CVE-2017-3469 in MySQL Workbench
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Workbench component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Workbench: Security : Encryption). Supported versions that are affected are 6.3.8 and earlier. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Workbench. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Workbench accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 3.7 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3469 resides within Oracle MySQL Workbench's encryption security mechanisms, specifically affecting versions 6.3.8 and earlier. This flaw represents a significant security concern for database administrators and organizations relying on MySQL Workbench for database management tasks. The vulnerability exists within the Workbench component's handling of encryption protocols, creating a potential entry point for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to database resources. The affected subsystem operates under the broader MySQL ecosystem, making it particularly concerning for enterprises that utilize MySQL Workbench for database design, administration, and development activities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from weaknesses in the encryption implementation that govern how MySQL Workbench processes and manages secure connections. Attackers can exploit this weakness through multiple network protocols without requiring authentication credentials, making the attack surface particularly broad and accessible. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while it requires specific conditions to be successfully leveraged, the attack vector remains viable for determined threat actors. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns a base score of 3.7, reflecting the limited impact on integrity and availability while emphasizing the confidentiality breach potential. This scoring places the vulnerability in the low severity category but still represents a meaningful risk to data security and privacy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables unauthorized read access to sensitive database information within the MySQL Workbench environment. While the attack does not provide write or execute privileges, the ability to access database schema information, configuration details, and potentially sensitive data structures creates substantial risk for organizations. The vulnerability's network-based exploitation means that attackers can potentially compromise systems from remote locations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where MySQL Workbench is deployed across networked systems. Organizations using affected versions may experience unauthorized data exposure, which could lead to compliance violations, intellectual property theft, or other security incidents.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, beginning with upgrading to MySQL Workbench versions that have resolved the encryption flaws. The recommended approach involves applying the latest security patches from Oracle, which typically include enhanced encryption protocols and improved security mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of MySQL Workbench instances to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected MySQL Workbench versions within their environments. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in software implementations, and represents a potential technique in the ATT&CK framework under credential access and defense evasion categories. Regular security updates and patch management programs should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the MySQL ecosystem, ensuring comprehensive protection against evolving threat landscapes.