CVE-2012-0882 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in yaSSL, as used in MySQL 5.5.20 and possibly other versions including 5.5.x before 5.5.22 and 5.1.x before 5.1.62, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by VulnDisco Pack Professional 9.17. NOTE: as of 20120224, this disclosure has no actionable information. However, because the module author is a reliable researcher, the issue is being assigned a CVE identifier for tracking purposes. NOTE: due to lack of details, it is not clear whether this issue is a duplicate of CVE-2012-0492 or another CVE.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0882 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the yaSSL cryptographic library implementation used by MySQL database systems. This flaw exists in MySQL versions 5.5.20 and earlier, as well as certain 5.1.x versions prior to 5.1.62, creating a significant security risk that could potentially allow remote code execution. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the yaSSL component that handles SSL/TLS cryptographic operations, making it a prime target for exploitation by malicious actors seeking to compromise database servers. The issue demonstrates the inherent risks associated with cryptographic library implementations where buffer overflows can provide attackers with direct pathways to system compromise.
The technical nature of this buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow conditions, where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory boundaries. This particular flaw manifests when the yaSSL library processes certain SSL/TLS handshake sequences or data packets, potentially triggering memory corruption that could be leveraged to overwrite critical program execution data. The unspecified attack vectors mentioned in the original description suggest that multiple code paths within the cryptographic library could be exploited, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may not be easily predictable or preventable through standard network monitoring. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which involves exploitation of software vulnerabilities for remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-0882 extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation could result in complete system takeover of affected MySQL servers. Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database service account, which typically has extensive access to database resources and potentially to underlying operating system components. This vulnerability particularly affects database environments where MySQL serves as a critical backend component for web applications, enterprise systems, or any infrastructure requiring secure data transmission. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local system credentials to leverage this vulnerability, making it especially concerning for publicly accessible database servers. Organizations using affected MySQL versions face potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0882 primarily focus on immediate version updates to MySQL 5.5.22 or later, and 5.1.62 or later, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow condition in the yaSSL implementation. System administrators should prioritize patching affected MySQL installations as a critical security measure, particularly in environments where database servers are exposed to untrusted network traffic. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers, configuring firewall rules to restrict SSL/TLS port access, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious SSL/TLS handshake patterns. The vulnerability's nature suggests that organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying anomalous cryptographic protocol behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the lack of detailed exploit information at the time of CVE assignment, organizations should maintain heightened security awareness and ensure their patch management processes are robust enough to address similar vulnerabilities in cryptographic libraries. The issue serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date cryptographic libraries and the potential consequences of relying on vulnerable components within database infrastructure.