CVE-2012-2122 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
sql/password.c in Oracle MySQL 5.1.x before 5.1.63, 5.5.x before 5.5.24, and 5.6.x before 5.6.6, and MariaDB 5.1.x before 5.1.62, 5.2.x before 5.2.12, 5.3.x before 5.3.6, and 5.5.x before 5.5.23, when running in certain environments with certain implementations of the memcmp function, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication by repeatedly authenticating with the same incorrect password, which eventually causes a token comparison to succeed due to an improperly-checked return value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2024
This vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in MySQL and MariaDB database systems that stems from improper handling of memory comparison functions. The issue specifically affects versions prior to the patched releases mentioned in the CVE description, creating a window where attackers can exploit a timing-based authentication weakness through repeated password attempts. The vulnerability operates by leveraging a flaw in how the memcmp function is utilized during password verification processes, where the return value from this function is not properly validated, leading to potential false positives in authentication decisions. This weakness is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely through repeated login attempts with incorrect passwords, effectively turning a security feature into an attack vector.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific flaw in the authentication module where the memcmp function's return value is not correctly checked during password comparison operations. When a user attempts to authenticate with an incorrect password, the system should reject the attempt immediately. However, due to the improper validation of memcmp's return value, there exists a scenario where repeated failed authentication attempts can eventually result in a successful authentication token comparison. This occurs because the memcmp function returns different values based on the comparison results, and when these values are not properly validated, they can be interpreted as successful matches under certain conditions. The vulnerability is particularly prevalent in environments where specific implementations of the memcmp function behave in ways that expose this edge case, making it a platform-dependent issue that requires careful consideration of the underlying system architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2122 is severe and far-reaching for database security environments. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to database systems without proper credentials, potentially leading to data theft, data manipulation, or complete system compromise. The authentication bypass allows for automated attacks where multiple login attempts can be used to eventually gain access, making it particularly dangerous in environments with automated attack tools or brute force capabilities. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of database systems, as unauthorized access can lead to sensitive data exposure, unauthorized modifications to database content, and potential denial of service conditions when attackers exploit the system. The vulnerability affects a wide range of database deployments across multiple versions, making it a widespread concern for organizations maintaining legacy database systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of MySQL and MariaDB as specified in the CVE description, which addresses the core issue through proper validation of memcmp return values during authentication processes. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as account lockout mechanisms, failed login attempt monitoring, and network-level restrictions to prevent automated attack tools from exploiting this vulnerability. The implementation of these mitigations aligns with cybersecurity frameworks such as the CWE-284 access control weakness classification, which addresses improper authorization in database systems. From an attack surface perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1110.003 for credential access through repeated login attempts, and T1078 for valid accounts usage, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and ensure that proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.