CVE-2017-3319 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: X Plugin). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.16 and earlier. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 3.1 (Confidentiality impacts).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3319 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's X Plugin component, representing a significant security weakness that affects MySQL versions 5.7.16 and earlier. This flaw operates within the server infrastructure that handles communication protocols for database operations, specifically targeting the X Plugin which facilitates network-based interactions with the MySQL server. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires some level of technical knowledge and access, the attack surface remains substantial enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the X Plugin's processing mechanisms, allowing unauthorized network-based attackers to potentially access sensitive database information. The attack vector requires network access through multiple protocols, suggesting that the vulnerability could be exploited across various communication channels that MySQL supports. This multi-protocol accessibility significantly broadens the potential attack surface compared to single-protocol vulnerabilities. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 3.1 reflects the relatively low severity but still concerning nature of the confidentiality impact, indicating that while the attack is not trivial to execute, successful exploitation can result in unauthorized data access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk to organizations relying on MySQL Server for database operations, particularly those with exposed database servers accessible over networks. The unauthorized read access to a subset of database data could potentially expose sensitive information including user credentials, personal data, financial records, or proprietary business information depending on the specific implementation. The low privilege requirement for exploitation means that attackers with minimal access rights can potentially gain unauthorized data access, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for environments where network exposure is unavoidable. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as compromised data could lead to further exploitation opportunities or regulatory compliance violations.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-3319 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to version 5.7.17 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to MySQL servers, particularly restricting direct network exposure of database systems to untrusted networks. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened, implementing the principle of least privilege for database users and applications accessing MySQL services. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify unusual database access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments of database environments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities, with security teams implementing proper configuration management practices to ensure that MySQL servers are not running with unnecessary network services enabled. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) when exploited through network protocols, representing a clear example of how database server vulnerabilities can be leveraged for information disclosure attacks.