Mysql 5.0.12 Exploit Fixed -
MySQL 5.0.12 release is part of a legacy version series (MySQL 5.0.x) that contains several "classic" vulnerabilities often studied in cybersecurity and penetration testing. While 5.0.12 itself is an older build, it is vulnerable to several high-impact exploits discovered throughout the 5.0.x lifecycle.
The Most Famous Exploit: CVE-2012-2122 (The "1 in 256" Flaw)
Perhaps the most "interesting" exploit affecting versions in the 5.0 and 5.1 branches (including 5.0.12 in specific compiled environments) is the MySQL Authentication Bypass The Glitch : It was a "tragically comedic" logic error involving the function. The code assumed
would always return a value between -128 and 127. On certain platforms or with specific GCC optimizations, it returned values outside this range. The Result
: Because of this casting error, the server would occasionally return "true" for a password comparison even if the password was wrong. The Exploit : An attacker had a 1 in 256 chance
of successful login per attempt. A simple Bash loop could crack the root account in seconds: mysql -u root -p 'any_password' -h
Because version 5.0.12 is so old, it lacks many modern security patches, making it a "sitting duck" for several other attacks: Buffer Overflow (CVE-2006-1518) : A critical flaw in the open_table function. Attackers could send specially crafted COM_TABLE_DUMP
packets with invalid lengths to trigger a buffer overflow and potentially execute arbitrary code Privilege Escalation via Stored Routines
: Versions prior to 5.0.25 (which includes 5.0.12) allow authenticated users to gain elevated privileges through stored routines. Trigger File Privilege Escalation : Attackers with "FILE" privileges could create malicious
(trigger) files. By crashing the server to force a reload, they could trick the system into executing code as the UDF (User Defined Function) Injection
: This is a classic "Metasploitable" era exploit. If an attacker gains enough access to write to the plugin directory, they can upload a malicious DLL or shared object file and create a function like sys_exec() remote shell Exploit-DB Summary Table: MySQL 5.0.12 Risk Profile CVE-2012-2122: A Tragically Comedic Security Flaw in MySQL
The MySQL 5.0.12 version is affected by several critical vulnerabilities, the most notable of which involve privilege escalation and authentication bypass. Because this version is nearly two decades old, it lacks modern security features like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) or Data Execution Prevention (DEP), making it a common target in legacy environments or "Metasploitable" labs. Key Vulnerabilities in MySQL 5.0.12 Stored Routine Privilege Escalation (CVE-2006-1516)
Impact: Allows a remote, authenticated user to gain higher privileges.
Mechanism: Vulnerabilities in how the server handles stored routines (functions or procedures) permit users with basic access to execute commands as a user with higher authority, such as root. Authentication Bypass (Historical Context)
Zero-length Password: Versions in the 5.0 series were susceptible to a flaw in check_scramble_323() where a remote attacker could bypass authentication using a zero-length password.
Password Verification Flaw: A critical logic error in password verification allowed an attacker to connect by providing only a single matching character of the expected hash, rather than the entire string. Buffer Overflows (CVE-2006-1518)
Mechanism: The open_table function in sql_base.cc was vulnerable to a buffer overflow when processing crafted packets.
Outcome: Attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code or cause a Denial of Service (DoS) by crashing the server. Exploitation Methods
In penetration testing scenarios, such as those involving Metasploitable 2, the following tools are commonly used: Metasploit Framework: mysql 5.0.12 exploit
mysql_hashdump: Used to extract password hashes from the user table once initial access is gained.
mysql_udf_payload: Attempts to upload a User Defined Function (UDF) to gain a remote shell, though this often fails on modern automated setups due to protocol changes.
SQLmap: Specifically targets versions greater than 5.0.12 with specialized payloads for error-based or time-based injection.
Manual Password Brute-forcing: A common exploit for slightly later versions (CVE-2012-2122) used a bash one-liner to repeatedly attempt logins, exploiting a 1-in-256 chance that any password would be accepted due to a memcmp return value error. Remediation
It is highly recommended to upgrade from the 5.0.x branch, as it has reached its end-of-life. Organizations should move to at least MySQL 5.0.25 or 5.1.12 to resolve the primary privilege escalation flaws identified in your specific version. Detailed release notes and upgrade paths are available in the MySQL 5.0 Reference Manual. Can I try mysql >5.0.12 payloads? · Issue #5005 - GitHub
stamparm commented. stamparm. on Mar 2, 2022. Member. $ sqlmap/data/xml/payloads $ grep -iRPo "mysql [^ ]+ [\d. ]+" | cut -d ':' - MySQL < 5.0.25 / 5.1.12 Privilege Escalation - Tenable
MySQL 5.0.12 Exploit: A Vulnerability in the Past
In the realm of cybersecurity, vulnerabilities in software are inevitable. One such vulnerability that has garnered attention over the years is the exploit found in MySQL 5.0.12. This version of MySQL, a popular open-source database management system, was released with a flaw that could potentially be exploited by malicious users. In this article, we'll delve into the details of the MySQL 5.0.12 exploit, its implications, and the lessons learned from this vulnerability.
What is the MySQL 5.0.12 Exploit?
The MySQL 5.0.12 exploit refers to a specific vulnerability in the MySQL database server version 5.0.12. This version was released on November 24, 2005, and it contained a flaw that allowed an attacker to gain unauthorized access to the database. The vulnerability was related to the way MySQL handled certain types of queries, which could be manipulated by an attacker to execute arbitrary code.
How Did the Exploit Work?
The exploit took advantage of a vulnerability in the MySQL server's handling of the COM_CHANGE_USER command. This command is used to change the user who is executing a query. However, in MySQL 5.0.12, an attacker could send a specially crafted COM_CHANGE_USER command to the server, which would allow them to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the MySQL server.
Impact of the Exploit
The impact of this exploit was significant. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could:
- Gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the database
- Execute arbitrary code on the server, potentially leading to a full compromise of the system
- Escalate privileges to gain control over the entire system
Mitigation and Patch
The MySQL development team quickly responded to the vulnerability by releasing a patch in version 5.0.13. This patch fixed the vulnerability by properly handling the COM_CHANGE_USER command and preventing an attacker from executing arbitrary code.
Lessons Learned
The MySQL 5.0.12 exploit serves as a reminder of the importance of: MySQL 5
- Keeping software up to date with the latest security patches
- Regularly monitoring systems for potential vulnerabilities
- Implementing robust security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems
Conclusion
The MySQL 5.0.12 exploit was a significant vulnerability that highlighted the importance of security in software development. While the vulnerability has since been patched, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats. By understanding the nature of this exploit and taking steps to mitigate its impact, we can better protect our systems and data from similar threats in the future.
References
- MySQL 5.0.12 ChangeLog: https://dev.mysql.com/doc/relnotes/mysql/5.0/en/news-5-0-12.html
- CVE-2005-4159: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2005-4159
Patch Information
- MySQL 5.0.13 Release Notes: https://dev.mysql.com/doc/relnotes/mysql/5.0/en/news-5-0-13.html
MySQL version 5.0.12 introduced the function, which is a key component for time-based blind SQL injection Exploit-DB
In a time-based attack, an attacker uses this function to pause the server's response. If the response is delayed, the attacker confirms that their injected condition was true. Time-Based Blind Exploit Example
Attackers typically use a payload like the following to test for vulnerability: ' AND (SELECT 1 FROM (SELECT(SLEEP(5)))a) AND ' Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
: This command tells the database to wait for 5 seconds before responding. Automation : Tools like
automate this process to extract entire databases character by character. Exploit-DB Critical Security Vulnerabilities in MySQL 5.x
Because version 5.0.12 is extremely outdated, it is susceptible to several high-severity exploits found in the 5.0.x series: Authentication Bypass (CVE-2012-2122) : A famous flaw where an attacker can log in as
without a password by repeatedly attempting to connect. On affected systems, there is a 1 in 256 chance the server will incorrectly accept any password. Privilege Escalation
: Versions earlier than 5.0.25 allow authenticated users to gain higher privileges through stored routines. Remote Root Code Execution
: Unpatched vulnerabilities in the 5.0.x series can lead to full system compromise when combined with other misconfigurations. Recommendation
: MySQL 5.0 reached its "End of Product Lifecycle" years ago and no longer receives security updates. It is critical to upgrade to a supported version (e.g., MySQL 8.x) to protect against these known exploits. MySQL Community Downloads
Hard-Coded Credentials / Blind SQL injection - Exploit Database
Multiple security flaws affect MySQL 5.0.12, ranging from buffer overflows to privilege escalation:
COM_TABLE_DUMP Buffer Overflow (CVE-2006-1518): This critical vulnerability exists in the open_table function within sql_base.cc. Attackers could send specially crafted COM_TABLE_DUMP packets with invalid length values to trigger a buffer overflow, potentially leading to remote code execution.
Windows LoadLibrary Denial of Service (CVE-2005-2572): On Windows installations, authenticated users with INSERT privileges on the mysql.func table could cause a server hang or execute code. By requesting a non-library file or a library not tailored for MySQL (like certain jpeg DLLs), they could block the LoadLibraryEx function. Gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in
SUID Privilege Escalation (CVE-2006-4227): Versions earlier than 5.0.25, including 5.0.12, reportedly allowed authenticated users to gain unauthorized privileges through a stored routine.
Format String Vulnerability (CVE-2006-3469): Authenticated users could cause a denial of service (crash) by passing a format string instead of a date to the date_format function. Modern Exploitation Context
In modern penetration testing, MySQL 5.0.12 is often cited in the context of Blind SQL Injection payloads.
Time-Based Blind Injection: Tools like sqlmap use specific payloads designed for MySQL versions ≥is greater than or equal to
5.0.12 that leverage the SLEEP() function to extract data when no direct output is visible.
Authentication Bypass (Comparison): While often confused with the "MySQL 5.0.12 exploit," the famous CVE-2012-2122 password bypass (1 in 256 chance of successful login with any password) affected much later versions, such as 5.1.x and 5.5.x. Mitigation and Risk Management
If you are still running MySQL 5.0.12, the system is considered highly insecure due to the age of these vulnerabilities.
Upgrade Immediately: The most effective solution is to upgrade to a supported version or, at minimum, a later patch in the legacy branch like MySQL 5.0.25 or higher.
Restrict Table Access: Limit access to the mysql.func and mysql.proc tables to prevent users from adding malicious functions or routines.
Firewalling: Ensure the MySQL port (default 3306) is not accessible from the public internet to prevent remote packet-based overflows.
Security Audits: Use vulnerability scanners like Tenable Nessus to identify unpatched legacy services in your infrastructure. MySQL yaSSL CertDecoder::GetName Buffer Overflow - Rapid7
3. Protocol Complexity = Attack Surface
The MySQL handshake involves negotiation of capabilities, authentication methods, and server strings. Each field is an opportunity for malformed input. Modern protocols like gRPC or HTTP/2 use rigorous parsers (e.g., state machines, not raw memory copies).
4. Application Layer Defense
Parameterized queries completely block SQL injection—the primary vector for this exploit. If an attacker cannot run INTO DUMPFILE, they cannot write the UDF library.
The Anatomy of a Legacy Threat: Dissecting the MySQL 5.0.12 Exploit
The Exploit Workflow: From SQL Injection to Shell
The classic exploit chain for MySQL 5.0.12 takes three distinct steps. Assume an attacker has already found a stacked query SQL injection (allowing multiple statements) or has gained low-privileged database access via weak credentials.
Introduction: Why a 20-Year-Old Bug Still Matters
In the world of cybersecurity, few pieces of software have stood the test of time like MySQL. Originally released in the mid-1990s, MySQL became the backbone of millions of web applications, from small WordPress blogs to massive enterprise systems. By 2005, version 5.0.12 was a landmark release, introducing views, stored procedures, and triggers. But it also introduced something else: a critical vulnerability that would echo through penetration testing manuals for a decade.
This article provides an exhaustive look at the MySQL 5.0.12 exploit—a stack-based buffer overflow located in the mysql_real_connect() function. While modern database administrators might dismiss this as an ancient artifact, understanding this exploit offers crucial lessons in memory corruption, privilege escalation, and the evolution of database security.
How UDFs Work
MySQL allows users to create custom functions written in C/C++ and compiled into shared libraries (.so on Linux, .dll on Windows). The command looks like this:
CREATE FUNCTION my_function RETURNS STRING SONAME 'my_library.so';
Under normal circumstances, this requires the FILE privilege (to write the library to disk) and administrative access to load the function.
