CVE-2022-25834 in XtraBackup
Summary
by MITRE • 06/07/2023
In Percona XtraBackup (PXB) through 2.2.24 and 3.x through 8.0.27-19, a crafted filename on the local file system could trigger unexpected command shell execution of arbitrary commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2026
Percona XtraBackup represents a critical database backup solution widely deployed in enterprise environments for MySQL and MariaDB database management systems. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-25834 resides within the backup utility's handling of local file system operations and demonstrates a classic command injection flaw that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions through 2.2.24 and 3.x through 8.0.27-19, indicating a prolonged period of exposure across multiple release branches of the software. The flaw manifests when the backup utility processes crafted filenames that contain shell metacharacters or special command sequences, allowing attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed within the context of the backup process.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and represents a command injection weakness that bypasses normal input validation mechanisms. When Percona XtraBackup encounters a specially crafted filename, the utility fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before using it in system-level operations. This occurs during the file system traversal and backup processing phases where the tool might execute shell commands to handle file operations, process file attributes, or perform other system-level tasks. The vulnerability exploits the trust placed in local file system operations without adequate validation of the filename contents, enabling attackers to inject shell commands that get executed with the privileges of the user running the backup process.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-25834 extends beyond simple code execution, as it could enable full system compromise when the backup utility is run with elevated privileges. Database administrators often execute backup operations with administrative rights to ensure proper access to all database files and system resources, creating an ideal environment for privilege escalation attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to production databases, extract sensitive data, modify backup configurations, or establish persistent access points through the backup infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local file system access and knowledge of the backup process, but once exploited, could provide attackers with a foothold in the database environment that might not be immediately apparent through standard monitoring systems.
Organizations should immediately update their Percona XtraBackup installations to versions that address this command injection vulnerability, as the attack surface includes any system where the backup utility is installed and executed. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures, restricting file system access for backup processes, and monitoring for unusual file system operations that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and scripting interpreter execution and privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to progress through multiple phases of the attack lifecycle. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to backup systems and establish robust monitoring for shell command execution patterns that could indicate exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.