CVE-2018-2782 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: InnoDB). Supported versions that are affected are 5.6.39 and prior and 5.7.21 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 • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2782 resides within the InnoDB storage engine of Oracle MySQL database systems, representing a critical availability threat that affects multiple version ranges including MySQL 5.6.39 and earlier, as well as MySQL 5.7.21 and prior versions. This weakness manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow condition that occurs during specific database operations involving the InnoDB storage engine, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit this flaw to disrupt database services. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable stems from its accessibility through network-based attacks requiring only low privileged user credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database access is not strictly controlled or monitored.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a heap memory corruption issue that arises when processing certain database queries or operations within the InnoDB storage engine. Attackers can craft specific database operations that trigger the buffer overflow condition, leading to memory corruption that ultimately results in database server crashes or hangs. This flaw operates at the database engine level rather than at the application layer, meaning that successful exploitation can cause complete denial of service conditions that persist until the database server is manually restarted. The vulnerability's impact is specifically categorized as availability impact with a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a moderate to high severity threat that can severely disrupt database operations and business continuity.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple service disruption to encompass significant business risks including data unavailability, potential loss of transactional integrity, and extended downtime for database services. Organizations running affected MySQL versions face the risk of unauthorized disruption of their database infrastructure, which could lead to cascading effects throughout their applications that depend on database connectivity. The low privilege requirement for exploitation means that even users with minimal database permissions can potentially cause significant damage, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations with less stringent access controls or insufficient monitoring of database activities. This weakness aligns with CWE-122, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how database engine vulnerabilities can be leveraged for availability attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2782 primarily focus on immediate patching of affected systems, with Oracle releasing security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability in later versions of their MySQL database software. Organizations should prioritize updating their MySQL installations to versions that have been patched against this vulnerability, typically those beyond the affected ranges mentioned in the CVE description. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional protection by limiting the attack surface and reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access to database systems. Implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they succeed, while regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to ensure comprehensive protection against similar threats. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service tactics, emphasizing the importance of both preventive measures and detection capabilities to protect database infrastructure from such attacks.