CVE-2018-2591 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server : Partition). Supported versions that are affected are 5.6.38 and prior and 5.7.19 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-2018-2591 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically affecting the partitioning subcomponent. This issue impacts MySQL versions 5.6.38 and earlier, as well as 5.7.19 and earlier, representing a significant concern for database administrators managing these older releases. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with high privileges and network access can leverage this weakness to compromise the target MySQL server. The attack vector operates through multiple network protocols, making the exploit surface broader and more accessible to potential threat actors.
The technical flaw manifests in the partitioning functionality of MySQL Server, where improper handling of certain partition operations can lead to system instability. This particular vulnerability operates as a denial of service condition, allowing attackers to either cause the MySQL server to hang indefinitely or trigger repeatedly occurring crashes that effectively render the database service unavailable. The nature of this flaw suggests a memory management or resource handling issue within the partitioning code path that fails to properly validate input parameters or handle edge cases during partition operations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple service interruption as it can be repeatedly triggered, creating sustained disruption to database operations.
From an operational perspective, the consequences of successful exploitation are severe for organizations relying on MySQL databases, particularly those using affected versions. The availability impact score of 4.9 on the CVSS 3.0 scale indicates a moderate to high threat level that can severely disrupt business operations. Organizations may experience complete service outages that can affect applications dependent on database connectivity, potentially leading to financial losses, customer dissatisfaction, and operational downtime. The requirement for high privileged access indicates that this vulnerability is primarily targeted at attackers who have already gained some level of access to the system, though the ease of exploitation means that such access can be leveraged to cause significant damage. The CVSS vector analysis shows that the attack requires network access with high privileges but does not require user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where internal network access is not adequately restricted.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses buffer overflow conditions in memory management, and represents a classic example of how improper resource handling in database systems can lead to availability compromise. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, and potentially to T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address this vulnerability, as the risk of exploitation increases with the longevity of systems running vulnerable versions. The recommended mitigation strategy includes upgrading to MySQL versions 5.6.39 or later, and 5.7.20 or later, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing network segmentation, access controls, and monitoring for unusual partitioning activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify other potential weaknesses in database infrastructure that could be exploited in conjunction with this vulnerability.