CVE-2005-0083 in MaxDB
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL MaxDB 7.5.00 for Windows, and possibly earlier versions and other platforms, allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (application crash) via invalid parameters to the (1) DBMCli_String::ReallocString, (2) DBMCli_String::operator, (3) DBMCli_Buffer::ForceResize, (4) DBMCli_Wizard::InstallDatabase, (5) DBMCli_Devspaces::Complete, (6) DBMWeb_TemplateWizard::askForWriteCountStep5, or (7) DBMWeb_DBMWeb::wizardDB functions, which triggers a null dereference.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-0083 represents a critical denial of service flaw affecting MySQL MaxDB 7.5.00 for Windows and potentially other versions across different platforms. This security weakness stems from improper input validation within multiple string and buffer manipulation functions within the database management system. The flaw manifests when remote attackers submit malformed parameters to specific application functions, causing the system to attempt operations on null pointers. The vulnerability specifically targets seven distinct functions including DBMCli_String::ReallocString, DBMCli_String::operator, and DBMCli_Buffer::ForceResize among others, all of which are part of the MaxDB database management infrastructure. These functions handle string operations, buffer resizing, and database installation processes, making them critical components in the database's operational flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a null dereference condition, where the application attempts to access memory locations that have not been properly initialized or allocated. When invalid parameters are passed to any of the affected functions, the system's memory management routines fail to properly validate the input before attempting to process it. This results in the application attempting to dereference a null pointer, which causes an immediate crash and subsequent denial of service condition. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple functions within the MaxDB codebase, suggesting a systemic issue in how the application handles parameter validation and memory management. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-476 which specifically addresses NULL Pointer Dereference, a well-known weakness that has been consistently exploited in various database and application systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a Denial of Service attack technique, specifically under the T1499.004 sub-technique for Network Denial of Service, as it leverages application-level flaws to disrupt service availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application crashes, as it provides attackers with a reliable method to disrupt database services and potentially impact business operations. Organizations relying on MySQL MaxDB for critical database operations face significant risk, as a successful exploitation could result in extended downtime and service disruption. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments. The fact that this affects multiple functions within the database system suggests that the impact could be widespread, potentially affecting database installation processes, string manipulation operations, and buffer management functions. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability likely exists in multiple versions of the software, indicating that organizations may need to conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments across their entire MaxDB deployment landscape. The null dereference condition not only causes immediate crashes but could also potentially lead to more severe consequences if the application fails to properly handle memory corruption or if attackers can chain this vulnerability with others to achieve privilege escalation or information disclosure. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including network segmentation, access controls, and application firewalls to prevent unauthorized remote exploitation. Regular patch management and vulnerability scanning should be prioritized to identify and remediate affected systems, as the vulnerability's presence across multiple platforms indicates a fundamental issue in the software's architecture that requires comprehensive security review and remediation efforts.