How CVE-2025-21546 Works
This vulnerability exists in MySQL Server’s privilege management component, affecting versions 8.0.40 and prior, 8.4.3 and prior, and 9.1.0 and prior. A high-privileged attacker with network access can exploit improper access control checks during certain database operations. The flaw allows unauthorized modification (INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE) and partial unauthorized READ access to restricted data. The attack requires valid high-privilege credentials but bypasses intended permission checks on specific SQL operations. The CVSS 3.1 score reflects low confidentiality and integrity impacts due to partial data exposure rather than full system compromise.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: MySQL Server
Version: 8.0.40, 8.4.3, 9.1.0
Vulnerability: Privilege escalation
Severity: Low
Date: 04/08/2025
What Undercode Say:
Analytics:
- Attack vector: Network (multi-protocol)
- Privilege requirement: High (valid credentials)
- Exploit maturity: Unproven
- Patch availability: Oracle quarterly updates
Exploit Commands:
-- Probing vulnerable privilege checks SELECT FROM mysql.user WHERE super_priv='Y'; -- Attempt unauthorized data access UPDATE restricted_table SET value='compromised' WHERE id=1;
Detection Script:
import mysql.connector
def check_vulnerability(host):
try:
conn = mysql.connector.connect(host=host, user='high_priv_user', password='password')
cursor = conn.cursor()
cursor.execute("SHOW GRANTS")
if "WITH GRANT OPTION" in str(cursor.fetchall()):
return "Potential CVE-2025-21546 exposure"
except Exception as e:
return f"Error: {str(e)}"
Protection Commands:
-- Revoke unnecessary privileges REVOKE ALL PRIVILEGES ON . FROM 'vulnerable_user'@'%'; -- Apply Oracle patches -- Upgrade to MySQL 8.0.41+/8.4.4+/9.1.1+
Mitigation Code:
!/bin/bash Verify MySQL version mysqld --version | grep -E "8.0.4[1-9]|8.4.[4-9]|9.1.[1-9]" || echo "Vulnerable version detected"
Network Controls:
- Restrict MySQL port (3306/TCP) to trusted IPs
- Enable TLS for all remote connections
- Audit high-privilege account usage
Log Monitoring:
-- Enable general query log SET GLOBAL general_log = 'ON'; SET GLOBAL log_output = 'TABLE';
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-21546
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
