CVE-2012-3160 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.1.65 and earlier, and 5.5.27 and earlier, allows local users to affect confidentiality via unknown vectors related to Server Installation.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3160 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL versions 5.1.65 and earlier, as well as 5.5.27 and earlier, representing a significant security weakness that affects local users during server installation processes. This unspecified vulnerability operates within the broader context of database server security where installation procedures often involve critical system-level operations that can create attack surfaces if not properly secured. The nature of the vulnerability suggests it may be related to improper privilege handling or access control mechanisms during the installation phase, potentially allowing local users to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources.
The technical flaw manifests during the MySQL server installation process where the software fails to adequately enforce security measures that would normally protect against local privilege escalation or unauthorized data access. This issue falls under the category of installation-time vulnerabilities that are particularly dangerous because they occur during system setup when security controls may be less stringent or when administrators are focused on deployment rather than security hardening. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vector indicates that the exact mechanism of exploitation remains unclear, but it likely involves some form of privilege escalation or information disclosure during the installation phase. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability could be categorized under CWE-264, which covers permissions, privileges, and access control issues, or potentially CWE-250, which addresses execution with unnecessary privileges.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to database server environments where local users might exploit the installation process to access confidential data or manipulate system configurations. The attack surface expands significantly during installation when the system is in a transitional state and security controls may not yet be fully implemented or may be temporarily relaxed. Local users who have access to the system during MySQL installation can potentially leverage this vulnerability to extract sensitive information, modify installation parameters, or establish persistent access mechanisms that could compromise the entire database environment. The impact extends beyond simple data confidentiality as the vulnerability may enable users to gain elevated privileges that could lead to complete system compromise, particularly in environments where database administrators perform installations with elevated privileges.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to MySQL versions that address this vulnerability, typically those beyond the affected releases mentioned in the CVE. The recommended approach involves comprehensive patch management procedures that ensure all MySQL installations are updated to versions that have resolved the unspecified vulnerability during installation. Security hardening practices should be implemented during installation phases, including limiting local user access to installation processes and ensuring that installation scripts run with minimal required privileges. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege during system deployment and configuration phases, where all installation activities should be performed with the minimum necessary permissions to reduce the attack surface. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability could be categorized under T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', and T1078, which addresses 'Valid Accounts', as local users who can access installation processes may exploit this weakness to gain elevated system access. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring and logging mechanisms during installation processes to detect anomalous activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.