CVE-2017-3651 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Client mysqldump). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.56 and earlier, 5.6.36 and earlier and 5.7.18 and earlier. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.3 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3651 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically affecting the client mysqldump utility. This flaw impacts multiple version ranges including 5.5.56 and earlier, 5.6.36 and earlier, and 5.7.18 and earlier installations. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-20, representing improper input validation, which allows attackers to manipulate the mysqldump functionality through network-based attacks. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system rates this vulnerability with a base score of 4.3, indicating a moderate severity level with integrity impacts specifically. The attack vector requires network access via multiple protocols and can be exploited by low privileged attackers, making it particularly concerning for environments where network exposure is prevalent.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the mysqldump client utility which is designed to export database contents for backup or transfer purposes. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to modify database contents, specifically enabling update, insert, or delete operations against certain portions of the MySQL Server accessible data. The vulnerability's design flaw stems from insufficient validation of input parameters within the mysqldump client, allowing malicious input to influence the utility's behavior and potentially alter database state. This represents a classic case of command injection vulnerability where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as commands by the mysqldump utility, leading to unauthorized data manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3651 extends beyond simple data integrity concerns, as it enables attackers to compromise the integrity of database contents through network-based attacks. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face the risk of unauthorized data modification, which could lead to data corruption, loss of business critical information, or manipulation of operational data. The vulnerability's low privilege requirement means that even users with minimal access rights can potentially exploit this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access controls are not properly enforced. The affected systems may experience unauthorized modifications to database records, potentially affecting audit trails, transactional integrity, and overall data reliability within the MySQL Server environment.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-3651 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL Server installations to versions that address the mysqldump client vulnerability. Organizations must ensure that all systems running MySQL versions within the affected ranges receive updates from Oracle as soon as possible, following the vendor's security advisory guidance. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of MySQL services to only authorized network segments and users. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect any suspicious activities related to mysqldump usage or unauthorized database modifications. The mitigation strategy should also include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential exploitation vectors, aligning with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's methodology for identifying and addressing database-related attack patterns. Organizations should consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect anomalous mysqldump behavior and potential exploitation attempts.