CVE-2005-1274 in MaxDB
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the getIfHeader function in the WebDAV functionality in MySQL MaxDB before 7.5.00.26 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an HTTP unlock request and a long "If" parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1274 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting MySQL MaxDB's WebDAV implementation. This flaw exists within the getIfHeader function which processes HTTP unlock requests containing extended "If" parameters. The vulnerability specifically impacts MySQL MaxDB versions prior to 7.5.00.26, making it a significant concern for organizations running outdated database systems. The buffer overflow occurs when the application fails to properly validate the length of the "If" parameter, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent stack memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack buffer overflow pattern where an attacker crafts an HTTP unlock request with an excessively long "If" parameter that exceeds the allocated buffer size. When the getIfHeader function processes this input without proper bounds checking, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and allowing execution flow redirection. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized as a fundamental memory safety issue in software development practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with remote code execution capabilities within the database server environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain full control over the affected MaxDB server, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and unauthorized access to sensitive database information. The WebDAV functionality exposed through HTTP unlock requests creates a direct attack surface that remote adversaries can leverage without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 for exploiting weaknesses in remote services and represents a significant threat to database server security.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL MaxDB installations to address this vulnerability, as the window for exploitation remains open for systems running versions prior to 7.5.00.26. Security administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of WebDAV endpoints until patches are applied. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious HTTP unlock requests containing unusually long "If" parameters can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network-facing applications, particularly those handling HTTP request parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify patterns associated with buffer overflow exploitation attempts, as the attack vectors for such vulnerabilities often follow predictable patterns that can be detected through network traffic analysis.