CVE-2018-2767 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Security: Encryption). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.60 and prior, 5.6.40 and prior and 5.7.22 and prior. Difficult to exploit vulnerability allows low privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise MySQL Server. Successful attacks of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 3.1 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2767 resides within the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL, specifically within the Server: Security: Encryption subcomponent. This weakness affects multiple version ranges including 5.5.60 and earlier, 5.6.40 and earlier, and 5.7.22 and earlier releases, making it a widespread concern across the MySQL ecosystem. The vulnerability classification as a difficult to exploit issue indicates that while the attack vector requires some skill and knowledge, it remains a significant threat given the widespread adoption of MySQL databases in enterprise environments. The CVSS 3.0 score of 3.1 reflects a low confidentiality impact, yet the potential for unauthorized data access remains a critical concern for database security.
The technical flaw manifests through a weakness in the encryption implementation that allows a low-privileged attacker with network access via multiple protocols to compromise the MySQL Server. This vulnerability operates through network-based attacks that can be executed using various protocols, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged through different attack vectors. The specific nature of the flaw suggests an issue within the encryption or decryption processes that enables attackers to bypass certain security controls, potentially allowing them to read sensitive data that should otherwise remain protected. The attack requires network connectivity but does not need elevated privileges, which means even users with minimal access rights can potentially exploit this weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental weakness in the database server's security architecture. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data, which could include sensitive customer information, financial records, or proprietary business data. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad and can lead to significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses. Organizations using affected MySQL versions face the risk of data breaches that could compromise their entire database infrastructure, particularly when considering that many applications rely on MySQL for critical business operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2767 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems, as Oracle would have released security updates to address this specific vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the attack surface, particularly by restricting network access to MySQL servers and implementing firewall rules that limit protocol access. The vulnerability's classification under CWE categories related to encryption weaknesses and insufficient encryption strength indicates that organizations should review their encryption implementations and ensure proper configuration of cryptographic protocols. Additionally, monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this vulnerability under techniques related to credential access and defense evasion, as attackers may attempt to leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to database resources while avoiding detection mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized data access patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.