CVE-2018-2703 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server : Security : Privileges). Supported versions that are affected are 5.6.38 and prior and 5.7.20 and prior. Easily exploitable vulnerability allows low 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 6.5 (Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/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-2018-2703 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL, specifically affecting the Server Security Privileges subcomponent. This issue impacts a range of versions including all releases prior to 5.6.38 and 5.7.20, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining legacy database infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can leverage this flaw to compromise database systems. The attack vector requires only network connectivity through multiple protocols, eliminating the need for physical access or specialized attack infrastructure. This accessibility factor significantly increases the risk profile and potential attack surface for affected systems.
The technical flaw manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows low-privileged attackers to execute malicious code against MySQL Server instances. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability enables attackers to cause complete denial of service conditions by inducing hangs or creating frequently repeatable crashes within the MySQL Server process. The mechanism behind this exploit likely involves improper privilege handling or validation within the server's security framework, allowing unauthorized users to manipulate server processes beyond their intended access levels. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data access restrictions, as it can completely disable database services and render applications dependent on MySQL functionality unavailable.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2703 represents a severe availability threat to affected MySQL installations. Successful exploitation results in complete denial of service conditions that can disrupt business operations and compromise data availability for applications relying on database services. Organizations experiencing such attacks may face extended downtime periods while system administrators work to restore services and implement security patches. The vulnerability's CVSS 3.0 base score of 6.5 indicates a moderate to high severity level, with the availability impact component carrying the highest weight. This scoring reflects the potential for sustained service disruption and the difficulty in recovering from such attacks without proper patching and system restoration procedures.
Security professionals should prioritize patch management for affected MySQL versions and implement network segmentation to limit access to database servers. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and relates to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all affected systems and establish monitoring procedures for suspicious network activity targeting database services. Additionally, implementing network access controls, disabling unnecessary database protocols, and maintaining regular backup procedures can significantly reduce the impact of such exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping database software updated and maintaining robust security practices around database access controls and network segmentation.