CVE-2010-3837 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 allows remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (server crash) via a prepared statement that uses GROUP_CONCAT with the WITH ROLLUP modifier, probably triggering a use-after-free error when a copied object is modified in a way that also affects the original object.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-3837 represents a critical denial of service weakness in multiple versions of the MySQL database management system. This flaw affects MySQL 5.0 versions prior to 5.0.92, 5.1 versions prior to 5.1.51, and 5.5 versions prior to 5.5.6, making it a widespread issue across several major release branches. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of prepared statements within the database engine, creating a scenario where authenticated remote attackers can trigger server instability through carefully crafted SQL operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within MySQL's implementation of GROUP_CONCAT with the WITH ROLLUP modifier in prepared statements. When a prepared statement containing this specific combination is executed, the database engine encounters a use-after-free error condition. This occurs when memory that has been freed is accessed or modified, leading to unpredictable behavior and ultimately causing the MySQL server process to crash. The flaw manifests when a copied object is modified in a manner that simultaneously affects the original object, creating a memory corruption scenario that the database engine cannot properly handle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple server downtime, as it allows authenticated attackers to disrupt database services without requiring elevated privileges. This means that any user with valid database credentials can potentially exploit this weakness to cause denial of service conditions, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to database systems. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can leverage this weakness from external networks, amplifying the potential impact on database availability and business continuity.
This vulnerability maps to CWE-416, which describes the use of freed memory condition, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. The weakness specifically relates to improper handling of memory objects during prepared statement execution and demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in database systems. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk of service disruption and potential data availability issues, as the crash condition can occur without any indication of malicious intent from the attacker, making detection and prevention challenging.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to the patched versions of MySQL where this vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should prioritize patching affected installations, particularly in production environments where database availability is critical. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of exploitation attempts, while monitoring for unusual database activity patterns may provide early detection of attempted exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing redundant database systems and backup procedures to minimize the business impact of potential service disruptions caused by this vulnerability.