CVE-2017-3320 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Security: Encryption). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.16 and earlier. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols 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 read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS v3.0 Base Score 2.4 (Confidentiality impacts).
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3320 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's encryption subsystem, specifically affecting versions 5.7.16 and earlier. This weakness manifests in the server's handling of encryption protocols and key management processes, creating a potential avenue for unauthorized data access. The vulnerability operates within the broader context of database security where encryption mechanisms are expected to provide robust protection against data breaches and unauthorized access attempts. The affected component falls under the Server: Security: Encryption subcomponent, indicating that the flaw lies in how MySQL manages its cryptographic operations and data protection measures.
The technical flaw represents a privilege escalation vulnerability that requires an attacker to possess high-level privileges within the MySQL environment. However, the attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows exploitation through multiple network protocols, providing attackers with flexible methods of access. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable means that once an attacker gains sufficient privileges, they can leverage this weakness to access sensitive data without requiring complex attack chains. The requirement for human interaction from someone other than the attacker suggests that the exploitation may involve social engineering elements or require specific user actions that could be manipulated by an adversary.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for organizations relying on MySQL databases for sensitive information storage. The successful compromise can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of database accessible data, which could include personally identifiable information, financial records, or other confidential business data. The CVSS v3.0 base score of 2.4 indicates a low to medium severity impact, but this assessment should not underestimate the potential damage to data confidentiality and the organization's overall security posture. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects the encryption mechanisms that are fundamental to database security, potentially undermining the entire security framework of affected systems.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by upgrading to MySQL versions beyond 5.7.16 to address this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and implementation of additional access controls to minimize the attack surface. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of their MySQL configurations to ensure proper encryption implementation and monitor for any unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses, and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and defense evasion. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in database encryption implementations and ensure that all systems maintain current security patches and configurations to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.