CVE-2017-3459 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Optimizer). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.17 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-2017-3459 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: Optimizer subcomponent, affecting MySQL versions 5.7.17 and earlier. This represents a significant security concern for database environments that rely on MySQL as their primary data management system. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical expertise can leverage this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database availability is critical. The attack vector requires only network access via multiple protocols, suggesting that the vulnerability can be exploited from various network positions, potentially through direct network connections or through intermediary systems that communicate with the database server.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from issues within the query optimizer module of MySQL Server, which is responsible for determining the most efficient execution plan for database queries. When processing certain complex queries or specific combinations of operations, the optimizer fails to properly validate input parameters or handle memory allocation, leading to potential buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. This flaw specifically manifests when the server processes queries that involve complex join operations, subqueries, or other advanced SQL constructs that trigger the optimizer to perform extensive calculations and memory management tasks. The vulnerability's design flaw allows for improper handling of memory structures during query execution, creating conditions where malicious input can cause the server to enter an unstable state.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly affects system availability through complete denial of service conditions. Successful exploitation results in unauthorized ability to cause either a hang or frequently repeatable crashes of the MySQL Server, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This type of vulnerability particularly impacts business continuity and operational efficiency since database servers are fundamental to almost all enterprise applications. The availability impact is rated at CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.9, indicating a moderate to high severity level that can significantly disrupt business operations, especially in environments where database uptime is critical for application functionality and user access. The vulnerability affects systems where high privileged attackers can establish network connections to the MySQL server, which typically includes database administrators, application servers, or any system that requires database connectivity.
The exploitability characteristics of CVE-2017-3459 align with ATT&CK technique T1210: Exploitation of Remote Services, specifically targeting database server services. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper input validation and memory management practices in database server applications. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121: Buffer Overflow in Non-Static Memory indicates that it involves improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation, which represents a fundamental software engineering issue that should be addressed through proper code review processes and security testing. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected MySQL versions, implementing network access controls to restrict database server access, and establishing monitoring systems to detect unusual patterns of database server crashes or hangs that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on potentially malicious query patterns that might trigger the vulnerable optimizer code path.