CVE-2018-2755 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Replication). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.59 and prior, 5.6.39 and prior and 5.7.21 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows unauthenticated attacker with logon to the infrastructure where MySQL Server executes to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks require human interaction from a person other than the attacker and while the vulnerability is in MySQL Server, attacks may significantly impact additional products. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in takeover of MySQL Server. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 7.7 (Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2755 represents a critical security flaw within Oracle MySQL Server's replication functionality, specifically affecting versions 5.5.59 and earlier, 5.6.39 and earlier, and 5.7.21 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the Server: Replication subcomponent of MySQL, making it particularly concerning for database environments that rely on replication mechanisms for data synchronization and high availability. The flaw's classification as difficult to exploit indicates that while the attack vector requires specific conditions, the potential consequences are severe enough to warrant immediate attention from security professionals.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the replication process, allowing an attacker with logon access to the MySQL server infrastructure to execute unauthorized operations. The CVSS 3.0 score of 7.7 reflects the high impact across confidentiality, integrity, and availability domains, with the attack vector requiring local access (AV:L) but presenting high complexity (AC:H) and no privilege requirements (PR:N). This means that an attacker who has already gained access to the system hosting MySQL can leverage this vulnerability to take complete control of the database server, effectively compromising all data managed by the vulnerable instance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond the immediate MySQL server compromise, as successful exploitation can significantly affect other connected systems and applications that depend on the database for their operations. The requirement for human interaction (UI:R) suggests that while the attacker cannot fully automate the process, they can manipulate legitimate users into performing actions that facilitate the attack. This aspect of the vulnerability aligns with certain ATT&CK framework techniques related to user interaction and privilege escalation, where attackers might use social engineering or manipulation tactics to achieve their goals. The vulnerability's potential to cause complete server takeover means that organizations could lose access to critical business data, experience service disruptions, and face significant financial and reputational damage.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches from Oracle, which would address the specific replication validation issues. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit local system access, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual replication activities. The vulnerability's classification under CWE categories related to input validation and privilege escalation further emphasizes the need for comprehensive security reviews of database configurations and access controls. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for database accounts and regular security assessments can help reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.