CVE-2017-3590 in MySQL Connectors
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Connectors component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Connector/Python). Supported versions that are affected are 2.1.5 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-2017-3590 resides within Oracle MySQL's Connector/Python component, specifically affecting versions 2.1.5 and earlier. This represents a critical integrity-focused security flaw that operates within the broader MySQL Connectors ecosystem, which serves as the primary interface for Python applications to interact with MySQL database systems. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data access, as it enables attackers to manipulate database contents through unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations on accessible data. The affected component operates as a bridge between Python applications and MySQL databases, making it a crucial element in numerous enterprise and web application environments where Python-based systems interface with MySQL backends. This flaw demonstrates the inherent risks associated with database connectivity libraries that may execute with elevated privileges or access sensitive data stores.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the Connector/Python implementation. Attackers with low-privileged access to the system where MySQL Connectors execute can exploit this weakness to compromise the connector's operation and subsequently manipulate database contents. The vulnerability's exploitability classification as "easily exploitable" indicates that minimal technical expertise or resources are required to leverage the flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users or applications have access to the target infrastructure. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 3.3 reflects the moderate severity impact, with the integrity impact vector specifically highlighting the potential for unauthorized data modification. The attack vector AV:L indicates local system access is required, while the low access complexity AC:L and low privileges requirement PR:L suggest that the exploit does not require significant authorization or specialized knowledge to execute successfully.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3590 extends beyond immediate data compromise, as it creates potential for broader system infiltration and data corruption within MySQL environments. Organizations utilizing Python applications that rely on Connector/Python for database connectivity face significant risk of unauthorized data manipulation, potentially leading to financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and operational disruptions. The vulnerability's ability to enable unauthorized update, insert, or delete operations means that attackers can modify critical business data, alter user accounts, or manipulate transactional records, depending on the specific implementation and access levels within the database. This type of vulnerability directly relates to CWE-20, which encompasses "Improper Input Validation," and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1484 for credential access, as the flaw essentially allows privilege escalation through compromised connector operations.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, including upgrading to patched versions of MySQL Connector/Python, typically version 2.1.6 or later, which contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restricting local system access to MySQL connector installations, monitoring for unauthorized database modifications, and implementing principle of least privilege access controls for all systems running database connectors. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other database connectivity components. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of upgraded components to ensure that the security patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing applications, as database connector upgrades can sometimes affect application functionality. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring tools that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with unauthorized data manipulation attempts, providing an additional layer of defense against exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.