CVE-2017-3600 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Client mysqldump). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.54 and earlier, 5.6.35 and earlier and 5.7.17 and earlier. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows high privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of MySQL Server. Note: CVE-2017-3600 is equivalent to CVE-2016-5483. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 6.6 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H).
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3600 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server's client component known as mysqldump. This weakness specifically affects multiple version ranges including MySQL 5.5.54 and earlier, 5.6.35 and earlier, and 5.7.17 and earlier, making it a widespread concern across various MySQL deployments. The vulnerability operates at a network level and requires an attacker with high privileges to execute successfully, though the exploitation difficulty is rated as moderate according to CVSS metrics. The attack vector utilizes multiple network protocols, creating multiple potential entry points for malicious actors to target the affected systems.
This vulnerability falls under the category of privilege escalation and remote code execution risks, with the potential for complete system compromise when successfully exploited. The CVSS 3.0 score of 6.6 indicates a moderate to high severity threat that impacts all three core security tenets: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack requires an attacker with high privileges to have network access, suggesting that the vulnerability could be exploited by insiders or attackers who have already gained some level of access to the network environment. The fact that this vulnerability is equivalent to CVE-2016-5483 indicates it represents a previously identified weakness that was subsequently reclassified or reanalyzed, highlighting the ongoing nature of security research and vulnerability discovery.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3600 extends beyond simple data compromise to potentially enable full takeover of MySQL Server instances, which could result in complete database environment destruction or unauthorized access to sensitive information. This type of vulnerability particularly threatens organizations that rely heavily on MySQL databases for critical business operations, as the compromise of database servers can lead to widespread data breaches, service disruptions, and regulatory compliance violations. The attack scenario typically involves an authenticated user with elevated privileges attempting to exploit the mysqldump client functionality to gain additional control over the database server. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date database server installations and implementing proper access controls to limit the potential impact of such flaws.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to patched versions of MySQL Server, applying security patches released by Oracle, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and remote code execution, particularly leveraging the use of legitimate administrative tools for malicious purposes. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of affected MySQL versions within their environments, as the impact of this vulnerability extends to any system running the vulnerable mysqldump client component. The CVSS vector indicates that while the attack requires high privileges and is difficult to exploit, the potential consequences of successful exploitation make it a critical concern for database administrators and security professionals. This vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining current security practices and the importance of monitoring security advisories from vendors like Oracle to ensure timely patch deployment.