or to gain unauthorized access to database systems, which could result in data breaches or system compromise. The remote exploitability aspect means that attackers do not need physical access to the target system or local network privileges to carry out the attack, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible database servers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates and system hardening measures. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to MySQL version 4.1.3 or later, or MySQL 5.0.2 and newer, where the buffer overflow has been addressed through proper input validation and bounds checking. System administrators should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual authentication patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems, and regularly reviewing system logs for signs of exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to technique T1190 for exploitation of remote services and T1059 for command and control through potentially compromised database systems. Organizations should also consider implementing the principle of least privilege for database accounts and regularly auditing database access permissions to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.