CVE-2007-6303 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL 5.0.x before 5.0.51a, 5.1.x before 5.1.23, and 6.0.x before 6.0.4 does not update the DEFINER value of a view when the view is altered, which allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges via a sequence of statements including a CREATE SQL SECURITY DEFINER VIEW statement and an ALTER VIEW statement.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2019
This vulnerability exists in multiple versions of the MySQL database management system affecting versions 5.0.x before 5.0.51a, 5.1.x before 5.1.23, and 6.0.x before 6.0.4. The flaw resides in how MySQL handles the DEFINER attribute of database views during alteration operations, creating a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management, which specifically addresses issues where improper handling of access control mechanisms leads to unauthorized privilege escalation.
The technical mechanism of this vulnerability involves the inconsistent handling of the DEFINER clause when a view is modified through ALTER VIEW statements. When a view is initially created with SQL SECURITY DEFINER, it inherits the privileges of the user who created it, establishing a specific execution context. However, during subsequent ALTER VIEW operations, MySQL fails to properly update the DEFINER value, leaving the view with the original privileges of the creator rather than the privileges of the user performing the alteration. This creates a situation where an attacker can manipulate the view definition to execute with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to data or operations that should be restricted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges within the database environment. An attacker who has the ability to create and alter views can exploit this weakness to execute database operations with the privileges of the original view creator, potentially gaining access to sensitive data or performing administrative actions. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where database users have varying privilege levels and where view definitions are frequently modified, as it can be used to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized operations.
Security professionals should implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to MySQL versions that have patched this issue, specifically versions 5.0.51a, 5.1.23, and 6.0.4 or later. Organizations should also review and monitor view definitions within their database systems, particularly those created with SQL SECURITY DEFINER, to ensure proper privilege management. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized view creation or modification activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it exploits legitimate user accounts with appropriate privileges to escalate access within the database system, and T1068 Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it specifically targets privilege escalation mechanisms within the database environment.