CVE-2013-3804 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the MySQL Server component in Oracle MySQL 5.1.69 and earlier, 5.5.31 and earlier, and 5.6.11 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to affect availability via unknown vectors related to Server Optimizer.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3804 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL database systems, specifically affecting versions 5.1.69 and earlier, 5.5.31 and earlier, and 5.6.11 and earlier. This issue represents a critical availability threat that impacts the server optimizer functionality, potentially allowing remote authenticated attackers to disrupt database operations. The unspecified nature of the exact attack vectors makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it could encompass multiple exploitation pathways that were not fully detailed in the initial disclosure. The vulnerability affects the core database server functionality, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on MySQL for critical data operations.
The technical flaw manifests within the server optimizer module of MySQL, which is responsible for determining the most efficient execution plan for database queries. When exploited, this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to manipulate the optimizer's behavior in ways that can lead to system instability, resource exhaustion, or complete service disruption. The server optimizer is a critical component that processes complex queries and determines execution strategies, making any compromise of this module particularly dangerous. The vulnerability's impact on availability suggests that successful exploitation could result in denial of service conditions where legitimate database operations become impossible, potentially affecting business continuity and data access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to database environments as it requires only authenticated access to exploit, meaning that attackers who have valid database credentials can potentially disrupt services. The remote nature of the attack vector means that compromised database accounts could be leveraged from external networks, amplifying the potential impact. Organizations with multiple database instances or those using MySQL in mission-critical applications face heightened risk, as the availability disruption could cascade through dependent systems. The vulnerability affects the entire MySQL ecosystem across multiple version branches, indicating a fundamental issue within the optimizer implementation that requires immediate attention.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to the latest available releases that contain fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access controls and authentication measures to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to database accounts. Network segmentation and monitoring of database traffic can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing database activity monitoring solutions can provide visibility into optimizer-related operations and help identify potential abuse patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory handling and resource management, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service operations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability management processes should be enhanced to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited in production environments.