CVE-2010-1621 in mysql
Summary
by MITRE
The mysql_uninstall_plugin function in sql/sql_plugin.cc in MySQL 5.1 before 5.1.46 does not check privileges before uninstalling a plugin, which allows remote attackers to uninstall arbitrary plugins via the UNINSTALL PLUGIN command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1621 resides within the MySQL database management system's plugin uninstallation mechanism, specifically in the mysql_uninstall_plugin function located in the sql/sql_plugin.cc file. This flaw represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that undermines the fundamental security model of the database system. The issue affects MySQL 5.1 versions prior to 5.1.46, where the system fails to enforce proper access controls during the plugin removal process, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to compromise database integrity and availability.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of privilege validation within the mysql_uninstall_plugin function, which processes the UNINSTALL PLUGIN command without verifying whether the requesting user possesses adequate administrative permissions. This omission creates a direct pathway for unauthorized entities to execute plugin uninstallation commands against any installed plugin within the MySQL instance. The vulnerability operates at the database server level, where legitimate administrative functions are bypassed through the lack of proper authentication checks, allowing attackers to remove critical components that may include security plugins, authentication modules, or other essential system extensions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can severely compromise database security and availability. Attackers who can execute the UNINSTALL PLUGIN command can remove essential plugins such as authentication handlers, encryption modules, or security monitoring tools, potentially leaving the database vulnerable to further attacks or rendering critical security features ineffective. This capability also enables attackers to disrupt database operations by removing plugins that are essential for normal functioning, leading to service degradation or complete system unavailability. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring local system access or elevated privileges.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a significant weakness in the principle of least privilege enforcement within database systems. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.003 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) when attackers leverage the vulnerability to gain elevated privileges or execute unauthorized administrative functions. Organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions face heightened risk of data compromise, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure, as attackers can systematically remove security controls and establish persistent access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege validation in database management systems and highlights the need for regular security updates and patch management procedures.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to version 5.1.46 or later, where the privilege checking mechanism has been implemented. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks, while monitoring for unauthorized plugin modification activities. Database administrators should regularly audit plugin installations and implement strict access controls for administrative functions, ensuring that only authorized personnel can execute plugin management commands. Additionally, security monitoring systems should be configured to detect and alert on unusual plugin uninstallation activities, providing visibility into potential exploitation attempts and supporting incident response capabilities.