CVE-2021-43766 in Odyssey
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2022
Odyssey passes to server unencrypted bytes from man-in-the-middle When Odyssey is configured to use certificate Common Name for client authentication, a man-in-the-middle attacker can inject arbitrary SQL queries when a connection is first established, despite the use of SSL certificate verification and encryption. This is similar to CVE-2021-23214 for PostgreSQL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2021-43766 represents a critical security flaw in the Odyssey database proxy software that undermines the integrity of client-server communications. This issue specifically manifests when Odyssey is configured to utilize certificate Common Name (CN) for client authentication purposes, creating a dangerous scenario where encrypted connections can be compromised through man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability exists at the fundamental level of how Odyssey handles authentication and connection establishment, bypassing the expected security measures that should protect against such attacks. This flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL queries during the initial connection phase, effectively compromising the entire database communication channel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from Odyssey's improper handling of certificate validation during the authentication process. When using certificate CN for client authentication, the system should validate the certificate chain and ensure the connection remains secure throughout the session. However, the flaw allows an attacker positioned between the client and server to manipulate the initial connection handshake, injecting malicious SQL commands that can be executed on the target database. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the point of connection establishment, meaning that even though SSL certificate verification is in place, the attacker can still inject code before the connection fully establishes. The mechanism resembles similar vulnerabilities found in PostgreSQL systems, specifically CVE-2021-23214, indicating a pattern of implementation flaws in database proxy software that handle certificate-based authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-43766 is severe and multifaceted, affecting database security, data integrity, and overall system availability. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary SQL commands on the target database, potentially leading to data theft, data manipulation, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability's ability to bypass SSL encryption and certificate verification creates a persistent threat that can be exploited repeatedly during connection establishment phases. Organizations using Odyssey with certificate-based client authentication are particularly vulnerable, as the attack can occur without detection, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to database resources and execute malicious operations. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential lateral movement within networks and further escalation of attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-43766 require immediate attention and comprehensive implementation across affected systems. Organizations should prioritize updating their Odyssey installations to versions that address this vulnerability, as the flaw exists in the core authentication and connection handling mechanisms. The recommended approach involves implementing certificate validation that goes beyond simple Common Name checking and includes proper certificate chain validation, including checking certificate revocation status and ensuring that certificates are properly signed by trusted authorities. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing alternative authentication methods that do not rely on certificate Common Name validation, such as certificate thumbprint verification or token-based authentication systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and CWE-295 for improper certificate validation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader authentication security practices.