CVE-2007-5970 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL 5.1.x before 5.1.23 and 6.0.x before 6.0.4 allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges on arbitrary tables via unspecified vectors involving use of table-level DATA DIRECTORY and INDEX DIRECTORY options when creating a partitioned table with the same name as a table on which the user lacks privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/30/2021
This vulnerability exists in MySQL database management systems affecting versions 5.1.x before 5.1.23 and 6.0.x before 6.0.4. The flaw relates to improper privilege checking mechanisms when handling partitioned tables with specific directory options. Attackers with authenticated access can exploit this issue to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized access to tables they normally shouldn't be able to access. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users create partitioned tables using DATA DIRECTORY and INDEX DIRECTORY options that reference arbitrary table names. This represents a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the database's access control model. The technical implementation involves the database's failure to properly validate whether the authenticated user possesses sufficient privileges for the target table referenced in these directory options during partition table creation operations. This vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and privilege verification mechanisms within the MySQL storage engine's handling of partitioned table creation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows authenticated attackers to bypass normal database security controls and access sensitive data. An attacker could potentially escalate privileges to access tables containing confidential information, user credentials, or business-critical data without proper authorization. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to the database system, meaning that even users with limited privileges could exploit this weakness to gain broader access. The attack vector involves creating a partitioned table with specific directory options that reference tables the user does not normally have access to, effectively allowing privilege escalation through the database's own table creation mechanisms. This flaw enables attackers to circumvent the principle of least privilege that should normally prevent unauthorized access to database resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to versions 5.1.23 or later and 6.0.4 or later where the issue has been resolved. Database administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor partition table creation activities for suspicious patterns. Regular privilege audits should be conducted to ensure that users only have access to tables necessary for their operational roles. The use of database activity monitoring tools can help detect anomalous table creation behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to database systems. Security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that DATA DIRECTORY and INDEX DIRECTORY options are properly restricted and validated. The patch addresses the core privilege checking mechanism that was allowing unauthorized access to table resources through the partition table creation process, restoring proper access control enforcement within the MySQL database engine.