CVE-2017-3244 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DML). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.53 and earlier, 5.6.34 and earlier and 5.7.16 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 v3.0 Base Score 6.5 (Availability impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3244 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's DML (Data Manipulation Language) subsystem, representing a critical availability threat that affects multiple version lines including 5.5.53 and earlier, 5.6.34 and earlier, and 5.7.16 and earlier. This flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient validation of input data can lead to memory corruption. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can leverage this weakness through various protocols to compromise system availability.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability involves improper handling of certain DML operations that can trigger memory corruption conditions within the MySQL server process. When exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to cause repeated crashes or hangs in the MySQL service, effectively rendering the database unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This behavior aligns with the CVSS v3.0 base score of 6.5, which emphasizes availability impacts and reflects the potential for complete denial of service conditions. The attack vector requires only network access via multiple protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from remote locations without requiring physical access or elevated privileges.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2017-3244 can result in significant business disruption, as database unavailability directly impacts application functionality and user access. The vulnerability's ability to cause frequent repeatable crashes means that even a single successful attack can lead to prolonged service degradation or complete system outages. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face substantial risk of operational downtime, potential data loss, and reputational damage. The low privilege requirements for exploitation make this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be targeted by malicious actors who may not have direct access to the system but can still compromise database availability through network-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3244 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to the latest available releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of MySQL services to untrusted networks, while also monitoring for suspicious network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service condition aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499, which covers network denial of service attacks, making it important for security teams to implement appropriate monitoring and incident response procedures. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in database infrastructure that could be exploited in conjunction with this vulnerability.