CVE-2017-14475 in MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager
Summary
by MITRE
In the MMM::Agent::Helpers::Network::add_ip function in MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager (MMM) mmm_agentd 2.2.1 (for Linux), 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-2017-14475 represents a critical command injection flaw within the MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager (MMM) software ecosystem, specifically affecting version 2.2.1 of the mmm_agentd component. This vulnerability resides in the MMM::Agent::Helpers::Network::add_ip function, which processes network-related protocol messages exchanged between replication nodes. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the agent daemon, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary shell commands through specially crafted network messages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker establishes a TCP connection to the mmm_agentd process and sends a maliciously formatted MMM protocol message. The vulnerable function fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters received from network communications, allowing attacker-controlled data to be directly incorporated into shell command execution contexts. This improper handling of user-supplied input creates a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under the CWE-77 category, specifically representing CWE-78 which deals with improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the elevated privileges of the mmm_agentd process, which typically runs with sufficient permissions to execute system commands, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete control over the affected system.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with arbitrary code execution capabilities within the context of the mmm_agentd process. This privilege escalation allows malicious actors to execute commands with the same permissions as the replication manager daemon, potentially enabling them to access sensitive database information, modify replication configurations, or even establish persistent backdoors on the system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it only requires an attacker to be able to initiate a TCP session with the mmm_agentd process, which may be accessible from network segments where replication coordination occurs. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically shell commands, and represents a significant risk to database infrastructure security. The impact extends beyond immediate system compromise to potentially affect entire replication clusters, as the mmm_agentd process serves as a critical component in maintaining multi-master database consistency and coordination.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14475 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to the latest stable versions of MMM that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to the mmm_agentd process ports, limiting connectivity to trusted administrative networks only. Additional defensive measures include deploying network monitoring solutions to detect unusual TCP connections to replication manager ports and implementing strict firewall rules that prevent unauthorized access to the daemon's communication endpoints. The vulnerability's exploitation can be mitigated through proper input validation and the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the mmm_agentd process runs with minimal required permissions. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malicious MMM protocol message patterns and establishing regular security audits of replication manager configurations to identify potential exposure vectors. Organizations should also review their overall replication architecture to ensure that administrative access to replication components is properly secured and that network access controls are appropriately configured to prevent unauthorized TCP session initiation with the vulnerable daemon.