CVE-2010-2008 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL before 5.1.48 allows remote authenticated users with alter database privileges to cause a denial of service (server crash and database loss) via an ALTER DATABASE command with a #mysql50# string followed by a . (dot), .. (dot dot), ../ (dot dot slash) or similar sequence, and an UPGRADE DATA DIRECTORY NAME command, which causes MySQL to move certain directories to the server data directory.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2025
This vulnerability exists in MySQL database systems prior to version 5.1.48 and represents a significant security flaw that can lead to complete system compromise through a carefully crafted database alteration command. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users who possess ALTER DATABASE privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database administrators have elevated access rights. The flaw stems from improper input validation within the MySQL server's handling of directory manipulation commands, creating a path traversal condition that can be exploited to manipulate the server's data directory structure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific sequence of commands that exploit how MySQL processes directory references during database operations. When an authenticated user executes an ALTER DATABASE command containing a #mysql50# prefix followed by directory traversal sequences such as dots, dot-dot sequences, or similar path manipulation patterns combined with an UPGRADE DATA DIRECTORY NAME command, the MySQL server fails to properly validate these directory references. This validation failure allows the attacker to manipulate the server's data directory structure by moving critical database files to unintended locations within the server's data directory hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, encompassing both availability and data integrity concerns. The primary consequence is a denial of service condition that can cause the MySQL server to crash completely, resulting in service interruption for all database-dependent applications. Beyond the immediate server crash, the vulnerability can lead to complete database loss as critical files are moved or overwritten during the directory manipulation process. This represents a critical failure in database system integrity and can result in significant business disruption, data loss, and potential compliance violations for organizations relying on MySQL for their database operations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-770 Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling categories, demonstrating how improper input validation can lead to resource manipulation and system instability. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1499 Endpoint Denial of Service, as it enables both system disruption and potential data compromise through unauthorized directory manipulation. The attack vector requires authentication but does not require elevated privileges beyond standard database user access, making it particularly concerning for environments where database access controls may not be properly enforced.
Organizations should immediately implement the patch provided by MySQL version 5.1.48 or later, which addresses the directory traversal validation issue through enhanced input sanitization and proper path resolution mechanisms. Additional mitigations include implementing strict database access controls, monitoring for unusual ALTER DATABASE commands, and conducting regular security assessments of database configurations. Network segmentation and database firewalls can also help limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities by restricting unauthorized access to database systems. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper input validation and resource management in database systems, particularly when handling directory manipulation operations that can fundamentally alter system file structures.