CVE-2017-14474 in MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager
Summary
by MITRE
In the MMM::Agent::Helpers::_execute function in MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager (MMM) mmm_agentd 2.2.1, a specially crafted MMM protocol message can cause a shell command injection resulting in arbitrary command execution with the privileges of the mmm\_agentd process. An attacker that can initiate a TCP session with mmm\_agentd can trigger this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14474 resides within the MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager (MMM) software ecosystem, specifically within the mmm_agentd daemon version 2.2.1. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that allows for remote code execution through a carefully crafted protocol message. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of replication management functionality where administrative commands are processed and executed. The MMM system is designed to manage complex multi-master database replication environments, making it a crucial component in high-availability database architectures where any compromise could lead to significant operational disruptions.
The technical flaw manifests in the MMM::Agent::Helpers::_execute function which processes incoming protocol messages without adequate input validation or sanitization. When a maliciously crafted MMM protocol message is received by the mmm_agentd daemon, the system fails to properly escape or validate shell command arguments before executing them through system calls. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability where user-controllable data flows directly into shell execution contexts. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-78, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command" and falls under the broader category of CWE-94, "Improper Control of Generation of Code." The attack vector requires an attacker to establish a TCP session with the mmm_agentd process, which typically listens on well-known ports such as 1680 and 1681, making it accessible to network-based attackers who can reach the replication management infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted across enterprise database environments. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the mmm_agentd process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to manage database replication operations. This could enable attackers to escalate their privileges further by accessing underlying database systems, modifying replication configurations, or even gaining access to sensitive data stored in the replicated databases. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of the entire replication infrastructure, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized access, or complete system compromise. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability directly impacts the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1059.003 "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell" as attackers can leverage the compromised daemon to execute system commands through various interpreters. Organizations utilizing MMM for database replication management face significant risk, particularly in environments where the mmm_agentd process is exposed to untrusted networks or where network segmentation is inadequate.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14474 should focus on both immediate patching and network-level defenses. The primary solution involves upgrading to a patched version of MMM that addresses the command injection vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization of protocol message parameters. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to mmm_agentd listening ports, ensuring that only trusted management systems can establish connections. Additionally, implementing firewall rules to limit TCP connections to ports 1680 and 1681 to specific IP ranges can significantly reduce attack surface. From a monitoring perspective, security teams should establish alerts for unusual command execution patterns and network connections to replication management ports. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in daemon processes and demonstrates how administrative tools can become attack vectors when not properly secured against malicious input. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for mmm_agentd processes, ensuring they run with minimal required permissions and that command execution capabilities are strictly limited. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for secure coding practices in administrative tools and the importance of validating all external inputs in systems handling privileged operations.