CVE-2017-3652 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DDL). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.56 and earlier, 5.6.36 and earlier and 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 update, insert or delete access to some of MySQL Server accessible data as well as unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.2 (Confidentiality and Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3652 represents a significant security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server's Data Definition Language (DDL) subsystem, specifically affecting multiple version branches including 5.5.56 and earlier, 5.6.36 and earlier, and 5.7.18 and earlier. This weakness resides in the server's handling of DDL operations, which are fundamental database management functions that define and modify database structures. The vulnerability's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector is not trivial, it remains a genuine threat to database security infrastructure. The low privilege requirement for exploitation means that even users with minimal database access rights could potentially leverage this flaw, making it particularly concerning for environments where database access controls may not be strictly enforced.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows an attacker with network access through multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server operations by gaining unauthorized access to database content. The impact encompasses both read and write operations, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized updates, inserts, and deletes on specific subsets of accessible data. This dual capability represents a serious threat to data integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can not only extract sensitive information but also modify or corrupt database content. The CVSS 3.0 scoring of 4.2 reflects the moderate severity of this vulnerability, with a base score that considers both the confidentiality and integrity impacts while noting that the attack complexity is high and no user interaction is required. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that remote exploitation is possible without requiring physical access to the database server.
The operational implications of CVE-2017-3652 extend beyond simple data theft, as the vulnerability enables persistent unauthorized modifications to database structures and content. This capability can lead to data corruption, unauthorized privilege escalation, and potential system compromise through manipulation of database schema definitions. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face risks of data breaches, compliance violations, and operational disruptions that could affect business continuity. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams indicates that it was likely a fundamental design flaw rather than a recent regression, suggesting that many deployments across different environments may be at risk. This widespread exposure makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where MySQL databases often store critical business information and sensitive customer data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3652 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected MySQL versions to the latest available releases that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to MySQL server ports and services, particularly limiting connections to trusted IP addresses and implementing proper firewall rules. Database administrators should conduct thorough audits of existing user privileges and implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users have only the minimum necessary access rights to perform their required functions. Monitoring and logging of DDL operations should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and may be categorized under ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and data manipulation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching.