CVE-2006-1518 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the open_table function in sql_base.cc in MySQL 5.0.x up to 5.0.20 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted COM_TABLE_DUMP packets with invalid length values.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-1518 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the MySQL database management system's core components. This issue resides in the open_table function located in the sql_base.cc source file, affecting MySQL versions 5.0.x through 5.0.20. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes crafted COM_TABLE_DUMP protocol packets containing invalid length values, creating a condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory regions beyond the intended buffer boundaries. Such buffer overflow conditions typically occur when input validation is insufficient and the system fails to properly bounds-check data before processing, allowing malicious actors to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote attackers to send specially crafted protocol packets to the MySQL server, leveraging the COM_TABLE_DUMP command which is part of the MySQL protocol for table dumping operations. When the open_table function processes these malformed packets, the invalid length values cause the system to allocate insufficient buffer space, leading to memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it operates over the network and can be executed without authentication, making it a significant threat to database server security.
The operational impact of CVE-2006-1518 extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over affected MySQL servers. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, data modification, or complete server compromise, especially when the MySQL service runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it from anywhere on the network, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where MySQL servers are exposed to external networks. This type of attack aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code within the database server environment. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where database integrity and confidentiality are paramount.
The recommended mitigation strategy for CVE-2006-1518 involves immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to versions 5.0.21 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to MySQL ports, particularly when the database server is exposed to untrusted networks. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing proper input validation for database protocols, and ensuring that MySQL services run with minimal required privileges to limit potential damage from successful attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing database firewalls or network segmentation to reduce the attack surface and prevent unauthorized access to database servers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in database server implementations, highlighting how protocol-level flaws can lead to complete system compromise.