CVE-2019-1010259 in SaltStack Salt
Summary
by MITRE
SaltStack Salt 2018.3, 2019.2 is affected by: SQL Injection. The impact is: An attacker could escalate privileges on MySQL server deployed by cloud provider. It leads to RCE. The component is: The mysql.user_chpass function from the MySQL module for Salt (https://github.com/saltstack/salt/blob/develop/salt/modules/mysql.py#L1462). The attack vector is: specially crafted password string. The fixed version is: 2018.3.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-1010259 represents a critical SQL injection flaw in SaltStack Salt versions 2018.3 and 2019.2, specifically within the mysql.user_chpass function of the MySQL module. This vulnerability exists in the salt/modules/mysql.py file at line 1462 and demonstrates how seemingly innocuous configuration management functions can become gateways for severe privilege escalation attacks. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate database user password changes through specially crafted input strings that bypass proper parameterization, creating a direct pathway for unauthorized access to MySQL server deployments managed by cloud providers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and SQL query construction within the SaltStack configuration management framework. When the mysql.user_chpass function processes password change requests, it fails to adequately sanitize user input before incorporating it into SQL queries executed against MySQL databases. This design flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a result of inadequate input validation and improper query construction. The attack vector specifically targets the password change functionality, where an attacker can inject malicious SQL code through crafted password strings that are then processed without proper escaping or parameterization, leading to unauthorized database access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with the capability to achieve remote code execution on MySQL servers deployed by cloud providers. This represents a severe security compromise since cloud provider databases often contain sensitive organizational data and may be configured with elevated privileges. The vulnerability enables attackers to escalate their privileges from standard user access to database administrator level access, potentially allowing them to extract confidential information, modify database contents, or establish persistent access points. The remote code execution capability arises from the ability to manipulate database user accounts and their associated permissions, which can be leveraged to create backdoor access or execute arbitrary commands through database features like stored procedures or user-defined functions.
Organizations using affected SaltStack versions face significant risk exposure, particularly those managing cloud-based database deployments where SaltStack is used for configuration management. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in database interaction functions and highlights how configuration management tools can become attack vectors when not properly secured. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability affects the core SaltStack functionality and requires immediate attention. The remediation involves upgrading to SaltStack version 2018.3.4 or later, which includes proper input validation and parameterization fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation, monitor database access logs for suspicious activity, and conduct thorough security assessments of their SaltStack configurations to identify potential exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1078 Valid Accounts for maintaining persistent access, T1046 Network Service Scanning for identifying vulnerable systems, and T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter for executing malicious commands. The attack chain typically begins with reconnaissance to identify systems running vulnerable SaltStack versions, followed by exploitation of the SQL injection vulnerability to gain database access, and ultimately privilege escalation to achieve remote code execution capabilities. The remediation process should include not only software updates but also comprehensive security audits of database configurations and access controls to ensure that any potential exploitation attempts have been properly addressed. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as database activity monitoring, privilege least-privilege enforcement, and regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.