CVE-2013-3807 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.6.11 and earlier allows remote attackers to affect confidentiality and integrity via unknown vectors related to Server Privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3807 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL versions 5.6.11 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that compromises server privileges and exposes systems to unauthorized access. This unspecified vulnerability operates at the core of MySQL's privilege management system, where attackers can exploit weaknesses in the server's access control mechanisms to manipulate database permissions and potentially gain elevated privileges. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass both confidentiality and integrity aspects, indicating that attackers can not only access restricted data but also modify or corrupt database contents. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways exist for exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may be leveraged through various attack surfaces within the MySQL server architecture.
The technical flaw underlying CVE-2013-3807 appears to be rooted in how MySQL Server handles privilege validation and enforcement mechanisms, particularly when processing user authentication and authorization requests. This vulnerability likely involves improper validation of privilege checks during server operations, potentially allowing attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized database operations. The issue manifests in the server's privilege management subsystem where legitimate access controls fail to properly validate user permissions, creating opportunities for privilege escalation attacks. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and represents a significant weakness in the principle of least privilege enforcement that is fundamental to database security architectures. The vulnerability's impact on both confidentiality and integrity demonstrates its potential to enable data exfiltration and data manipulation attacks, making it a serious concern for database administrators and security professionals.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-3807 extends far beyond immediate privilege escalation capabilities, as it can result in complete database compromise and unauthorized data access across enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions face significant risks including unauthorized data modification, data loss, and potential exposure of sensitive information stored in database systems. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate database permissions to gain access to restricted tables, execute administrative commands, and potentially establish persistent access to database resources. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the database server, enabling them to compromise systems from external networks. From an attack methodology perspective, this vulnerability corresponds to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion tactics, where adversaries leverage software weaknesses to gain elevated system access. The widespread use of MySQL in enterprise applications and web applications amplifies the potential impact, as numerous organizations may be affected by this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3807 require immediate action including upgrading to MySQL versions that address this vulnerability, as Oracle has released patches and updates to resolve the privilege management issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted networks, while also ensuring that database users have the minimum necessary privileges to perform their required functions. Regular security audits and monitoring of database access logs become critical to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual privilege changes or unauthorized access patterns. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious database activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring solutions and regular vulnerability assessments helps identify systems that may still be running vulnerable MySQL versions. The remediation process should include thorough testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to ensure compatibility with existing applications and database configurations. Organizations must also review and update their incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability, as the combination of confidentiality and integrity impacts requires comprehensive response strategies that address both data exfiltration and data corruption scenarios.