CVE-2018-2817 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 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-2018-2817 resides within the MySQL Server component, specifically within the Server: DDL subcomponent, representing a critical availability threat that affects multiple version ranges of Oracle MySQL. This vulnerability manifests as a flaw in the database server's handling of certain data definition language operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to disrupt database services. The affected versions include MySQL 5.5.59 and earlier, 5.6.39 and earlier, and 5.7.21 and earlier, indicating this weakness spans across several major releases and has persisted for considerable time. The vulnerability's classification as easily exploitable means that attackers with minimal privileges and network access can leverage this flaw, making it particularly dangerous in environments where database security may be insufficiently enforced.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw that allows an attacker to trigger a condition resulting in a complete denial of service scenario. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability enables unauthorized users to cause the MySQL Server to hang or experience frequently repeatable crashes, effectively rendering the database service unavailable to legitimate users. This type of attack directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA security triad, as defined by the Common Weakness Enumeration framework under CWE-400, where the weakness allows for resource exhaustion or system instability. The CVSS 3.0 scoring system assigns a base score of 6.5, with the availability impact component rated at high, indicating the severity of potential service disruption. The attack vector is classified as network-based, requiring only low privileges and no user interaction, making it particularly concerning for database administrators who must secure services accessible over networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption, as database downtime can cascade through entire applications and business processes that depend on MySQL services. Organizations using affected MySQL versions face significant risk of service degradation or complete system unavailability, potentially affecting customer access, transaction processing, and overall business continuity. The vulnerability's exploitability characteristics mean that even low-privileged attackers can cause substantial damage, undermining the principle of least privilege that security frameworks like MITRE ATT&CK recommend for database environments. The lack of user interaction requirements eliminates the need for social engineering or complex attack chains, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking reliable denial of service capabilities. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their comprehensive risk assessment, especially in environments where database servers are exposed to untrusted networks or where access controls may be insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-2817 primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of MySQL that address the specific DDL handling flaw. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment for all affected MySQL installations, particularly those exposed to external networks or operating in high-risk environments. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual database behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Database administrators should also review and enforce strong access controls, ensuring that only authorized users have the necessary privileges to execute DDL operations. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service threat underscores the importance of implementing robust backup and recovery procedures, as well as redundancy measures to maintain business continuity during potential exploitation events. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in database configurations and to ensure that security controls remain effective against evolving threat landscapes.