CVE-2017-14478 in MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager
Summary
by MITRE
In the MMM::Agent::Helpers::Network::clear_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 CVE-2017-14478 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw within the MySQL Multi-Master Replication Manager (MMM) framework, specifically affecting version 2.2.1 of the mmm_agentd component. This vulnerability exists in the MMM::Agent::Helpers::Network::clear_ip function, which processes network-related protocol messages from remote systems. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of data received through the MMM protocol, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary shell commands directly into the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution with the privileges of the mmm_agentd process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions to manage database replication operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker establishes a TCP connection to the mmm_agentd service and sends a specially crafted MMM protocol message containing malicious input. The clear_ip function fails to properly validate or sanitize the input data before incorporating it into shell commands, leading to command injection. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-78, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in shell commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the mmm_agentd process typically operates with sufficient privileges to execute system commands, potentially allowing attackers to gain full control over the database server hosting the replication manager.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise entire database replication clusters managed by MMM. An attacker could potentially escalate privileges, access sensitive database information, modify replication configurations, or even disrupt database operations entirely. The vulnerability affects systems where MMM is deployed for managing multi-master database replication scenarios, which are common in high-availability database architectures. Given that the attack vector requires only the ability to initiate a TCP session with the mmm_agentd service, the vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where network exposure is not properly restricted, as it could be exploited by any external entity capable of reaching the service port.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14478 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a patched version of MMM that addresses the command injection vulnerability in the clear_ip function. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to the mmm_agentd service ports, limiting connections to trusted management systems only. Network access control lists and firewall rules should be configured to permit only necessary TCP connections to the replication manager service. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unusual protocol traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in network services and reinforces the principle that all external inputs must be properly sanitized before being processed by system commands, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.