MySQL MaxDB Webtool Remote Stack Overflow Vulnerability iDEFENSE Security Advisory 04.25.05 http://www.idefense.com/application/poi/display?id=234&type=vulnerabilit ies April 25, 2005 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 Free tools, research and upcoming events http://labs.idefense.com X. LEGAL NOTICES Copyright (c) 2005 iDEFENSE, Inc. Permission is granted for the redistribution of this alert electronically. It may not be edited in any way without the express written consent of iDEFENSE. If you wish to reprint the whole or any part of this alert in any other medium other than electronically, please email customerservice@idefense.com for permission. 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.