CVE-2018-2777 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: InnoDB). Supported versions that are affected are 5.7.21 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 • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2777 resides within the InnoDB storage engine of Oracle MySQL Server, specifically affecting versions 5.7.21 and earlier. This weakness demonstrates the critical importance of database security in enterprise environments where data availability and system stability are paramount. The vulnerability operates at a foundational level within the database infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous as it can undermine the core functionality of MySQL installations that many organizations depend upon for their operational continuity.
The technical flaw manifests as a condition that allows a high-privileged attacker with network access to exploit multiple protocols and compromise the MySQL Server through the InnoDB component. This represents a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the inherent trust relationships within networked database environments. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that the attack mechanics do not require extensive technical expertise or specialized tools, making it accessible to a broader range of threat actors. The attack requires only network access and high privilege levels, suggesting that the vulnerability may be triggered through legitimate administrative access that has been compromised or through insider threats.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly affects system availability through complete denial of service conditions. Successful exploitation can result in either a hang or frequently repeatable crashes that effectively render the MySQL Server unavailable to legitimate users and applications. This disruption can cascade through entire enterprise systems that depend on database availability, potentially causing widespread operational failures. The CVSS 3.0 Base Score of 4.9 with a high availability impact rating underscores the critical nature of this vulnerability, as it directly undermines the fundamental service availability that database systems must provide.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-119 which addresses improper restriction of operations within a memory buffer, and represents a specific instance of memory safety issues that can lead to system instability. The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability corresponds to techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under the T1499 category for Network Denial of Service, where adversaries seek to make systems unavailable to legitimate users. The combination of network access requirements and the need for high privilege levels suggests that this vulnerability may be exploited through lateral movement techniques or compromised administrative credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation is possible.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the relevant Oracle Critical Patch Update (CPU) to address the vulnerability in affected MySQL Server versions. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit exposure of database systems to unnecessary network access. Monitoring for unusual patterns in database connectivity and system stability should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing robust access controls around privileged database accounts. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database infrastructure and ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats that may target the underlying InnoDB storage engine or other components of database systems.