CVE-2010-3833 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL 5.0 before 5.0.92, 5.1 before 5.1.51, and 5.5 before 5.5.6 does not properly propagate type errors, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (server crash) via crafted arguments to extreme-value functions such as (1) LEAST and (2) GREATEST, related to KILL_BAD_DATA and a "CREATE TABLE ... SELECT."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3833 represents a critical denial of service flaw affecting multiple versions of the MySQL database management system. This issue specifically impacts MySQL versions 5.0 before 5.0.92, 5.1 before 5.1.51, and 5.5 before 5.5.6, where the database engine fails to properly handle type errors during certain mathematical operations. The flaw manifests when remote attackers exploit extreme-value functions such as LEAST and GREATEST through crafted arguments that trigger internal type propagation failures. This vulnerability operates at the core level of MySQL's query execution engine, where improper error handling leads to server instability and potential complete system crashes. The issue is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it a significant threat to database availability and system integrity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from MySQL's inadequate handling of type errors within its internal data processing mechanisms. When executing extreme-value functions like LEAST and GREATEST, the database engine encounters situations where type conversion fails during the KILL_BAD_DATA operation, which is part of the CREATE TABLE ... SELECT statement processing. This failure occurs because the system does not properly validate or handle data type mismatches that arise when processing extreme value calculations. The flaw is categorized under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, specifically manifesting as improper handling of data type conversions during database operations. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient error handling in database systems where malformed input can cause cascading failures in the execution engine.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3833 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire database infrastructure availability. Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause complete MySQL server crashes, resulting in denial of service for all database applications relying on the affected system. The attack vector requires only the ability to execute SQL queries against the target database, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or systems where untrusted users have database access. The vulnerability affects not just individual query execution but can cause cascading failures throughout the database server's memory management and process handling mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 - Endpoint Denial of Service, where the attacker leverages database-specific weaknesses to disrupt service availability. The impact is particularly severe in production environments where database uptime is critical for business operations, potentially leading to significant financial losses and service interruptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3833 require immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to the recommended secure releases. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to MySQL 5.0.92, 5.1.51, or 5.5.6 respectively, as these versions contain the necessary fixes for the type error propagation issues. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures can help reduce the attack surface, though this does not provide complete protection against the vulnerability. Network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict unnecessary database access and monitoring systems that detect unusual query patterns can provide additional defense layers. Database administrators should also implement proper access controls and privilege management to limit who can execute potentially dangerous SQL operations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security patch management and continuous monitoring of database systems for similar flaws. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their database environments to identify other potential weaknesses that could be exploited in similar ways, ensuring comprehensive protection against both current and future threats.