CVE-2012-4414 in MariaDB
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in the replication code in Oracle MySQL possibly before 5.5.29, and MariaDB 5.1.x through 5.1.62, 5.2.x through 5.2.12, 5.3.x through 5.3.7, and 5.5.x through 5.5.25, allow remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL commands via vectors related to the binary log. NOTE: as of 20130116, Oracle has not commented on claims from a downstream vendor that the fix in MySQL 5.5.29 is incomplete.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4414 represents a critical security flaw in the replication functionality of Oracle MySQL and MariaDB database systems. This issue affects multiple versions of both database platforms, with the affected ranges spanning from MySQL versions prior to 5.5.29 through MariaDB versions up to 5.5.25. The vulnerability manifests within the binary log processing code, which serves as a crucial component for database replication mechanisms that maintain data consistency across multiple database servers. The binary log contains all changes made to the database, making it a prime target for exploitation as it directly handles database operations and modifications.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the replication code that processes binary log events. When database servers receive replication data through binary logs, they execute SQL commands contained within these logs to maintain synchronization. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially malformed binary log entries that contain malicious SQL injection payloads. These payloads are then executed within the context of the database server, bypassing normal authentication and authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically targets the replication process, which means that even authenticated users with legitimate access rights can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary SQL commands on the target database system. This represents a significant bypass of database security controls, as the attack occurs during normal replication operations rather than through direct database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over affected database systems. Remote authenticated users can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code, modify or delete database contents, extract sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the database environment. The implications extend beyond simple data compromise as attackers can use this vulnerability to establish persistent access, modify replication configurations, or even create backdoor accounts within the database system. The fact that this vulnerability affects replication code means that it can potentially propagate through database clusters, affecting multiple servers simultaneously. Organizations using database replication for high availability or disaster recovery purposes face particular risk, as an attacker compromising one server can potentially affect the entire replication topology. The vulnerability's presence in multiple database versions also complicates remediation efforts, requiring careful coordination across different database instances and versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-4414 primarily focus on applying vendor-provided patches and updates to affected database versions. Oracle recommended upgrading to MySQL 5.5.29 or later, while MariaDB users should upgrade to versions that contain the appropriate security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict replication traffic between database servers, limiting the attack surface for this vulnerability. Database administrators should review and tighten replication user permissions, ensuring that only necessary privileges are granted to replication accounts. Additional monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous binary log activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which describes SQL injection flaws, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1046 for remote services, as it leverages authenticated access to exploit replication functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect suspicious SQL command execution patterns and binary log modifications, as these systems provide crucial visibility into potential exploitation attempts.