CVE-2013-0385 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.1.66 and earlier, and 5.5.28 and earlier, allows local users to affect confidentiality and integrity via unknown vectors related to Server Replication.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0385 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server components that affects multiple version ranges including 5.1.66 and earlier, as well as 5.5.28 and earlier. This issue specifically targets the Server Replication functionality which serves as a fundamental component for database synchronization and data distribution across multiple MySQL instances. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors indicates that the exact technical mechanisms enabling the compromise remain undisclosed, though the impact encompasses both confidentiality and integrity breaches that could severely compromise database security.
The technical flaw resides within the replication subsystem of MySQL Server where local attackers can exploit unknown vectors to manipulate database contents and potentially access sensitive information. This vulnerability operates at the server level and requires local system access to exploit, making it particularly concerning for environments where privileged accounts or services operate with elevated privileges. The replication feature in MySQL is designed to maintain data consistency across multiple servers and typically involves complex communication protocols and data synchronization mechanisms that could provide attack surfaces for exploitation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for database administrators and system operators who rely on MySQL replication for data protection and business continuity. The potential for confidentiality impact means that sensitive data could be read or extracted from replicated databases without proper authorization, while integrity compromise allows for modification of replicated data, potentially leading to data corruption or unauthorized changes that could affect business operations. Organizations with multiple MySQL instances using replication for disaster recovery, load balancing, or data distribution are particularly vulnerable to this issue.
The security implications extend beyond immediate data compromise to include potential escalation opportunities that could allow attackers to gain further system access or manipulate database configurations. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-254 security weaknesses related to inadequate protection of security features, particularly focusing on replication mechanisms that should maintain data integrity and confidentiality. The attack surface is further expanded through potential chain reactions where compromised replication nodes could affect entire database clusters or distributed systems. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive monitoring and access controls around replication configurations, while also evaluating their overall database security posture and incident response procedures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0385 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to the latest available versions that address this vulnerability. Database administrators should also implement strict access controls and monitoring of replication processes, particularly focusing on local user access and system privileges. The principle of least privilege should be enforced across all replication-related services and accounts to minimize potential impact. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their database environments to identify any other potential replication-related vulnerabilities, while maintaining updated security configurations and regular vulnerability scanning protocols. Implementation of network segmentation and database activity monitoring can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts.