CVE-2013-3783 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.5.31 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server Parser.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3783 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL versions 5.5.31 and earlier, representing a critical threat to database availability and system stability. This unspecified weakness manifests within the Server Parser module, which serves as a fundamental component responsible for processing and interpreting SQL statements submitted by authenticated users. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can potentially disrupt database operations without requiring physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where database servers are accessible over the internet. The affected versions of MySQL Server represent a significant portion of installations that were widely deployed across enterprise environments, increasing the potential impact of this vulnerability.
The technical flaw within the Server Parser component stems from inadequate input validation and error handling mechanisms that process SQL queries submitted by authenticated users. When legitimate users submit malformed or specially crafted SQL statements, the parser fails to properly handle these inputs, leading to potential system instability or complete service disruption. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-20, which represents "Improper Input Validation," and more specifically aligns with CWE-129, "Improper Validation of Array Index," or CWE-134, "Use of Externally-Controlled Format String," depending on the exact implementation flaw within the parser logic. The parser's inability to gracefully handle unexpected input patterns creates a window for attackers to exploit, potentially leading to denial of service conditions that can render the entire database server unavailable to legitimate users.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2013-3783 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader business continuity concerns and potential data integrity risks. When an authenticated attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can cause the MySQL server to crash or become unresponsive, effectively denying access to critical database resources for authorized users. This type of availability attack directly impacts the principle of availability within the CIA triad, compromising the system's ability to provide reliable service. Organizations relying on MySQL databases for mission-critical applications face potential financial losses, regulatory compliance issues, and reputational damage when database services become unavailable due to such exploits. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would fall within the T1499.004 technique category for "Endpoint Denial of Service," specifically targeting database server availability through parser manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3783 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to the latest available versions that contain fixes for the Server Parser vulnerability. Organizations must implement comprehensive monitoring solutions to detect unusual database behavior or potential exploitation attempts, including monitoring for sudden increases in connection failures or service disruptions. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the attack surface by restricting direct network access to database servers and implementing strict authentication protocols. Security teams should also consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can detect and alert on suspicious SQL patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in the database infrastructure that could be exploited in conjunction with this vulnerability. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patched environments to ensure that the security updates do not introduce compatibility issues with existing database applications or services.