CVE-2017-3653 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. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 3.1 (Integrity impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/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-2017-3653 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: DDL subcomponent, representing a critical integrity-focused weakness that affects multiple version ranges including 5.5.56 and earlier, 5.6.36 and earlier, and 5.7.18 and earlier releases. This flaw manifests as a difficulty in exploitation yet remains a significant threat due to its potential to allow unauthorized modifications to database content. The vulnerability operates with a CVSS 3.0 Base Score of 3.1, indicating a moderate severity level with specific integrity impacts, and the CVSS Vector (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N) reveals that it requires network access, has high attack complexity, demands low privileges, and operates without user interaction in an unmodified environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of Data Definition Language operations within the MySQL server architecture, where attackers with minimal privileges and network access can potentially manipulate database contents through carefully crafted DDL statements. This represents a weakness categorized under CWE-20, which deals with improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK techniques involving data manipulation and privilege escalation. The vulnerability specifically targets the server's ability to properly validate and process DDL operations, creating a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized updates, inserts, or deletions on MySQL accessible data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to database integrity and data confidentiality, as it allows attackers to modify or corrupt database content without proper authorization. The low privilege requirement combined with network accessibility means that even relatively unskilled attackers can potentially compromise database systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where database security is not properly enforced. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face potential data integrity breaches that could lead to financial losses, regulatory compliance issues, and reputational damage. The impact is further amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects multiple major version lines of MySQL, indicating a widespread exposure across various deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-3653 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MySQL versions to the latest secure releases, which address the underlying DDL processing flaws. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of MySQL servers to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous DDL operations. Database administrators should implement principle of least privilege access controls, regularly audit database activities, and ensure proper network access controls are in place. The vulnerability's classification under CVSS 3.0 scoring system and its alignment with CWE-20 and ATT&CK frameworks emphasize the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching, including network monitoring, access control reviews, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of this integrity-focused vulnerability.