CVE-2012-5611 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the acl_get function in Oracle MySQL 5.5.19 and other versions through 5.5.28, and 5.1.53 and other versions through 5.1.66, and MariaDB 5.5.2.x before 5.5.28a, 5.3.x before 5.3.11, 5.2.x before 5.2.13 and 5.1.x before 5.1.66, allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the GRANT FILE command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5611 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting multiple database systems including Oracle MySQL and MariaDB. This flaw exists within the acl_get function, which handles access control list operations in the database server. The vulnerability manifests when processing a specially crafted argument to the GRANT FILE command, which is used to grant file access privileges to database users. The buffer overflow occurs because the system fails to properly validate the length of input arguments before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by authenticated remote attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the database's privilege management system. When an authenticated user submits a long argument to the GRANT FILE command, the acl_get function does not adequately check the argument length against the allocated buffer size. This allows an attacker to overflow the stack buffer and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, including return addresses and control data. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that any user with valid database credentials can exploit this vulnerability to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. This represents a classic stack buffer overflow scenario where the vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-5611 is severe and far-reaching for database environments that are vulnerable to this attack vector. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This includes the ability to read or modify sensitive database content, escalate privileges to root or administrative accounts, and establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The attack requires minimal privileges since only authenticated access is needed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database accounts may have elevated permissions or where users have legitimate access to database resources. Organizations using affected versions of MySQL or MariaDB are at significant risk, especially in environments where database administrators grant file access privileges to users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-5611 primarily involve immediate patching of affected database systems to the latest secure versions. Oracle MySQL users should upgrade to versions 5.5.29 or later, or 5.1.67 or later, while MariaDB users must update to versions 5.5.28a, 5.3.11, 5.2.13, or 5.1.66 and later. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help reduce the attack surface by limiting which systems can reach database servers. Database administrators should also review and restrict the use of GRANT FILE commands, particularly in production environments where such privileges are not required for normal operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate authenticated database access to perform privilege escalation. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in database privilege modifications, and regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in database systems and related applications. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts.