CVE-2017-3291 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Packaging). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.53 and earlier, 5.6.34 and earlier and 5.7.16 and earlier. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows high privileged attacker with logon to the infrastructure where MySQL Server executes to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of MySQL Server. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 6.3 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3291 represents a significant security weakness within Oracle MySQL Server's packaging component that affects multiple version branches including 5.5.53 and earlier, 5.6.34 and earlier, and 5.7.16 and earlier. This flaw operates within the server packaging subsystem which handles the installation and configuration processes of MySQL Server deployments, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during routine system operations. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions and privileges, the potential impact is severe enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals and system administrators. The attack vector specifically requires an attacker with high privileged access to the infrastructure where MySQL Server is executing, suggesting that this vulnerability is not accessible to external threat actors but rather poses a risk from within the organization's network boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization processes within the MySQL Server packaging mechanisms, which can be manipulated by an attacker who already possesses elevated privileges on the target system. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, as it involves inadequate checks on data that flows through the packaging component during MySQL Server installation or configuration processes. The attack requires human interaction from someone other than the attacker, indicating that the exploit may involve social engineering elements or require specific user actions that the compromised privileged user might unknowingly perform. This human interaction component makes the vulnerability more challenging to detect and prevent through automated security measures alone. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 6.3 reflects the balance between the exploitability difficulty and the potential impact, which includes complete compromise of the MySQL Server through confidentiality, integrity, and availability breaches.
The operational impact of successfully exploiting CVE-2017-3291 can be devastating to organizations relying on MySQL Server for critical database operations. A successful compromise allows attackers to gain complete control over the MySQL Server instance, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification of database contents, complete service disruption, and establishment of persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's scope extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable attackers to manipulate the database server's configuration, install malicious software, or use the compromised server as a launch point for further attacks against other systems within the organization. Organizations utilizing affected MySQL versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where privileged access is not strictly controlled or where administrative accounts may be compromised through other attack vectors. The impact on business continuity can be severe, as database servers typically serve as foundational components for numerous applications and services within enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3291 should focus on immediate remediation through patching the affected MySQL Server versions to the latest available releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement strict access controls and privilege management policies to minimize the risk of unauthorized privileged access to MySQL Server infrastructure, following principle of least privilege guidelines and implementing robust identity and access management systems. Network segmentation and monitoring controls should be enhanced to detect unusual activities related to database server access and configuration changes. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities within the MySQL ecosystem. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, making it important for security teams to monitor for indicators of compromise related to database server manipulation and unauthorized configuration changes. Additionally, implementing comprehensive backup and recovery procedures ensures that organizations can quickly restore services if the vulnerability is successfully exploited, while maintaining proper logging and monitoring capabilities to detect and respond to potential attacks.