CVE-2020-13249 in Connector
Summary
by MITRE
libmariadb/mariadb_lib.c in MariaDB Connector/C before 3.1.8 does not properly validate the content of an OK packet received from a client. NOTE: although mariadb_lib.c was originally based on code shipped for MySQL, this issue does not affect any MySQL components supported by Oracle.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-13249 resides within the MariaDB Connector/C library, specifically in the mariadb_lib.c file, which serves as a critical interface layer for client-server communication in MariaDB database systems. This flaw represents a significant security weakness that could potentially allow malicious actors to manipulate database connections and compromise system integrity. The vulnerability affects versions prior to 3.1.8 of the MariaDB Connector/C, making it a targeted issue for organizations using older implementations of this database connectivity component.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of OK packets received from clients, which are standard responses in the MySQL/MariaDB protocol used to acknowledge successful operations. When a client sends an OK packet to the server, the connector should rigorously validate the packet content to ensure it conforms to expected protocol specifications. However, the vulnerable code fails to perform adequate validation checks, allowing potentially malformed or maliciously crafted packets to bypass security controls. This validation failure creates a pathway for attackers to exploit the communication layer between database clients and servers, potentially enabling unauthorized access or data manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple protocol violations, as it could enable attackers to perform unauthorized database operations or disrupt normal service delivery. When an OK packet is improperly validated, it may allow malicious actors to inject commands or manipulate connection states in ways that could compromise database integrity, confidentiality, and availability. The vulnerability's potential for exploitation increases when considering that database connectors are fundamental components in application architectures, making this issue particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where database security is paramount. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive database information.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental security weakness, and could potentially map to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation. Organizations should prioritize updating their MariaDB Connector/C implementations to version 3.1.8 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the fix addresses the core validation issue in the packet handling code. Additionally, system administrators should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous packet behavior and consider implementing additional security controls such as network segmentation and access controls around database systems to limit potential exploitation. The vulnerability's specific focus on the MariaDB Connector/C library means that while it does not affect Oracle-supported MySQL components, it remains critical for MariaDB users to ensure their implementations are properly updated and monitored for similar protocol validation issues.