MySQL MaxDB Webtool Remote Stack Overflow Vulnerability



iDEFENSE Security Advisory 04.25.05:





I. BACKGROUND



MaxDB by MySQL is a re-branded and enhanced version of SAP DB, SAP AG's

open source database. MaxDB is a heavy-duty, SAP-certified open source

database that offers high availability, scalability and a comprehensive

feature set. MaxDB complements the MySQL database server, targeted for

large mySAP ERP environments and other applications that require maximum

enterprise-level database functionality.



II. DESCRIPTION



Remote exploitation of a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability in

MySQL MaxDB could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code.



The vulnerability specifically exists due to improper handling of HTTP

GET queries containing a percent sign (%). When an attacker issues an

HTTP GET request specifying a percent sign followed by a long string as

the file parameter, a stack-based overflow occurs. Although exceptions

within the process can be raised with smaller strings, it is necessary

to provide a string of approximately 4,000 bytes in length to overwrite

the process Structured Exception Handler (SEH). Using this method, is

possible to gain control of execution flow and execute arbitrary code.



It is also possible to simply overwrite the program's saved instruction

pointer. However, it would be necessary to provide several valid

pointers in the buffer along the way in order to avoid premature

exceptions.



III. ANALYSIS



Successful exploitation of the vulnerability can allow remote attackers

to execute code with SYSTEM privileges. Note that the vulnerability is

in the web administration service, which should be configured not to

allow connections from untrusted hosts or listen on public-facing

network interfaces.



IV. DETECTION



iDEFENSE has confirmed the existence of this vulnerability in MySQL

MaxDB 7.5.00.23.



V. WORKAROUND



Employ firewalls, access control lists or other TCP/UDP restriction

mechanism to limit access to administrative systems and services.



VI. VENDOR RESPONSE



This vulnerability is addressed in MySQL MaxDB 7.5.00.26 available for

download at:



http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/maxdb/7.5.00.html



VII. CVE INFORMATION



The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project has assigned the

name CAN-2005-0684 to this issue. This is a candidate for inclusion in

the CVE list (http://cve.mitre.org), which standardizes names for

security problems. This is one of two vulnerabilities that have been

assigned CAN-2005-0684.



VIII. DISCLOSURE TIMELINE



03/08/2005 Initial vendor notification

03/11/2005 Initial vendor response

04/25/2005 Coordinated public disclosure



IX. CREDIT



The discoverer of this vulnerability wishes to remain anonymous.



Get paid for vulnerability research

http://www.idefense.com/poi/teams/vcp.jsp



X. LEGAL NOTICES



Copyright © 2005 iDEFENSE, Inc.



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Disclaimer: The information in the advisory is believed to be accurate

at the time of publishing based on currently available information. Use

of the information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition.

There are no warranties with regard to this information. Neither the

author nor the publisher accepts any liability for any direct, indirect,

or consequential loss or damage arising from use of, or reliance on,

this information.