CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2022-24051NVD status: Modified

MariaDB: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2022-24051 is a high-severity use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability in MariaDB, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected MariaDB versions: 10.6.5. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.66% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 52% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Check which version of MariaDB you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on mariadb.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
MariaDBMariaDB10.6.5Not stated
Fedora ProjectFedora34; 35; 36Not stated

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD
CVSS 3.07.0HighCNA (trendmicro.com)
CVSS 2.04.6MediumNVD

Official description

MariaDB CONNECT Storage Engine Format String Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of MariaDB. Authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the processing of SQL queries. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it as a format specifier. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of the service account. Was ZDI-CAN-16193.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String

The product uses a function that accepts a format string as an argument, but the format string originates from an external source.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • Choose a language that is not subject to this flaw.
  • Ensure that all format string functions are passed a static string which cannot be controlled by the user, and that the proper number of arguments are always sent to that function as well. If at all possible, use functions that do not support the %n operator in format strings.
  • Run compilers and linkers with high warning levels, since they may detect incorrect usage.

More Use of Externally-Controlled Format String vulnerabilities (CWE-134)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in MariaDB

All MariaDB vulnerabilities

Recent Use of Externally-Controlled Format String vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.