CVE-2006-4227 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL before 5.0.25 and 5.1 before 5.1.12 evaluates arguments of suid routines in the security context of the routine s definer instead of the routine s caller, which allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges through a routine that has been made available using GRANT EXECUTE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2025
This vulnerability exists in mysql database versions prior to 5.0.25 and 5.1.12 where the security context evaluation of arguments within suid routines is incorrectly handled. The flaw occurs when routines are created with the definer attribute, which establishes a specific security context for execution. When these routines are executed, the system should evaluate arguments in the security context of the caller rather than the definer, but instead processes them in the definer's security context. This misalignment creates a privilege escalation opportunity for authenticated remote attackers who can manipulate routine execution to gain elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how mysql handles the execution context of stored procedures and functions that have been granted execute permissions through the GRANT EXECUTE statement. When a user with execute privileges calls a routine defined by a different user with elevated privileges, the system incorrectly evaluates the arguments within the context of the routine's definer rather than the calling user's privileges. This creates a scenario where arguments passed to the routine can be interpreted with the definer's security context, potentially allowing malicious input to be processed with higher privileges than intended.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges within the mysql database environment. An attacker who has been granted execute permissions on a specific routine can potentially leverage this flaw to execute code or access data that would normally be restricted to the routine's definer. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the database level and can be exploited through network connections, making it accessible to remote attackers who have authentication credentials for the database system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through improper access control. It also maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, and T1566, which covers social engineering through credential access. The flaw demonstrates how improper handling of security contexts in database systems can create persistent privilege escalation vectors that remain exploitable until patched.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to mysql versions 5.0.25 or 5.1.12 and later, which contain the necessary fixes for proper security context evaluation. Database administrators should also implement strict privilege management policies, regularly audit routine definitions and their associated privileges, and ensure that routines are created with minimal necessary privileges. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized routine execution and implementing network segmentation can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation of this vulnerability.