CVE-2018-2576 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DML). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.20 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-2018-2576 resides within Oracle MySQL Server's DML (Data Manipulation Language) subsystem, specifically affecting versions 5.7.20 and earlier. This represents a significant security weakness that demonstrates the critical importance of database server integrity in enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal technical sophistication can leverage this flaw, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely heavily on MySQL for their data operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw in how MySQL Server handles certain DML operations, creating conditions where malicious input can trigger system instability. The vulnerability requires an attacker with high privileges and network access through multiple protocols to successfully exploit the weakness, which aligns with common attack patterns targeting database systems. This privilege requirement suggests that the vulnerability may be exploited by insiders or through compromised accounts with elevated access rights, rather than through external network probing alone. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system rates this vulnerability at 4.9 out of 10 for availability impact, indicating a moderate to high risk to system availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2576 manifests as a complete denial of service condition that can cause the MySQL Server to hang or repeatedly crash, effectively rendering database services unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This type of vulnerability directly impacts business continuity and can result in significant operational disruption, particularly in environments where database availability is critical for application functionality. Organizations experiencing such disruptions may face data processing delays, application failures, and potential revenue loss during outage periods. The vulnerability's ability to cause frequently repeatable crashes indicates that it represents a persistent threat that can be leveraged repeatedly by attackers to maintain system instability.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to service stoppage and availability disruption, specifically targeting the availability aspect of the CIA triad. The vulnerability's characteristics place it within CWE-119, which encompasses weaknesses related to the exploitation of memory handling flaws, though the exact technical mechanism requires careful analysis of MySQL's internal processing of DML operations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers, and establishing robust monitoring for unusual database behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date database server software and implementing proper access controls to limit privilege exposure.