CVE-2017-3589 in MySQL Connectors
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Connectors component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Connector/J). Supported versions that are affected are 5.1.41 and earlier. Easily "exploitable" vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with logon to the infrastructure where MySQL Connectors executes to compromise MySQL Connectors. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Connectors accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 3.3 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3589 resides within Oracle MySQL Connectors component, specifically affecting Connector/J subcomponent. This flaw impacts MySQL Connectors versions 5.1.41 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for database environments relying on these connectivity libraries. The vulnerability operates within the context of a system where an attacker already possesses legitimate login credentials to the infrastructure hosting the MySQL Connectors, making it particularly concerning for environments where privilege escalation or lateral movement has occurred. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns this vulnerability a base score of 3.3, reflecting its moderate severity level with specific emphasis on integrity impacts rather than confidentiality or availability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the MySQL Connector/J implementation, allowing an attacker with low privileges to manipulate database operations through the connector interface. This flaw specifically enables unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations against data accessible through the MySQL Connectors, effectively bypassing normal access controls that should protect database integrity. The vulnerability's exploitability classification as "easily exploitable" indicates that minimal technical expertise or resources are required to leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous in environments where insider threats or compromised accounts exist. The attack vector requires local access to the system where MySQL Connectors execute, suggesting that the vulnerability may be exploited through compromised user accounts or through legitimate administrative access that has been subsequently compromised.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a pathway for data integrity compromise that could go undetected for extended periods. The ability to perform unauthorized modifications to database records represents a serious threat to data consistency and reliability, potentially leading to financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, or operational disruptions. The vulnerability's classification as integrity-focused (CVSS vector shows I:L) indicates that while it does not directly compromise confidentiality or availability, it enables attackers to corrupt or manipulate data in ways that can have cascading effects throughout dependent applications and services. Organizations relying on MySQL Connectors for database connectivity face potential business disruption if attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability to alter critical business data.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including upgrading to patched versions of MySQL Connectors, specifically versions beyond 5.1.41 where the vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized database modifications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and represents a specific instance of how inadequate validation can lead to privilege escalation or data manipulation attacks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged during the privilege escalation and defense evasion phases, as attackers use compromised credentials to perform unauthorized database operations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify systems running affected versions, while network segmentation and principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit potential impact if exploitation occurs.