CVE-2018-2813 in MySQL Server
Summary
by MITRE
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DDL). Supported versions that are affected are 5.5.59 and prior, 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 read access to a subset of MySQL Server accessible data. CVSS 3.0 Base Score 4.3 (Confidentiality impacts). CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-2813 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: DDL subcomponent, representing a significant security weakness that affects multiple version ranges including 5.5.59 and earlier, 5.6.39 and earlier, and 5.7.21 and earlier. This flaw operates at the database level and demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date database server software in enterprise environments. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable indicates that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can potentially compromise database systems, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where database security is paramount.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a weakness in the Data Definition Language processing within MySQL Server, which is responsible for managing database schema operations and structure modifications. When an attacker exploits this vulnerability, they can perform unauthorized read access to a subset of data that should otherwise be protected by proper access controls. The CVSS 3.0 score of 4.3 reflects the moderate severity impact, with the primary concern being confidentiality compromise as indicated by the vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N). This scoring system places the vulnerability in the low privilege category, meaning that attackers do not require administrative or root-level access to exploit the flaw, which significantly broadens the potential attack surface.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-2813 extends beyond simple data exposure, as it represents a fundamental breach in database access controls that could lead to sensitive information disclosure. Attackers could potentially access customer data, financial records, personal information, or other confidential database content that should remain protected. The vulnerability's accessibility via multiple protocols indicates that it can be exploited through various network connections, making it particularly challenging to defend against. Organizations that fail to address this vulnerability face risks of regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized data access.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability through the lens of CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) categories that typically relate to insufficient access control mechanisms and data exposure flaws. The ATT&CK framework would classify this vulnerability under the initial access and credential access phases, where adversaries establish footholds in target environments. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected MySQL Server versions, implementation of network segmentation to limit access to database servers, and enhanced monitoring of database access patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain up-to-date security patches for all database systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive security hygiene practices and the critical need for timely patch management across all database infrastructure components.