CVE-2018-2586 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-2018-2586 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: DML subcomponent, affecting MySQL versions 5.7.20 and earlier. This weakness represents a significant security concern as it operates within the core database engine functionality, potentially allowing attackers with high privileges and network access to execute malicious operations against the database server. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that sophisticated attack techniques are not required, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative privileges may be compromised or where network exposure exists.
The technical flaw manifests as a condition that permits a high privileged attacker to manipulate the database server's execution flow, leading to complete denial of service conditions. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability enables attackers to cause the MySQL Server to hang or repeatedly crash, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users. The underlying mechanism involves the manipulation of Data Manipulation Language operations within the server's processing pipeline, where improper input handling or state management allows for the triggering of critical system failures. This type of vulnerability typically stems from inadequate error handling or buffer management within the database engine's core processing modules, creating opportunities for attackers to force system instability through carefully crafted database operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can result in complete system unavailability for extended periods, potentially causing significant business disruption and data access issues. Organizations relying on MySQL databases for critical operations face substantial risk when this vulnerability exists in their environments, particularly in scenarios where database availability is paramount for business continuity. The CVSS 3.0 score of 4.9 indicates a moderate to high severity impact, with the availability impact being the primary concern. The vector analysis reveals that network-based attacks with high privileges can successfully exploit this vulnerability, suggesting that attackers who have already gained administrative access or can establish network connectivity to the database server pose the most significant threat.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, where it aligns with techniques involving service stoppage and availability disruption. The CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification for this vulnerability would likely fall under weaknesses related to resource management or error handling within database systems, specifically CWE-121 for buffer overflow conditions or CWE-399 for resource management issues. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to MySQL versions 5.7.21 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed, applying the relevant Oracle security patches, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to database servers. Additionally, monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns of database server crashes or hangs that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping database software updated and maintaining robust access controls to prevent unauthorized administrative access that could lead to such devastating availability impacts.