CVE-2017-3637 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: X Plugin). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.18 and earlier. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low 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 5.3 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3637 resides within Oracle MySQL's X Plugin component, which serves as a communication interface for the database server. This flaw affects MySQL Server versions 5.7.18 and earlier, representing a significant security concern for organizations relying on these database systems. The X Plugin facilitates network-based communication between MySQL clients and the server, making it a critical attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise database availability. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while sophisticated attackers can leverage it, the attack requires specific conditions and expertise to successfully execute.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of certain network protocols within the X Plugin subsystem. Attackers with low privilege levels and network access can exploit this weakness to cause denial of service conditions that result in complete server crashes or persistent hangs. The vulnerability operates through multiple protocols, expanding the attack surface and making it more challenging to defend against. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns a base score of 5.3, reflecting the medium severity impact on system availability. The attack vector requires network access with high complexity, low privilege requirements, and no user interaction, making it particularly concerning for environments where network exposure is unavoidable.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3637 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially catastrophic consequences for database-dependent applications. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability can cause MySQL Server to enter a state of continuous crash or hang, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This complete denial of service condition can result in significant business disruption, data unavailability, and potential financial losses for organizations relying on MySQL databases. The vulnerability's ability to cause frequently repeatable crashes means that even a single successful exploitation can lead to prolonged service interruptions requiring manual intervention and system restarts.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server versions to mitigate this vulnerability, as the X Plugin component is integral to MySQL's network communication capabilities. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to MySQL Server versions 5.7.19 or later, which contain the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide temporary protection by limiting access to the X Plugin ports, though this approach does not eliminate the underlying vulnerability. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual network traffic patterns or repeated connection attempts that might indicate exploitation attempts. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability relates to improper handling of network protocols and resource management, while ATT&CK framework categorizes it under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics that attackers can employ to compromise system availability.