CVE-2007-5925 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
The convert_search_mode_to_innobase function in ha_innodb.cc in the InnoDB engine in MySQL 5.1.23-BK and earlier allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (database crash) via a certain CONTAINS operation on an indexed column, which triggers an assertion error.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-5925 resides within the InnoDB storage engine of MySQL database systems, specifically affecting versions 5.1.23-BK and earlier. This issue manifests as a denial of service condition that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers who possess valid database credentials. The flaw occurs within the convert_search_mode_to_innobase function located in the ha_innodb.cc source file, representing a critical weakness in the database engine's handling of specific search operations. The vulnerability demonstrates particular susceptibility when processing CONTAINS operations on indexed columns, indicating a targeted failure in the search mode conversion logic that underpins InnoDB's query processing capabilities.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves an assertion error that occurs during the conversion of search modes within the InnoDB storage engine. When an authenticated user executes a CONTAINS operation against an indexed column, the convert_search_mode_to_innobase function fails to properly handle the transition between different search modes, resulting in a system assertion failure. This assertion failure ultimately leads to a complete database crash, effectively rendering the MySQL service unavailable to legitimate users. The flaw represents a classic case of improper input validation and error handling within database engine components, where the system fails to gracefully manage edge cases in search operations that should otherwise be handled safely by the engine's internal logic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can severely compromise database availability and potentially affect business continuity for organizations relying on MySQL with InnoDB storage. Attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to cause database crashes, leading to potential data loss, service interruptions, and increased administrative overhead for system recovery. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the local network without requiring physical access to the database server, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is critical. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper error handling in database engine components, as the assertion failure suggests inadequate defensive programming practices that could expose other similar weaknesses within the system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of their MySQL installations to version 5.1.24 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the assertion error in the convert_search_mode_to_innobase function. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual database crash patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additional mitigations include restricting database user privileges to minimize potential damage from successful attacks and implementing network-level controls to limit access to database services. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception" conditions in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database engine components and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats that could exploit improper error handling in database systems.