CVE-2012-5613 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** MySQL 5.5.19 and possibly other versions, and MariaDB 5.5.28a and possibly other versions, when configured to assign the FILE privilege to users who should not have administrative privileges, allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges by leveraging the FILE privilege to create files as the MySQL administrator. NOTE: the vendor disputes this issue, stating that this is only a vulnerability when the administrator does not follow recommendations in the product s installation documentation. NOTE: it could be argued that this should not be included in CVE because it is a configuration issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2012-5613 relates to improper privilege management within database systems, specifically affecting MySQL versions 5.5.19 and earlier, as well as MariaDB 5.5.28a and similar versions. This issue arises from the FILE privilege configuration, which when improperly assigned to users without proper administrative authorization, creates a potential security escalation path. The vulnerability exists in the fundamental design of how database systems handle file operations and user permissions, particularly when the FILE privilege is granted to non-administrative users.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of the FILE privilege in MySQL and MariaDB database systems, where users with this privilege can create files on the database server filesystem. When an authenticated user possesses the FILE privilege but lacks appropriate administrative oversight, they can leverage this capability to create malicious files or exploit system resources. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where a lower-privilege user gains elevated system access through the misuse of legitimate database functionality. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-269: "Improper Privilege Management" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.1.1: Valid Accounts - Default Accounts, as it exploits legitimate user accounts with inappropriate permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations that fail to properly configure their database security policies. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability allows for file creation operations that can be used to establish persistence mechanisms, exfiltrate data, or execute malicious code on the database server. The configuration issue becomes particularly dangerous when database administrators do not follow recommended security practices outlined in installation documentation, creating an environment where legitimate database functionality becomes a vector for exploitation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of principle of least privilege implementation in database environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require strict adherence to database security best practices and proper privilege management. Organizations should ensure that the FILE privilege is only granted to users who absolutely require this functionality for legitimate database administration tasks. Database administrators must follow vendor-recommended security configurations and regularly audit user privileges to prevent unauthorized access. The recommended approach involves implementing role-based access control, regularly reviewing user permissions, and ensuring that database accounts are configured according to security guidelines. Additionally, network segmentation and database firewalls should be implemented to limit access to database systems, and monitoring should be enabled to detect suspicious file creation activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security documentation and implementing proper access controls as outlined in industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks.