CVE-2010-1850 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in MySQL 5.0 through 5.0.91 and 5.1 before 5.1.47 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a COM_FIELD_LIST command with a long table name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1850 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in MySQL database management systems affecting versions 5.0 through 5.0.91 and 5.1 before 5.1.47. This vulnerability resides within the handling of database commands and specifically targets the COM_FIELD_LIST command which is used to retrieve field information from database tables. The flaw occurs when the database server processes a maliciously crafted table name that exceeds the allocated buffer size, creating a condition where arbitrary data can overwrite adjacent memory locations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite memory and potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to the database system, meaning that an attacker who has obtained valid credentials can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized code execution privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the MySQL server's insufficient input validation when processing the COM_FIELD_LIST command. When a user sends a request containing a table name that exceeds the predefined buffer limits, the system fails to properly truncate or reject the excessive input before copying it into memory. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads where the oversized table name overflows into adjacent memory regions, potentially corrupting critical program state or even injecting executable code into the server process. The attack vector is classified as remote because it can be exploited over network connections without requiring physical access to the system, and authenticated access is sufficient since the vulnerability exists within the legitimate database communication protocols. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 which covers command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the database server with the privileges of the database service account.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1850 extends far beyond simple data corruption, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive database information. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the MySQL service account, potentially gaining access to all databases hosted on that server. This could result in data theft, data manipulation, privilege escalation to system-level access, and establishment of persistent backdoors within the database infrastructure. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk, particularly in environments where database credentials are shared or where weak authentication mechanisms are in place. The vulnerability's presence in multiple minor versions of MySQL 5.0 and 5.1 indicates it was a widespread issue that required immediate patching across affected installations. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through legitimate database protocols, making detection more difficult and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected within the network infrastructure for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1850 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected MySQL installations to versions 5.0.92 and 5.1.47 or later, as these releases contain the necessary code fixes to prevent the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit database access to only authorized users and applications, reducing the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Additional defensive measures include implementing database activity monitoring to detect unusual patterns in COM_FIELD_LIST command usage and establishing strict input validation policies that prevent overly long table names from being processed. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious database protocol traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security patch management and proper input validation in database systems, as buffer overflows continue to represent one of the most common and dangerous classes of software vulnerabilities in enterprise environments. Organizations should also consider implementing database firewalls or application control mechanisms to further restrict access to database servers and reduce the risk of exploitation through legitimate database protocols.