CVE-2017-3457 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DML). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.17 and earlier. Easily "exploitable" vulnerability allows high 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 4.9 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/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-2017-3457 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Server: DML subcomponent. This weakness affects MySQL versions 5.7.17 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for database administrators and system operators who rely on these versions for critical operations. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical sophistication can leverage this flaw, particularly when they possess high-privileged network access through multiple protocols. This accessibility makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where network exposure is common and access controls may not be sufficiently restrictive.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain DML operations within the MySQL server architecture, creating a condition where maliciously crafted database queries can trigger unexpected behavior in the server's processing mechanisms. The flaw manifests as a specific pattern of memory management or execution flow that, when triggered by an attacker, causes the MySQL server to enter a state of instability. This instability ultimately results in either a complete hang of the server process or a condition that leads to frequent, repeatable crashes. The vulnerability's impact on availability is particularly severe as it can be used to execute a denial of service attack that completely disrupts database operations, rendering the affected MySQL server unusable for legitimate database access and operations.
From an operational perspective, the consequences of successful exploitation can be devastating for organizations relying on MySQL databases. The complete denial of service capability means that database services become unavailable, potentially affecting business-critical applications that depend on database connectivity. The CVSS 3.0 base score of 4.9 indicates a moderate to high severity impact, with the availability impact being rated as high (A:H). This assessment reflects the complete disruption potential that can be achieved through this vulnerability, as attackers can cause repeated crashes that require manual intervention to restore normal operations. The vulnerability's accessibility through multiple protocols suggests that various attack vectors could be employed, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to MySQL versions that are not affected by this vulnerability, specifically versions beyond 5.7.17. The implementation of network-level access controls and firewall rules can help reduce the attack surface by limiting access to MySQL server ports and services. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of database activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions, and represents a specific instance where improper input handling leads to system instability and availability loss. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique related to network denial of service, demonstrating how database-specific vulnerabilities can be leveraged for broader system disruption. The high privilege requirement (PR:H) indicates that attackers must already have elevated access levels, but this access can be gained through other means such as credential compromise or lateral movement within the network infrastructure.