CVE-2017-15365 in MariaDB
Summary
by MITRE
sql/event_data_objects.cc in MariaDB before 10.1.30 and 10.2.x before 10.2.10 and Percona XtraDB Cluster before 5.6.37-26.21-3 and 5.7.x before 5.7.19-29.22-3 allows remote authenticated users with SQL access to bypass intended access restrictions and replicate data definition language (DDL) statements to cluster nodes by leveraging incorrect ordering of DDL replication and ACL checking.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2023
CVE-2017-15365 represents a critical access control vulnerability in MariaDB and Percona XtraDB Cluster implementations that fundamentally undermines database security through improper privilege validation during distributed operations. This vulnerability exists in the event_data_objects.cc component which handles data definition language statement replication within clustered database environments. The flaw manifests when authenticated users with SQL access can exploit incorrect ordering between DDL replication processes and access control list (ACL) validation procedures, allowing them to bypass intended security restrictions and execute unauthorized data definition operations across cluster nodes.
The technical root cause stems from a race condition and logical flaw in the replication pipeline where DDL statements are processed before proper access control checks are completed. This misordering creates a window of opportunity where malicious users can inject unauthorized DDL operations that subsequently replicate to all cluster nodes without proper privilege verification. The vulnerability specifically affects MariaDB versions prior to 10.1.30 and 10.2.x prior to 10.2.10, as well as Percona XtraDB Cluster versions before 5.6.37-26.21-3 and 5.7.x before 5.7.19-29.22-3, indicating a widespread impact across multiple database versions and distributions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and perform unauthorized database modifications across entire cluster deployments. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to include potential data corruption, unauthorized schema changes, and complete compromise of database integrity within clustered environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary DDL operations such as creating new tables, modifying existing structures, or dropping database objects, all while bypassing normal access controls that should prevent such actions. The distributed nature of the vulnerability means that a single compromised account can potentially affect the entire database cluster, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where cluster deployments are common.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically targeting improper access control mechanisms in distributed database systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts for privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to patched versions of MariaDB and Percona XtraDB Cluster, implementing additional network segmentation controls, and monitoring for unauthorized DDL operations within database clusters. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of proper input validation and access control ordering in distributed systems, as highlighted in security frameworks such as the OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for database security. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous DDL replication patterns and provide real-time alerts for potential exploitation attempts.