CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What vulnerability is associated with MySQL versions below 5.1?

1. SQL Injection

2. Authentication Bypass

3. Data Loss Prevention

4. Encryption Misconfiguration

The correct answer is: Authentication Bypass

The vulnerability associated with MySQL versions below 5.1 is primarily an authentication bypass. In these earlier versions, there were known weaknesses in the authentication mechanisms that allowed attackers to bypass the intended security measures. This vulnerability could enable unauthorized users to gain access to databases without proper credentials. The issue stemmed from how password hashing and verification were implemented in these versions, which did not enforce sufficient complexity or security protocols. Attackers could exploit these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access, potentially leading to data breaches or other malicious activities. Understanding this vulnerability highlights the importance of using up-to-date database versions that incorporate improved security features and patches to protect against known exploits. This knowledge is crucial for practitioners in ensuring that systems are secured against such vulnerabilities and for promoting best practices in database management.