MySQL2: Auth Plugin Downgrade to mysql_clear_password Leaks Plaintext Credentials — GHSA-3F6P-5WW8-9RCR

Summary

## Summary A rogue MySQL server (or MITM) can force mysql2 to send credentials in **plaintext** by requesting an auth switch to `mysql_clear_password`. The driver complies without verifying that TLS is active. ## Details `mysql_clear_password` is registered as a default standard plugin in `lib/commands/auth_switch.js` (line 21). When a server sends an AuthSwitchRequest (0xFE) requesting `mysql_clear_password`, the…

Timeline

Published by source

2026-09-01

Risk context

• Reported severity or threat level: high.
• Reported CVSS score: 8.2 out of 10.
• Review exposure for the affected product or family: npm: mysql2.

Product

npm: mysql2

What to do

General, cautious steps (verify details in the official source):

• Prioritize patching or mitigation immediately (treat as actively risky).
• Identify affected product versions in your inventory and verify whether you are impacted.
• Apply vendor patches/updates or recommended mitigations as soon as available.
• Read the official advisory for exact affected versions and remediation steps.

Official advisory

• Read the official source

Evidence and provenance

Canonical advisory ID

GHSA-3F6P-5WW8-9RCR

Source

GitHub

Vendor

GitHub

Published by source

2026-09-01

Last source activity

2026-09-01

Curated by

hlukh.ch

Related advisories and connections

These advisories are connected by shared CVE, product, vendor, source, or time signals.