CVE-2007-2766 in Manager
Summary
by MITRE
lib/backup-methods.sh in Backup Manager before 0.7.6 provides the MySQL password as a plaintext command line argument, which allows local users to obtain this password by listing the process and its arguments, related to lib/backup-methods.sh.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2766 represents a critical security flaw in the Backup Manager software suite affecting versions prior to 0.7.6. This issue stems from the improper handling of MySQL database credentials within the backup process execution flow. The vulnerability specifically resides in the lib/backup-methods.sh script which is responsible for managing backup operations including database backups. When the backup manager executes MySQL commands, it passes the database password as a direct command line argument rather than utilizing secure credential handling mechanisms. This design flaw creates an inherent security risk that directly violates fundamental security principles for credential management and process isolation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental weakness in how command line arguments are processed and exposed to system processes. When the backup manager executes MySQL commands, the password becomes visible in the process list through tools like ps, top, or other system monitoring utilities. This exposure occurs because command line arguments are typically stored in the process memory space and made accessible to all users with appropriate permissions on the system. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-256, which addresses the storage of passwords in cleartext, and CWE-312, which covers the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials. Additionally, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which describes the exploitation of credentials in files, and T1059.003, which covers the execution of commands through shell environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for database environments. Local attackers who can execute processes on the system hosting the backup manager can easily extract MySQL passwords through simple process enumeration techniques, potentially gaining unauthorized access to database systems. This creates a significant risk for environments where backup managers run with elevated privileges or where the backup process executes with database administrative credentials. The vulnerability essentially provides an attack vector that bypasses traditional authentication mechanisms by directly accessing credential information through process inspection rather than attempting to compromise the database directly. Organizations may face data breaches, unauthorized database access, and potential escalation of privileges when this vulnerability is exploited.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2766 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions 0.7.6 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper credential handling mechanisms. System administrators should implement process monitoring to detect unauthorized process enumeration activities and establish regular audits of backup process configurations. The recommended approach involves modifying the backup methods script to utilize secure credential handling such as environment variables, configuration files with restricted permissions, or MySQL's built-in credential management features. Additionally, implementing proper file system permissions and access controls around backup scripts can prevent unauthorized users from accessing sensitive process information. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of credential exposure. The fix should address the root cause by ensuring that sensitive information is not passed through command line arguments and instead uses secure input methods that do not expose credentials in process listings.