CVE-2017-10167 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.19 and earlier. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Server. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 6.5 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10167 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: Optimizer subcomponent, affecting MySQL versions 5.7.19 and earlier. This represents a significant security flaw that demonstrates how optimization routines within database systems can introduce critical weaknesses. The vulnerability operates at the core of MySQL's query processing mechanisms, where the optimizer component is responsible for determining the most efficient execution plan for database queries. When this optimizer encounters specific malformed input or query patterns, it triggers a condition that leads to system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain query execution paths within the optimizer module. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting specific database queries that, when processed by the vulnerable MySQL server, cause the optimizer to enter an infinite loop or execute invalid memory operations. This results in the MySQL server becoming unresponsive or crashing entirely, effectively creating a denial of service condition. The vulnerability requires minimal privileges and can be exploited through multiple network protocols, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is critical. The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects the ease of exploitation and the high impact on system availability, with the vector indicating network access is required but with low attack complexity and low privilege requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can lead to complete system downtime for database applications. Organizations relying on MySQL for critical business operations face significant risk when exposed to this vulnerability, as the denial of service can cascade through dependent applications and services. The vulnerability's ability to cause repeated crashes means that even a single successful attack can result in prolonged system unavailability, potentially leading to data loss, revenue impact, and service degradation. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. The low privilege requirement and network accessibility make this vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers seeking to disrupt database services without requiring extensive access rights.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to mitigate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for this specific flaw. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to MySQL version 5.7.20 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the optimizer component. Security teams should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure, while monitoring for suspicious query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments should include checks for similar optimizer-related issues in other database systems, as this vulnerability demonstrates how optimization components can introduce security risks. The incident highlights the importance of thorough testing of database optimization routines and the need for comprehensive security reviews of core database engine components.