CVE-2017-10227 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 5.6.37 and earlier and 5.7.19 and earlier. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows high 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 4.9 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/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-2017-10227 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: Optimizer subcomponent, representing a critical weakness in database management systems that affects multiple versions of Oracle MySQL. This vulnerability impacts MySQL Server versions 5.6.37 and earlier, as well as 5.7.19 and earlier, making it a widespread concern for organizations maintaining legacy database infrastructure. The flaw is classified as easily exploitable, meaning that attackers with minimal technical expertise can leverage this weakness effectively. The vulnerability requires only network access via multiple protocols, eliminating the need for physical access or complex attack vectors, which significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system rates this vulnerability with a base score of 4.9, categorizing it as a medium severity issue with availability impacts, though the potential for complete denial of service makes this assessment potentially understated given the nature of database availability requirements in enterprise environments.
The technical flaw manifests within the optimizer subsystem of MySQL Server, which is responsible for determining the most efficient execution plan for database queries. When processing certain complex query structures or specific combinations of database operations, the optimizer encounters a condition that leads to improper memory management or execution flow control. This flaw specifically affects how the MySQL Server handles certain query optimization scenarios that involve complex joins, subqueries, or specific aggregate functions, causing the server process to enter an unstable state. The vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking or improper handling of memory structures during query optimization, leading to memory corruption or infinite loop conditions that result in server crashes. The issue is particularly concerning because it can be triggered through standard database operations, making it difficult for administrators to identify when the vulnerability is being exploited, as legitimate queries may inadvertently trigger the problematic code path. This behavior aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can result in complete denial of service for database operations that are critical to business continuity. When the MySQL Server experiences a hang or frequently repeatable crash, database applications that depend on this service become unavailable, potentially affecting multiple business processes simultaneously. The vulnerability's ability to cause repeated crashes means that even if administrators attempt to restart the service, the system may continue to crash upon receiving new requests, creating a persistent availability issue that can severely impact enterprise operations. For organizations relying on MySQL for mission-critical applications, this vulnerability can lead to significant financial losses, regulatory compliance issues, and damage to customer relationships. The high privilege requirement for exploitation suggests that attackers must already have access to the database environment, but this access level is often sufficient to cause substantial damage in many enterprise environments where database administrators have broad system access rights. The vulnerability's impact on availability aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a significant concern for organizations following the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's ensure and protect functions.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies focusing on both patch management and operational security measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to patched versions of MySQL Server, specifically versions 5.6.38 and 5.7.20 or later, which contain the necessary fixes to address the optimizer-related memory handling issues. However, due to the complexity of database environments and potential compatibility issues with upgrades, administrators should conduct thorough testing in staging environments before implementing patches in production systems. Network-level mitigations should include implementing firewall rules to restrict access to MySQL ports to only trusted hosts, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database query monitoring and logging to detect when potentially problematic queries are being executed, allowing for proactive identification of exploitation attempts before they cause system crashes. The implementation of automated monitoring solutions can help detect patterns consistent with the vulnerability's exploitation characteristics, providing early warning capabilities that can prevent complete service outages. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential vulnerabilities in the database infrastructure, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel have the necessary privileges to execute potentially dangerous database operations.