CVE-2010-4178 in MySQL-GUI-tools
Summary
by MITRE
MySQL-GUI-tools (mysql-administrator) leaks passwords into process list after with launch of mysql text console
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4178 affects MySQL-GUI-tools, specifically the mysql-administrator component, which is part of Oracle's MySQL graphical user interface suite. This issue represents a critical security flaw that exposes sensitive authentication credentials through the operating system's process listing mechanisms. The vulnerability occurs when users launch the mysql text console from within the mysql-administrator graphical interface, creating a scenario where password information becomes visible to any process monitoring tool or user with appropriate permissions. This behavior directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential handling and demonstrates poor input sanitization practices within the application's execution environment.
The technical flaw stems from the improper handling of command-line arguments and environment variables during the execution of the mysql text console. When mysql-administrator initiates the console application, it passes password parameters directly as command-line arguments without implementing proper obfuscation or secure credential handling mechanisms. This approach exposes the password in plain text within the process list, making it visible through standard system monitoring tools such as ps, top, or other process inspection utilities. The vulnerability manifests because the application does not utilize secure credential storage mechanisms or temporary file handling that would prevent password exposure in the process space. This issue is particularly concerning as it operates at the system call level where process arguments are typically visible to all processes with appropriate permissions, creating a persistent exposure window.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate credential exposure to encompass broader security implications for database administration environments. Attackers with access to system monitoring capabilities or those who can observe process lists can easily extract database passwords, potentially gaining unauthorized access to critical database systems. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where process visibility is not properly restricted, or in scenarios where system administrators rely on process monitoring tools for operational oversight. The exposure occurs during the transient period when the console is launched, meaning that even brief monitoring periods can capture the sensitive information. The vulnerability affects organizations using older versions of MySQL-GUI-tools where proper credential handling mechanisms were not implemented, creating a persistent risk that could be exploited by both internal and external threat actors. This flaw directly relates to CWE-255 which addresses insecure credential handling and represents a significant weakness in the application's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from system administrators and security teams. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to patched versions of MySQL-GUI-tools where the password handling has been properly addressed through secure credential management practices. Organizations should implement process monitoring restrictions to limit visibility of sensitive processes and ensure that system administrators are aware of the exposure risk. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can help reduce the attack surface, as the vulnerability requires only basic process monitoring permissions to exploit. Security teams should also consider implementing network-level protections such as firewalls and access controls to limit exposure of database systems even if credentials are compromised. The remediation process should include comprehensive security reviews of all GUI tools and applications that may expose sensitive information in process lists, ensuring that similar vulnerabilities are not present in other components of the database administration stack. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices for credential handling as outlined in various security frameworks and standards that emphasize the need for secure authentication mechanisms and proper input validation.