CVE-2017-14477 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 FreeBSD), 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 CVE-2017-14477 represents a critical command injection flaw within MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager version 2.2.1 specifically affecting FreeBSD systems. This issue resides in the MMM::Agent::Helpers::Network::add_ip function, which processes network-related protocol messages from remote hosts. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of data received through the MMM protocol, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary shell commands directly into the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote attackers to execute commands with the same privileges as the mmm_agentd process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to manage database replication activities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted MMM protocol message that is processed by the vulnerable add_ip function. When the mmm_agentd daemon receives such a message, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input data before incorporating it into shell commands for execution. This primitive input handling creates a classic command injection scenario where attacker-controlled data becomes part of the command string without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms. The vulnerability is triggered when an attacker can establish a TCP connection to the mmm_agentd service, making it accessible over the network and exploitable by remote threat actors.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability compromises the security posture of MySQL replication environments by potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on systems running the affected MMM agent. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation as the compromised mmm_agentd process likely has access to database management functions, network configuration capabilities, and system-level operations. Attackers could potentially manipulate replication configurations, access sensitive database information, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further network infiltration. The vulnerability essentially provides a backdoor into the replication management infrastructure, undermining the integrity and availability of the database cluster.
The flaw aligns with CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability's network-based exploitation model follows ATT&CK tactic TA0001 (Initial Access) through network service compromise, followed by TA0002 (Execution) via command injection. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to the mmm_agentd service, firewall rules to limit TCP connections to only trusted hosts, and application-level access controls. Additionally, upgrading to patched versions of MMM or implementing input validation layers can prevent exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices in network services and demonstrates how protocol-level input handling failures can lead to complete system compromise in database replication environments.