CVE-2017-3452 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 5.6.35 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 3.0 Base Score 6.5 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3452 represents a critical availability threat within Oracle MySQL Server's optimizer subsystem, specifically affecting versions 5.6.35 and earlier. This flaw resides in the server component's query optimization logic, where an attacker can manipulate the execution path of database operations to trigger system instability. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that minimal technical expertise is required to leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is paramount. The attack vector requires only network access through multiple protocols, suggesting that the vulnerability can be exploited from remote locations without requiring physical access or complex authentication mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain query optimization scenarios within the MySQL server's execution engine. When specific database operations are processed through the optimizer, the system fails to properly validate or handle edge cases in query planning, leading to memory corruption or resource exhaustion conditions. This flaw manifests as a denial of service condition where the MySQL server becomes unresponsive or enters a continuous crash loop, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 6.5 reflects the high availability impact combined with the low access complexity, indicating that attackers with minimal privileges can cause significant operational disruption. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service interruption, as it can result in complete system unavailability that may require manual intervention to restore normal operations.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-3452 are substantial for organizations relying on MySQL databases, particularly in mission-critical applications where database uptime is essential. This vulnerability can be exploited to perform sustained denial of service attacks that may go unnoticed for extended periods, potentially causing significant business disruption. The low privilege requirement means that even users with minimal database permissions can exploit this weakness, making it particularly concerning for environments where access controls are not properly enforced. Organizations may experience cascading failures if database unavailability affects dependent applications, potentially leading to broader system outages. The vulnerability's exploitability through multiple protocols suggests that traditional network segmentation measures may not provide adequate protection, requiring more comprehensive security approaches.
Security practitioners should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions, as this vulnerability represents a straightforward target for attackers seeking to disrupt database services. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to MySQL 5.6.36 or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and memory management improvements. Network-level protections such as firewall rules and access control lists can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though these should not be relied upon as primary protections given the vulnerability's ease of exploitation. Organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual patterns in database service availability that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and may map to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive incident response procedures that account for database service availability threats.