CVE-2010-3062 in PHP
Summary
by MITRE
mysqlnd_wireprotocol.c in the Mysqlnd extension in PHP 5.3 through 5.3.2 allows remote attackers to (1) read sensitive memory via a modified length value, which is not properly handled by the php_mysqlnd_ok_read function; or (2) trigger a heap-based buffer overflow via a modified length value, which is not properly handled by the php_mysqlnd_rset_header_read function.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3062 affects the mysqlnd extension in PHP versions 5.3 through 5.3.2, representing a critical security flaw in the MySQL native driver component that handles communication between PHP applications and MySQL databases. This issue stems from improper handling of length values within the wire protocol parsing functions, specifically impacting how the extension processes incoming data from MySQL servers. The vulnerability exists in the mysqlnd_wireprotocol.c file where two distinct but related memory handling flaws are present, creating opportunities for remote attackers to exploit the system through carefully crafted network packets.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves two primary attack vectors that exploit different memory corruption patterns within the mysqlnd extension. The first vector allows attackers to read sensitive memory contents through a modified length value that is not properly validated in the php_mysqlnd_ok_read function, potentially exposing confidential data such as database credentials, session information, or other sensitive application data stored in memory. The second vector creates a heap-based buffer overflow condition when a modified length value is processed by the php_mysqlnd_rset_header_read function, which can lead to arbitrary code execution or system crashes. Both functions fail to validate the length parameters received from MySQL protocol responses, enabling attackers to manipulate the parsing logic and cause unintended memory operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3062 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a significant threat to database server integrity and application security. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in memory, potentially compromising entire database systems and the applications that depend on them. The heap-based buffer overflow aspect particularly concerning as it can lead to complete system compromise through exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected PHP process. This vulnerability affects web applications using PHP with MySQL connectivity, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where PHP applications handle sensitive user data and database operations.
Security mitigations for CVE-2010-3062 primarily involve immediate patching of affected PHP installations to versions that address the memory handling flaws in the mysqlnd extension. Organizations should prioritize updating their PHP environments to versions 5.3.3 or later where these vulnerabilities have been resolved through proper input validation and memory boundary checking. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to limit access to MySQL servers from untrusted networks, reducing the attack surface. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read) and CWE-121 (Stack-based Buffer Overflow) classifications, and represents a technique that could be categorized under ATT&CK tactic T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) when exploited successfully. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on MySQL protocol communications and memory access anomalies.