CVE-2015-5969 in Linux
Summary
by MITRE
The mysql-systemd-helper script in the mysql-community-server package before 5.6.28-2.17.1 in openSUSE 13.2 and before 5.6.28-13.1 in openSUSE Leap 42.1 and the mariadb package before 10.0.22-2.21.2 in openSUSE 13.2 and before 10.0.22-3.1 in SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) 12.1 and openSUSE Leap 42.1 allows local users to discover database credentials by listing a process and its arguments.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2019
The mysql-systemd-helper script vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw that affects database server deployments on openSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise systems. This vulnerability resides within the mysql-community-server package version 5.6.28 and earlier versions, as well as the mariadb package versions 10.0.22 and earlier across multiple distributions. The flaw specifically impacts systems where the helper script is executed during service management operations, creating an attack surface that exposes sensitive database authentication information to local users. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of process arguments within the systemd helper mechanism, which inadvertently makes database credentials visible through standard process listing utilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the mysql-systemd-helper script failing to sanitize command line arguments when invoking database processes. When systemd manages mysql or mariadb services, the helper script executes database binaries with arguments that include username and password information. These arguments are passed directly to the process table without proper obfuscation or removal, allowing any local user with process listing permissions to view the complete command line through tools like ps, top, or similar process monitoring utilities. This exposure occurs because the script does not implement proper argument sanitization techniques that would mask or remove sensitive credential information from the process execution context. The flaw directly relates to CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a classic case of insecure handling of privileged information in system utilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, creating significant security risks for database environments. Local attackers can leverage this vulnerability to obtain database connection credentials without requiring elevated privileges, potentially enabling them to access sensitive data repositories, perform unauthorized database operations, or escalate their access to other system components. The vulnerability affects both mysql and mariadb installations, making it particularly concerning for organizations running mixed database environments. The exposure of database credentials through process arguments creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable helper script is present, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access even after initial compromise. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, which covers the discovery of system information through process enumeration and command execution analysis.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected packages to versions that properly sanitize command line arguments before process execution. System administrators should prioritize updating mysql-community-server to version 5.6.28-2.17.1 or later for openSUSE 13.2, and to 5.6.28-13.1 or later for openSUSE Leap 42.1, while also upgrading mariadb packages to versions 10.0.22-2.21.2 or later for openSUSE 13.2 and 10.0.22-3.1 or later for SUSE Linux Enterprise 12.1. Additional protective measures include implementing proper process monitoring to detect unauthorized access to sensitive process information, reviewing system access controls to limit who can enumerate processes, and ensuring that database credentials are stored in secure configuration files with appropriate access permissions. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on unusual process enumeration activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper argument handling in system utilities and the need for comprehensive security testing of service management components in database deployments.