CVE-2025-24375 in mysql-k8s-operator
Summary
by MITRE • 04/10/2025
Charmed MySQL K8s operator is a Charmed Operator for running MySQL on Kubernetes. Before revision 221, the method for calling a SQL DDL or python based mysql-shell scripts can leak database users credentials. The method mysql-operator calls mysql-shell application rely on writing to a temporary script file containing the full URI, with user and password. The file can be read by a unprivileged user during the operator runtime, due it being created with read permissions (0x644). On other cases, when calling mysql cli, for one specific case when creating the operator users, the DDL contains said users credentials, which can be leak through the same mechanism of a temporary file. All versions prior to revision 221 for kubernetes and revision 338 for machine operators.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24375 affects the Charmed MySQL Kubernetes operator, a deployment solution for managing MySQL databases within Kubernetes environments. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in how database credentials are handled during operational tasks, specifically when executing Data Definition Language commands or python-based mysql-shell scripts. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of credential exposure during temporary file creation processes that are integral to the operator's functionality. The affected versions include all releases prior to revision 221 for Kubernetes operators and revision 338 for machine operators, indicating this weakness has persisted across multiple deployment scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the mysql-operator's method of executing database operations through temporary script files that contain complete database URI information including usernames and passwords. When the operator calls the mysql-shell application, it creates temporary files with permissions set to 0x644, which allows read access to all users on the system. This permission setting creates an exploitable condition where unprivileged users can potentially access these temporary files and extract sensitive credential information. The vulnerability manifests through the direct exposure of database credentials within the temporary script files, creating a clear path for unauthorized access to database resources. Additionally, the issue extends to cases where DDL statements are executed during operator user creation, where credentials are embedded within the same temporary file mechanism, further amplifying the attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on the Charmed MySQL operator for database management in Kubernetes environments. Attackers who gain access to the system can exploit this weakness to extract database credentials and potentially escalate their privileges to access sensitive data repositories. This exposure directly violates fundamental security principles of credential isolation and access control, as the temporary files containing sensitive information are created with overly permissive permissions. The vulnerability affects both Kubernetes and machine operator deployments, indicating a systemic issue in the operator's design approach to credential handling. Organizations may experience unauthorized database access, data breaches, and potential compliance violations when this vulnerability remains unaddressed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention to patch affected systems to revision 221 or higher for Kubernetes operators and revision 338 or higher for machine operators. The underlying fix involves modifying the temporary file creation process to use more restrictive permissions, ensuring that credential-containing files are not accessible to unprivileged users during execution. Security teams should implement proper file permission controls and consider using more secure credential handling mechanisms such as Kubernetes secrets or credential managers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-778 (Insufficient Logging) and CWE-200 (Information Exposure) categories, representing a clear violation of secure coding practices. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566 (Phishing) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as attackers can leverage exposed credentials to establish persistent access. Organizations should also implement monitoring for temporary file creation and access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The fix should include comprehensive logging of credential handling operations and regular security audits of temporary file processes to prevent similar issues in the future.