CVE-2018-2565 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: InnoDB). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.20 and prior. 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 • 01/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2565 resides within the InnoDB storage engine of Oracle MySQL Server, specifically affecting versions 5.7.20 and earlier. This represents a significant availability-focused weakness that operates at the core database engine level, where InnoDB handles critical data storage and transactional operations. The vulnerability manifests as a flaw in how the database server processes certain operations within its internal storage mechanisms, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to disrupt database services through carefully crafted inputs.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of specific InnoDB operations that can lead to resource exhaustion or internal state corruption. When exploited, the flaw enables a high-privileged attacker who can establish network connections to the MySQL server to trigger conditions that cause the database service to become unresponsive or crash repeatedly. This occurs through protocols that MySQL typically accepts including TCP/IP connections, which means the attack surface extends across standard database communication channels. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that minimal technical sophistication is required to execute successful attacks, making it particularly dangerous in production environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a complete denial of service scenario that can severely disrupt database-dependent applications and services. The ability to cause either a hang or frequently repeatable crashes means that database availability is completely compromised, potentially affecting business-critical operations that depend on MySQL for data persistence. Organizations relying on MySQL for transactional processing, web applications, or any system requiring consistent database access face substantial risk from this vulnerability. The CVSS 3.0 score of 4.9 indicates moderate severity but with high availability impact, suggesting that while the attack requires elevated privileges, the consequences are severe enough to warrant immediate attention.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Organizations should implement immediate patching strategies to upgrade to MySQL versions 5.7.21 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. Additional mitigations include network segmentation to limit access to database servers, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for unusual connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Database administrators should also consider implementing automated failover mechanisms and regular backup procedures to minimize the impact of potential service disruptions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping database software updated and maintaining robust security monitoring practices to detect and respond to exploitation attempts before they cause significant operational damage.