CVE-2017-3644 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DML). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.18 and earlier. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows high 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 4.9 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/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-2017-3644 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's DML (Data Manipulation Language) subsystem, representing a critical availability threat that affects MySQL versions 5.7.18 and earlier. This flaw operates at the core database engine level, specifically targeting the server's handling of certain data manipulation operations that can be exploited by attackers with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that sophisticated attack techniques are not required, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privileged network access is possible. The attack vector involves a high privileged attacker leveraging network protocols to target the MySQL server, which aligns with common attack patterns documented in the mitre attack framework where adversaries often seek to compromise database systems for availability disruption.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of specific DML operations within the MySQL server's execution engine, creating conditions where maliciously crafted database queries can trigger memory corruption or resource exhaustion states. When exploited, these conditions lead to complete denial of service scenarios where the MySQL server becomes unresponsive or crashes repeatedly, effectively rendering database services unavailable to legitimate users. The vulnerability's impact on system availability is particularly severe as database downtime can cascade through entire application infrastructures, affecting business continuity and data accessibility. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 4.9 reflects the moderate severity of the availability impact, with the high privilege requirement (PR:H) indicating that attackers must already possess elevated credentials or administrative access to exploit the flaw effectively.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-3644 extend beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the entire database infrastructure's reliability and integrity. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face significant risk of unauthorized service disruption that can impact critical business applications, automated processes, and user access to database resources. The vulnerability's ability to cause complete DOS conditions means that recovery efforts may require manual intervention, server restarts, and potentially data recovery procedures that can result in extended downtime. This type of vulnerability directly relates to CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with attack patterns found in the attack framework where adversaries target database systems for availability disruption as part of broader compromise strategies.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected MySQL installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes that include regular security updates and version control measures to prevent such exposures. Network segmentation and access control measures can help reduce the attack surface by limiting privileged network access to database servers. Additionally, implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual database behavior or service disruptions can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics make it particularly suitable for detection through standard security monitoring tools, as the repeated crashes or hangs would generate distinct system alerts that can be correlated with known attack patterns in security information and event management systems.