CVE-2012-3149 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.5.26 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect confidentiality, related to MySQL Client.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3149 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle MySQL Server versions 5.5.26 and earlier, specifically impacting the MySQL Client component. This unspecified flaw enables remote authenticated attackers to compromise data confidentiality, highlighting a critical gap in the database system's security architecture. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data exposure, as it affects the fundamental integrity of client-server communications within the MySQL ecosystem. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability description suggests that the exact technical mechanism remains undisclosed, which is common in cases where the full scope of exploitation capabilities has not been publicly detailed. This particular weakness exists within the broader context of database security where client-server interactions are paramount to maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
The technical flaw manifests through the MySQL Client component's handling of authenticated connections, where remote attackers with valid credentials can manipulate the data flow between client applications and the MySQL server. This vulnerability specifically targets the confidentiality aspect of the data protection model, potentially allowing attackers to intercept or modify sensitive information transmitted through client connections. The issue stems from inadequate validation or processing of client-side requests, which could enable malicious actors to exploit the communication channel between MySQL clients and servers. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability would likely map to CWE-200, which deals with exposure of sensitive information, and potentially CWE-310, related to cryptographic issues in client-server communications. The flaw represents a breakdown in the authentication and authorization mechanisms that should protect against unauthorized data access during client-server interactions.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on MySQL Server versions 5.5.26 or earlier, as authenticated users can potentially compromise the confidentiality of database communications. Attackers exploiting this weakness could gain access to sensitive data that should remain protected through proper client-server encryption and authentication protocols. The impact extends to various attack vectors within the ATT&CK framework, particularly under the credential access and defense evasion categories, where adversaries might leverage this vulnerability to maintain persistent access while avoiding detection. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable MySQL versions face potential data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where multiple authenticated users connect to the same database server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3149 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to version 5.5.27 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the number of authenticated users with access to database servers, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additional protective measures include enabling strong encryption protocols such as TLS/SSL for all client-server communications, implementing robust monitoring and logging of database access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious client-server communication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date database software and following security best practices for client-server configurations. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation of this type of confidentiality-related vulnerability.