CVE-2022-24050 in MariaDB
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2022
This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of MariaDB. Authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the processing of SQL queries. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the service account. Was ZDI-CAN-16207.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2026
This privilege escalation vulnerability in MariaDB represents a critical security flaw that enables local attackers with authentication credentials to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the database engine's query processing mechanisms, specifically when handling object references during SQL operations. The flaw manifests when the system fails to verify whether database objects exist before executing operations on them, creating a dangerous condition where maliciously crafted queries can bypass normal access controls. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-119 category, which encompasses weaknesses related to improper restriction of operations within a limited scope, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for privilege escalation through local exploits.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the SQL query execution phase where MariaDB processes user requests without proper object existence validation. When an authenticated user submits a query that references a database object, the system should verify the object's existence and proper authorization before proceeding with operations. However, the flaw allows attackers to construct queries that manipulate the object reference validation process, enabling them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the database service account. This creates a pathway for attackers to escalate from their initial authenticated session to full system compromise, as the service account typically possesses elevated permissions necessary for database operations and system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of MariaDB's access control mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms within the database environment. The requirement for authentication to exploit this vulnerability means that attackers must first obtain valid credentials, but once achieved, they can effectively bypass traditional security controls that depend on proper object validation. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where database administrators rely on service accounts with broad privileges, as the escalation can provide attackers with direct access to sensitive data and system resources.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability, beginning with immediate patching of affected MariaDB installations to address the root cause in object validation mechanisms. Network segmentation and access control measures should limit authentication access to database systems, while monitoring solutions should detect anomalous query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Database administrators should conduct regular privilege reviews to ensure that service accounts possess only necessary permissions, implementing the principle of least privilege to minimize potential damage from successful exploits. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring and anomaly detection systems that can identify suspicious SQL operations involving object references, providing early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and object existence checking in database systems, reinforcing the need for comprehensive security testing and code review processes that examine all aspects of query processing and access control implementation.