CVE-2017-3317 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Logging). 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 unauthorized ability to cause a hang or frequently repeatable crash (complete DOS) of MySQL Server. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 4.0 (Availability impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3317 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the logging subsystem of Oracle MySQL database software. This issue affects multiple version lines including 5.5.53 and earlier, 5.6.34 and earlier, and 5.7.16 and earlier releases, representing a significant portion of the MySQL ecosystem that was operational during the affected period. The vulnerability is classified as difficult to exploit, requiring an attacker to possess high privileged access to the infrastructure hosting the MySQL Server, which implies that the attacker must already have established credentials and system-level privileges to attempt exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests in the logging functionality where an attacker with sufficient privileges can manipulate the logging mechanisms to cause a denial of service condition. The vulnerability operates through a specific interaction pattern where successful exploitation can lead to complete system unavailability through either a hang condition or a frequently repeatable crash scenario. This type of vulnerability represents a critical availability threat that can severely impact database operations and business continuity. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 4.0 indicates a medium severity impact, primarily focused on availability rather than confidentiality or integrity, though the potential for system compromise remains significant.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can effectively render the MySQL Server unusable for legitimate database operations. When a MySQL Server experiences a hang or repeated crash, database applications that depend on this service become inaccessible, potentially causing cascading failures throughout dependent systems. The requirement for human interaction from someone other than the attacker suggests that the exploit may involve specific user actions or system configurations that must be present for successful exploitation, though this does not mitigate the overall risk. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service, as it specifically targets availability through service disruption.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to the latest available versions that contain the relevant security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the MySQL server infrastructure. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual logging behavior or patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System administrators should consider implementing redundant database systems and failover mechanisms to maintain service availability during potential exploitation events. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date database software and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized system compromise.