CVE-2015-4669 in Xsuite
Summary
by MITRE
The MySQL "root" user in Xsuite 2.3.0 and 2.4.3.0 does not have a password set, which allows local users to access databases on the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2015-4669 represents a critical security flaw in the Xsuite 2.3.0 and 2.4.3.0 software versions that affects MySQL database installations. This issue stems from the improper configuration of the MySQL root user account, where the administrative account lacks any password authentication mechanism. The vulnerability exists within the default installation process of Xsuite, which fails to enforce proper credential management for the database administrator account. This configuration oversight creates an inherent security weakness that directly undermines the fundamental principle of least privilege and proper access control.
The technical flaw manifests as a default credential vulnerability where the MySQL root user account is created without a password, allowing any local user to gain unrestricted administrative access to the database system. This condition violates multiple security standards including those outlined in the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) category CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and CWE-259, which covers the use of weak passwords or no passwords. The vulnerability operates at the authentication layer of the database system, where the absence of password requirements creates an immediate attack surface that bypasses all normal authentication mechanisms. This flaw essentially provides an open door for local privilege escalation and unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables local users to perform any administrative function within the MySQL database environment. Attackers can execute arbitrary database commands, modify or delete sensitive data, create new user accounts with elevated privileges, and potentially access confidential information stored within the database. The vulnerability also provides a pathway for lateral movement within the system, as database credentials often contain information that can be leveraged for further attacks. From an attacker's perspective, this represents a low-effort, high-impact entry point that requires no specialized tools or techniques beyond basic local system access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where database systems contain sensitive corporate data, customer information, and financial records.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4669 should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary fix involves setting a strong password for the MySQL root user account through proper database administration procedures. System administrators should implement the mysql_secure_installation script or manually configure appropriate authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also enforce proper access control policies and regularly audit database user accounts to ensure no unauthorized accounts exist. The remediation process should include changing default credentials, implementing strong password policies, and establishing proper privilege management procedures. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability affects standards such as those outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1078 for valid accounts and T1005 for data from local system. Regular security assessments and configuration management processes should be implemented to prevent similar issues in the future, including automated scanning for default credentials and proper software patch management protocols.