CVE-2015-3152 in MySQL
Summary
by MITRE
Oracle MySQL before 5.7.3, Oracle MySQL Connector/C (aka libmysqlclient) before 6.1.3, and MariaDB before 5.5.44 use the --ssl option to mean that SSL is optional, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers via a cleartext-downgrade attack, aka a "BACKRONYM" attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-3152 represents a critical security flaw in MySQL and MariaDB database systems that fundamentally undermines the integrity of network communications. This weakness affects Oracle MySQL versions prior to 5.7.3, Oracle MySQL Connector/C versions before 6.1.3, and MariaDB versions before 5.5.44, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to compromise database communications. The core issue lies in how these database systems interpret the --ssl command-line option, which is designed to enable secure connections but instead functions as an optional SSL indicator that can be exploited by attackers to downgrade connections to insecure cleartext communications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of SSL/TLS negotiation within the MySQL client-server communication framework. When the --ssl option is specified, the affected versions treat SSL as an optional feature rather than a mandatory security requirement, allowing attackers to perform a man-in-the-middle attack by intercepting the connection process and forcing the system to revert to unencrypted communication channels. This particular attack pattern has been categorized under the BACKRONYM attack methodology, where the attacker manipulates the SSL negotiation process to downgrade the security level of the connection. The flaw operates at the protocol level where the client and server negotiate security parameters, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit the optional nature of SSL implementation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-3152 extends beyond simple data interception, as it enables comprehensive network-level attacks that can compromise database integrity and confidentiality. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to perform credential theft, data manipulation, and unauthorized access to sensitive database information without detection, particularly in environments where database communications traverse untrusted networks. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in enterprise environments where database systems handle critical business data, financial records, and personal information, as it can facilitate large-scale data breaches and compliance violations. Organizations using affected versions face the risk of complete database compromise, as the attack can be executed without requiring elevated privileges or specialized knowledge of the target system's internal architecture.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patching of all affected database systems to versions that properly enforce SSL/TLS requirements. System administrators should implement mandatory SSL configuration settings and disable the optional SSL behavior that enables the BACKRONYM attack vector. Network security measures including intrusion detection systems and monitoring tools should be deployed to detect anomalous connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as certificate pinning and strict network segmentation to reduce the attack surface. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability directly impacts requirements under standards such as pci dss, hipaa, and soc 2, which mandate secure data transmission and protection against man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310 and ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and network sniffing, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security remediation across all database infrastructure components.