CVE-2013-1492 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in yaSSL, as used in MySQL 5.1.x before 5.1.68 and 5.5.x before 5.5.30, has unspecified impact and attack vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2012-0553.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1492 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within yaSSL cryptographic library implementation, specifically affecting MySQL database servers across multiple version branches. This vulnerability resides within the SSL/TLS implementation that MySQL employs for secure communications, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise database systems. The issue manifests in MySQL versions 5.1.x prior to 5.1.68 and 5.5.x prior to 5.5.30, making it a widespread concern affecting numerous production environments that relied on these database versions. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. Unlike CVE-2012-0553 which targeted different aspects of the same cryptographic implementation, this vulnerability presents distinct attack vectors and exploitation methodologies that require specific environmental conditions to be effectively leveraged.
The technical implementation flaw within yaSSL stems from inadequate input validation and memory management practices during SSL handshake operations. When MySQL processes incoming network connections that utilize SSL/TLS encryption, the cryptographic library fails to properly validate the size of incoming data buffers, particularly during certificate processing and key exchange phases. This allows an attacker to craft specially malformed SSL handshake packets that exceed the allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption that can potentially lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe because it operates at the network protocol level where database connections are established, meaning that successful exploitation could occur during normal database access operations. The unspecified attack vectors referenced in the CVE description indicate that multiple exploitation pathways exist, including but not limited to remote code execution, denial of service conditions, and privilege escalation scenarios that could ultimately result in complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-1492 extends far beyond simple database security concerns, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the cryptographic infrastructure that underpins countless database deployments. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where database servers are directly accessible from untrusted networks or where database connections are not properly secured through additional network layers. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution means that attackers could gain unauthorized access to database systems, potentially leading to data theft, data corruption, or complete system takeover. This risk is compounded by the fact that many organizations may have deployed these vulnerable MySQL versions in production environments without proper security monitoring in place, making detection of exploitation attempts difficult. The vulnerability also affects the integrity of database communications, potentially allowing attackers to intercept or manipulate sensitive data transmitted between database clients and servers, which violates fundamental security principles outlined in the NIST SP 800-53 security framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1492 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched MySQL releases that contain corrected yaSSL implementations. Organizations should prioritize updating their MySQL installations to versions 5.1.68 or later for the 5.1.x branch, and 5.5.30 or later for the 5.5.x branch, as these releases contain the necessary security patches to address the buffer overflow conditions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable MySQL instances to untrusted networks, while additional monitoring should be deployed to detect anomalous SSL handshake behaviors that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed SSL traffic patterns can provide early warning of potential attacks. Security teams should also consider implementing application-level firewalls and network access control lists to restrict database access to only necessary client systems, thereby reducing the attack surface. According to ATT&CK framework methodology, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059 for command and control communications and T1071 for application layer protocols, making comprehensive network monitoring essential for detection and response. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software, while security policies should be updated to ensure proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.